Uses of Auxiliary verbs/ Helping verbs

let’s learn about auxiliary verbs or we can say “helping verbs”.

Auxiliary Helping Verb Definition
Auxiliary Helping Verbs are also called Linking Verbs. Auxiliary verb/Helping verbs help the main verb to describe the action. That action happened in the past or is happening in the present or will happen in the future.

Auxiliary Verbs or Helping Verbs help the Sentence to complete its sense. A Sentence gives the meaning with the help of Auxiliary Verb.

As you see in the diagram, there are two types of auxiliary verbs

1.  Primary Auxiliary verbs or Common Auxiliary verbs or basic Auxiliary verb.
2. Modal Auxilary verbs.

Notice that here we would learn only 1.common or basic Auxiliary verb.

Common auxiliary verbs

1. Do
2. Be
3. Have

There are quite a few things that you need to know about primary Auxiliary verbs or Common Auxiliary or basic Auxiliary verb verbs:

• The auxiliary verb, “do”, exists in the simple tenses.
• The auxiliary verb, “be”, exists in the continuous tenses.
• The auxiliary verb “have” exists in the perfect tenses.

He is Working.
They eat Apples.
I am Hungry.

Auxiliary verbs in positive sentences are function words, not content words. This means that they’re usually unstressed when they’re spoken. Unstressed words in English are often reduced or contracted when they’re spoken out loud in English so they can be difficult to hear.

I’m Playing with my father.
He’s washing his plate.
I’ve taught you this lesson.

Now in negative sentences, auxiliary verbs are usually stressed but often, they’re contracted with “not“.

She didn’t find it.
We haven’t solved yet.

Notice that when the sentence is negative, you can contract the auxiliary verb with “not” or you can also contract the auxiliary to the subject.

Do
“Do” is the auxiliary verb used in the simple tenses in English, “do” and “does” in the present tense and “did” in the past tense. In the future forms, with “will” and “going to“, we use the infinitive form only, “do“.

We watch movies at homes.
They don’t want to eat chines food.
He doesn’t like my home.
Did you like it?
Doesn’t she come home?
I’ll read the book later.

did you notice? that in the very first example we can’t see the auxiliary verb “do“. In the present tense, in negative sentences and in questions then yes – of course – you must use the auxiliary verb “do” or “does” or “don’t” or “doesn’t“.

But in positive sentences in the present tense, the auxiliary verb is often omitted. It’s often left out because it’s unnecessary. The sentence, “We play soccer daily” is exactly the same as the sentence “We do play soccer daily“.

Be
Okay! Let’s move on and talk about “be“.

“Be” is the auxiliary verb used in the continuous or the progressive tenses. “Am“, “are” or “is” in the present continuous tense and “was” and “were” in the past continuous tense. In the future forms, we only use the infinitive “be“. Of course, the main verb in the continuous tenses is always using the “-ing” form. But the “be” verb, the auxiliary verb, will always be there, helping out.

We are following your brother.
I am trying to call him now.
It isn’t raining at the moment.
Is he bringing his friend?
Aren’t we taking Sara?
He will be presenting at 3:00 p.m.
Will you be going to work today?

Now the “be” verb is also used as an auxiliary verb in the passive voice in sentences like “I was given three minutes to finish.” So it’s not always with a verb that’s in the continuous form. Here, the “be” verb is used with the main verb in the past participle form.

Have
“Have” is the auxiliary verb used in the perfect tenses.
We use “Have” and “has” in the present perfect tense and “had” in the past perfect tense. In the future forms, we use the infinitive form only, “have” with “will” or “going to“.

“Have” is a very important verb that can stand alone in all its tenses, including has, have, having, had, and hadn’t or had not. It is usually used to denote ownership, and it can also be used to discuss ability or describe appearance. “Have” is also a very popular substitute for the verbs “eat” and “drink.”

For example: “Let’s have dinner.”

I have an expensive watch.

You have a wonderful car.