Auxiliary Verbs

ENG 110Prof. K. Horowitz

“Have, Has, & Had”

• The family of “have” verbs always occur before the past participle {-en} form of the main verb to express completed action. EX: The critics have written their reviews. The critics had written their reviews.

• In the present tense, the “have” verb creates the present-perfect tense of the verb.EX: A bright green bird has nested there.

• Note that all three forms of the “have” verb can be used as a main verb as well, since they fit the requirements.EX: Tom has the book. You had the courage to tell me.

Auxiliary “Be” Verbs

Like the “have” verbs, “be” verbs can function as main verbs as well. EX: I am a really lucky guy!

• When acting in an auxiliary mode, “be” verbs help to indicate tense in the present progressive tense:EX: Tim is speaking to the director.

• They can signal the passive voice as well.EX: She was written a ticket by the police officer.

“Do, Does, Did, & Done”

• These verbs are used in a myriad of fashions, such as to create questions:EX: Do you know Tim?

• To form negatives:EX: I don’t want that TV set after all.

• To make emphatic statements:EX: The moon does look like a big pizza pie tonight!

• The “Do” verbs can also function as main verbs in a multitude of functions:EX: I will do all the work. I wonder what Mary did after college.

Try Your Luck!

• See if you can identify the auxiliary verb type of the following verb.

• was

Has Aux. be Do

• Let’s try another one!

• have

Aux. be Do Has

Practice Exercises

Identify the auxiliary verb in each sentence.• The man has gone home. • Mike had become the new president.• We were thinking of you today.• I am walking to school at sunrise tomorrow.• Andy had eaten all the pie by himself.• Did you take my picture?• You have seen too much, Mr. Bond!• I didn’t go to the beach this past Saturday.

Tom does like that orange juice!• Jack was sitting all alone at lunch today.

• Awesome work! Be sure to try out the next module!

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