Helping Verbs

Helping Verbs Elmer was using the computer. A helping verb works with a main verb to help you understand what action is taking place. Elmer was using the computer.

23 Helping Verbs may might must be being been am are is was were (main) do does did should could would have had has will can shall

Helping Verbs Other things to keep in mind: Not every sentence will have a helping verb with the main verb. When you see an “-ing" verb such as "running", be on the lookout for a helping verb also.

Helping Verbs Sometimes there is another word which separates the helping verb from the main verb. One common example is "not", as in: The boy couldn't find his socks. The helping verb is could and the main verb is find.

Helping Verbs A sentence may contain up to three helping verbs to the main verb. An example would be: The dog must have been chasing the cat. The helping verbs are: must, have, and been; the main verb is chasing.

Independent Practice Independent Practice page 65.