Helping Verbs

Front

What is a helping verb?

Back

A helping verb is a verb that helps the main verb express an action or state of being.

Front

Give an example of a helping verb.

Back

Examples of helping verbs include 'is', 'are', 'was', 'were', 'have', 'has', 'will', 'shall', 'can', 'could', 'may', 'might', 'must', 'ought to'.

Front

What does the helping verb 'could' indicate?

Back

'Could' indicates a possibility or ability in the past.

Front

What does the helping verb 'are' indicate?

Back

'Are' indicates a present state of being for plural subjects.

Front

What does the helping verb 'shall' indicate?

Back

'Shall' indicates a future action or intention.

Front

What does the helping verb 'may' indicate?

Back

'May' indicates permission or a possibility.

Front

What does the helping verb 'ought to' indicate?

Back

'Ought to' indicates a recommendation or obligation.

Front

How do helping verbs change the meaning of a sentence?

Back

Helping verbs change the meaning by adding information about time, possibility, or necessity to the main verb.

Front

Can a sentence have more than one helping verb?

Back

Yes, a sentence can have multiple helping verbs, such as 'will be going'.

Front

What is the difference between a main verb and a helping verb?

Back

A main verb expresses the main action or state, while a helping verb assists the main verb.