Grammar of Auxiliary Verbs - 'Be,' 'Do,' 'Have'

Auxiliary verbs, also known as helping verbs, are used in conjunction with main verbs to form various verb phrases, tenses, and moods in English. The three primary auxiliary verbs are 'be,' 'do,' and 'have.'

Examples of Auxiliary Verbs:

1. 'Be' as an Auxiliary Verb:

   • She is reading a book.
   • They were studying for the exam.
   • He has been working hard all day.

2. 'Do' as an Auxiliary Verb:

   • Do you like ice cream?
   • We did our homework yesterday.
   • She does yoga every morning.

3. 'Have' as an Auxiliary Verb:

   • I have finished my work.
   • They have been waiting for hours.
   • She had already left when I arrived.

Explanation Rules:

1. Forming Questions and Negatives: Auxiliary verbs are used to form questions and negatives in English.

   • Question: Do you like coffee?
   • Negative: I do not like coffee.

2. Forming Verb Tenses: Auxiliary verbs are used to form various verb tenses, such as present, past, and future.

   • Present: She is reading.
   • Past: They had dinner.
   • Future: We will go shopping.

3. Forming Verb Phrases: Auxiliary verbs combine with main verbs to form verb phrases.

   • She has finished her work.
   • They are playing soccer.

Exercise: Choose the correct form of the auxiliary verb in each sentence.

1. She (are/is) studying for her exam.
2. They (did/do) their homework every day.
3. He (has/have) been waiting for hours.
4. (Do/Does) she like to swim?
5. We (was/were) at the beach yesterday.
6. She (have/has) already finished her lunch.
7. (Are/Do) you coming to the party tonight?
8. He (did/does) his best to help.
9. They (have/has) been working hard all day.
10. (Is/Do) this book belong to you?

Answers:

1. is
2. do
3. has
4. Does
5. were
6. has
7. Are
8. did
9. have
10. Does