The 23 helping verbs, also known as auxiliary verbs, are used in conjunction with main verbs to express various tenses, moods, voices, and aspects in English grammar. They help to convey additional information about the action or state of the main verb. Let’s explore each of these helping verbs in detail:
1. Am: This helping verb is used with the first person singular pronoun “I” in the present tense. For example, “I am running.”
2. Is: Used with the third person singular pronouns “he,” “she,” and “it” in the present tense. For example, “He is studying.”
3. Are: Used with the second person singular and all plural pronouns in the present tense. For example, “They are playing.”
4. Was: Used with the first and third person singular pronouns in the past tense. For example, “She was reading.”
5. Were: Used with the second person singular and all plural pronouns in the past tense. For example, “You were sleeping.”
6. Being: This helping verb is used to form the continuous or progressive tenses. For example, “He is being helpful.”
7. Been: Used to form the perfect tenses. For example, “They have been waiting.”
8. Be: This helping verb is used to form the infinitive or base form of verbs. For example, “She wants to be an artist.”
9. Have: Used to form the perfect tenses. For example, “I have finished my homework.”
10. Has: Used with the third person singular pronouns in the present tense. For example, “She has a dog.”
11. Had: Used to form the past perfect tense. For example, “They had already left.”
12. Do: Used to form questions and negatives in the present simple tense. For example, “Do you like chocolate?”
13. Does: Used with the third person singular pronouns in questions and negatives in the present simple tense. For example, “Does he play the piano?”
14. Did: Used to form questions and negatives in the past simple tense. For example, “Did they go to the party?”
15. Will: Used to form the future tense. For example, “She will travel next week.”
16. Would: Used to express conditions or hypothetical situations. For example, “If I had money, I would buy a car.”
17. Shall: Used to suggest or make offers in the first person singular and plural. For example, “Shall we go for a walk?”
18. Should: Used to give advice or express obligation. For example, “You should study for the exam.”
19. May: Used to express possibility or permission. For example, “May I borrow your book?”
20. Might: Used to express a lesser possibility or past permission. For example, “He might come to the party.”
21. Must: Used to express necessity or obligation. For example, “We must finish the project.”
22. Can: Used to express ability or permission. For example, “I can swim.”
23. Could: Used to express past ability or conditional possibility. For example, “She could speak French fluently.”
These 23 helping verbs are essential in constructing various verb tenses, moods, and voices in English. By using them correctly, you can convey precise meanings and nuances in your writing and speaking.