In any sentence structure, auxiliary verbs play a crucial role alongside main verbs and adjectives. They help convey meaning more clearly and effectively. Mastering auxiliary verbs can also help improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking and Writing tests. In this article, IDP will guide you through what auxiliary verbs are and when to use them correctly.
1. What Are Auxiliary Verbs?
Auxiliary verbs are helping verbs placed before the main verb to add grammatical or functional meaning. They are commonly used to form negative sentences, yes or no questions, or emphasize specific information.
Examples of auxiliary verbs in English:
She is studying in an art institute. (The auxiliary verb “is” forms the present continuous tense.)
The mountains have brought forth a mouse. (The auxiliary verb “have” forms the present perfect tense.)
Did you go to bed late last night (The auxiliary verb “did” is used to form a question.)
2. Types of Auxiliary Verbs in English
There are 13 auxiliary verbs, divided into two main categories:
Primary Auxiliary Verbs
These include be, have, and do.
They are used to form complex verb tenses like the present perfect or continuous tenses. They also help express passive voice and emphasize certain information through tag questions.
Note: These verbs can also function as main verbs. To identify whether they act as auxiliary or main verbs, look for a second verb in the sentence.
[Main verb] I did my homework already.
[Auxiliary verb] I did not want to go home.
Modal Auxiliary Verbs
These include can, could, may, might, need, must, ought, dare, will, would, shall, should. Modal verbs change the tone or intention of a sentence. They express ability, possibility, necessity, or future intention.
It might rain. (Possibility)
It can rain. (Ability)
It must rain. (Necessity)
It will rain. (Future)
Modal verbs are followed by the base form of the main verb.
Examples:
A match will set fire to a large building.
May I clear the plates off the table
In past tenses, some modal verbs change form:
can → could
will → would
shall → should
may → might
must → ought to
3. How to Use Primary Auxiliary Verbs in English
3.1. Forming Verb Tenses
Auxiliary verbs help form different verb tenses that indicate time and context, making communication clearer.
Tense Type | Example |
|---|---|
Future Tense (will) | She will book the movie ticket tomorrow. |
Continuous Tense | I am going to the movie theater. |
Perfect Tense | He had forgotten to wind his watch. |
3.2. Forming Yes or No Questions
In English, yes or no questions often begin with an auxiliary verb such as do or a modal verb. Use have for the present perfect tense.
Examples:
Did you have a good time
Can you mend this broken chair
Have you prepared for your interview
3.3. Creating Tag Questions
Tag questions are added to the end of a sentence to confirm or check information. Use a matching auxiliary verb and pronoun that aligns with the main clause.
Examples:
You have met Ben's new girlfriend, haven’t you
He looks really handsome in his uniform, doesn’t he
It is very hot today, isn’t it
3.4. Making Negative Sentences
To form a negative, add not after the auxiliary verb.
Examples:
It does not have a price label on it.
He did not reply to her question right away.
Note: The word never is already negative, so no auxiliary is used:
She never understands algebra.
3.5. Emphasizing Key Ideas
The auxiliary verb do can be added for emphasis.
Examples:
A: Did your mom find the mess
B: She did find it.
A: You probably do not want to come.
B: I do want to come
3.6. Forming the Passive Voice
Most sentences use the active voice. Use the passive voice when the action's subject is unknown or less important.
Examples:
[Active] The man leads his dog.
[Passive] The dog is led by the man.
4. How to Use Modal Auxiliary Verbs
Modal verbs express attitudes, possibilities, obligations, or hypothetical situations. Here’s how to use them:
Modal Verb | Usage Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
should, must | Suggests a likely or necessary action | The tree must be bent while it is young. |
could, may, might | Indicates possibility | It might rain later. |
can | Expresses ability | Love can turn the cottage into a golden palace. |
can, may, could | Used for polite permission | May I see your passport please |
will, would, can, could | Used for polite requests | Could you call a taxi for me |
should | Used for advice or suggestions | You should always tell the truth. |
must, have to, need to | Used to express strong obligation | You need to change your eating habits. |
will, would, used to | Describe habits or repeated actions | I will arrive early and leave late every time. |
5. Auxiliary Verb Exercises with Answers
Exercise 1: Choose the correct auxiliary verb
You (must / should not / should) be 18 before you can drive in Japan.
You (do not / must not / have to / should not) go to bed so late.
You (must / need not / must not) come. She can do it without you.
You (must / do not have to / must not) copy during exams.
Harry (does not have to / should not / must not) be very tall to play football.
Exercise 2: Complete using can, could, or might
It … rain later, so we should bring umbrellas.
… you please pass me the salt
I am not sure if I … make it to the party tonight.
When I was younger, I … climb trees.
… I use your phone to make a call
Exercise 3: Fill in the correct form of do, does, or did
She … her homework every day.
… they play soccer on weekends
He … his breakfast this morning.
… you like to dance
We … a great time at the party last night.
Answers
Exercise 1
must
should not
need not
must not
does not have to
Exercise 2
might
Could
could
could
Can
Exercise 3
does
Do
did
Do
had
Master Auxiliary Verbs with IDP
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