With B1+ exercises, you can practice auxiliary verbs and learn how to use them in different ways. Learn grammar better with clear explanations and quizzes that you can take.
Auxiliary Verbs: Different Uses Exercises
Auxiliary verbs, which are also called helping verbs, are used with main verbs to make different kinds of sentences. At the B1+ level, students should know how to use auxiliary verbs to make tenses, questions, negatives, and emphasis.
What are auxiliary verbs?
The most important auxiliary verbs in English are:
- be
- have
- do
We will only talk about be, have, and do as auxiliaries. Modal verbs like can, must, and should are also auxiliaries.
Auxiliary Verb “Be”
1. Continuous Tenses
be + verb-ing
Example:
She is studying right now.
They were working late last night.
2. Passive Voice
be + past participle
Example:
The emails are sent every morning.
The bridge was built in 2010.
Auxiliary Verb “Have”
Perfect Tenses
have + past participle
Example:
I have finished my homework.
They had left before we arrived.
Have helps link what happened in the past to what is happening now or to another past moment.
Auxiliary Verb “Do”
1. Questions and Negatives
Example:
Do you like coffee?
She doesn’t work on Mondays.
2. Emphasis in Affirmative Sentences
We use do / does / did to add emphasis.
Example:
I do understand your point.
He did try his best.
Auxiliary Verbs in Short Answers
Auxiliary verbs are often used in short answers to avoid repetition.
Example:
Have you seen the movie?
Yes, I have.
No, I haven’t.
Auxiliary Verbs in Tag Questions
Auxiliaries are also used in tag questions.
Example:
She is coming, isn’t she?
You didn’t call, did you?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the auxiliary twice in one verb form.
- Forgetting the auxiliary in questions or negatives.
Incorrect: She like coffee?
Correct: Does she like coffee?
Auxiliary verbs are very important in English grammar. They help make questions, negatives, passive sentences, and tenses. If you learn how to use them correctly, your English will be more accurate, fluent, and natural when you speak and write.
