Lesson 5

Parts of Speech - Verbs

Some of the helping verbsHelping verbs are any verbs in a verb phrase that are not the main verb.
Source: Lesson 4 can be used alone as the main verbThe main verb is the only verb in a sentence or the last verb in a verb phrase..  Is, am, are, was, and were can be used alone as linking or state of being verbs.  Has, have, had, do, does, and did always show action when used alone.  Be, being, and been can be used with other verbs either to show action or state of being.  The other helping verbs cannot be used alone but only as helping verbs.

As mentioned before, it's a good idea to memorize the helping verbs. If you haven’t memorized them, take a few minutes to learn them.

Group 1: is, am, are, was, were (linking verbs when used alone)
Group 2: be, being, been (show action or state of being)
Group 3: has, have, had (show action when used alone)
Group 4: do, does, did (show action when used alone)
Group 5: shall, will, should, would (cannot be used alone)
Group 6: may, might, must, can, could (cannot be used alone)

Instructions: Find the verb or verb phrases in these sentences.

1. She has too many friends.

2. You do beautiful work.

3. I was in Canada last week.

4. You are being very stubborn.