Helping Verbs and Verb Phrases

What is a helping verb?

Helping verbs do what their name suggests – they HELP!

What is wrong with this sentence?

I coming to the baseball game.

Correct sentence:

I am coming to the baseball game.

The helping verb “am” helps the main verb make sense!

What is a phrase?

Verb Phrases

Helping verbs and main verbs work together to make verb phrases.

This is NOT the same as two- or three-word linking verbs!

Verb Phrase PracticeIn the following verb phrases, circle the main verb and underline the helping verb(s):

1. will be attending

2. should have caught

3. am eating

4. would run

5. does take

6. could have been waiting

7. must stay

Watch Out!Sometimes verb phrases are interrupted by other words! Words like “not” are NOT verbs!

Find the verb phrases:

I will not eat that vegetable.

She is certainly going to the soccer game.

Jane does not usually sleep in.

I am most definitely taking a nap today!

Watch Out!

The words that are linking verbs and helping verbs are VERY similar!

Is, am, are, was, were, be, been, being, etc.

How can you tell if a verb is a linking verb or a helping verb?

Linking or Helping?

Sally is the kindest person I know.

Sally is receiving many thank-you notes.

Jude was the best player on the team.

Jude was practicing every night.

Sam could have been a straight-A student.

Sam could have been studying more.