RECOGNIZING HELPING VERBS 1.
A helping verb helps the main verb make a statement. The righteous shall give thanks unto Thy name. (The verb shall helps the main verb give to show action.) The peace of obedient children shall be great. (The verb shall helps the main verb be to link great to the subject peace.) The ensemble will be here tonight. (The verb will helps the main verb be to indicate existence.) Helping Verbs
am were is be are being was been
have has had
do does did
shall may will might should must would can could
Note: The forms of “be” may be linking as well as helping verbs. The forms of “have” and “do” may also be action verbs. 2. A verb phrase is a main verb and its helping verbs. The wicked shall be punished forever. 3. Quite often a verb phrase is interrupted by other words. The word not is a common interrupter. Gordon did not miss a single free throw. The subject of an interrogative sentence usually interrupts the verb phrase. Can you play as well as Gordon?