What are the most common helping verbs in English?
From NCERTAsked by Anonymous from Phoenix, United States23 Oct 2026, 10:34 PM ISTUpdated
In one line
Helping verbs are words like "is", "am", "are", "was", "were", "have", "has", "had", "will", and "can" that help the main verb in a sentence.
The rule
Helping verbs (also called auxiliary verbs) are used with main verbs to form different tenses, moods, or voices. (NCERT, Class 3)
Some common helping verbs are: is, am, are, was, were, have, has, had, will, shall, can, could, may, might, must, do, does, did.
Let's understand it simply
Imagine you are playing cricket. The main verb is like the batsman – it does the main action. But sometimes, the batsman needs help from the runner. Helping verbs are like the runner. They support the main verb to show when the action happens (past, present, future), or if it is possible, necessary, or just a habit.
For example, in "She is running", "running" is the main action, and "is" is the helping verb telling us the action is happening now.
How it works
A helping verb comes before the main verb.
It changes the meaning of the main verb by showing time (tense), possibility, or necessity.
Sometimes, there can be more than one helping verb in a sentence (like "has been running").
Without the helping verb, the sentence may not make sense or may sound incomplete.
How helping verbs work in a sentence
Helping verb comes before main verb
Shows tense, possibility, or necessity
Makes the sentence complete
The story behind it
Helping verbs have been used in English for hundreds of years. They came from old forms of English and other languages. People needed a way to show when something happened or if it was possible. So, these special verbs became part of the language. The name "auxiliary" comes from Latin, meaning "to help".
Where you see it in real life
"She is cooking dinner." → "is" helps "cooking" show present action.
"I have finished my homework." → "have" helps "finished" show the action is done.
"They will play cricket tomorrow." → "will" helps "play" show future action.
"You can ride my cycle." → "can" helps "ride" show ability.
"He was watching TV." → "was" helps "watching" show past continuous action.
"We must wear uniforms." → "must" helps "wear" show necessity.
Why it matters
Helping verbs are needed to make correct sentences in English.
They help you talk about the past, present, and future.
They let you show if something is possible, necessary, or allowed.
Many questions and negatives in English need helping verbs ("Do you like tea?", "She does not play.").
Common mistakes
Forgetting the helping verb: "She going to school" (wrong), "She is going to school" (right).
Using the wrong form: "He have done it" (wrong), "He has done it" (right).
Mixing up tenses: "I am played cricket" (wrong), "I played cricket" or "I am playing cricket" (right).
Remember it
Helping verbs are like helpers in a kitchen – they make the main dish (verb) complete and tasty!
Check yourself
Which is the helping verb in the sentence: 'She has eaten lunch'?
'has' is the helping verb because it helps the main verb 'eaten'.
Why do we use 'is' in 'He is playing football'?
'Is' shows the action is happening now (present continuous tense).
Correct this sentence: 'They going to the market.'
'They are going to the market.' (Add 'are' as the helping verb.)
Quick recap
Helping verbs are words like is, am, are, was, were, have, has, had, will, can.
They come before the main verb to show tense, possibility, or necessity.
Without helping verbs, many sentences would be incomplete or incorrect.
They are used in questions and negative sentences.
Common mistakes include forgetting or using the wrong helping verb.
