HELPING VERBS THE VERB BE USED AS A HELPING VERB: am is are was were be been I am learning to use a word processor to improve my writing. The winner of the weekly lottery is determined by a drawing. The Thompsons are arriving at eight o’clock. What was delivered this afternoon? The children were beginning to fall asleep when the phone rang. I will be finished in about an hour. They have been gone a long time. THE VERB HAVE USED AS A HELPING VERB: has have had The program has started; we should hurry. They have begun the program already. Mark had worked for NCR five years before he was promoted. THE VERB DO USED AS A HELPING VERB: do did does Yes, I do know how to solve that algebra problem. I hope you really did finish your homework. Jeremy does not like mathematics, but he does like English. HELPING VERBS USED FOR THE FUTURE TENSE: will shall They will begin the performance as soon as they find the tuba. Once the lumber is delivered, we shall begin building. HELPING VERBS USED TO SHOW CONDITIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES: should could would If the bus is on time, you should arrive at school by ten. I wish I could understand these directions. If you won the lottery, how would you spend it? HELPING VERBS FOR PERMISSION/ABILITY/POSSIBILITY/NECESSITY: can may might must (ability) (permission) (possibility) (necessity) These flowers can grow in a shaded area. John’s mother said that he may go on the camping trip. I might go to the movie, but I am not sure yet. I must finish this report tonight.M:\9-TLC\TLC Web Design\Handouts Worksheets\Grammar.Punctuation.Writing\Verbs-Helping.doc yellow HELPING VERBS AM IS ARE WAS WERE BEEN BE CAN HAS SHALL WILL DO DOES DID HAVE SHOULD MAY MIGHT WOULD MUST COULD