Auxiliary verbs in English are be, do, have and will. They serve an auxiliary function when followed by another verb (main verb) to form questions, negative sentences, complex sentences, or passive voice.
The verb 'be'
in English can be used both as an auxiliary and as a main verb. As an auxiliary verb, we use it in complex sentences and with passive voice.
- Simple Present: I am, he/she/it is, we/you/they are
- Simple Past: I/he/she/it was, we/you/they were
- Past Participle: been
In progressive forms:
- Present Progressive: He is playing football.
- Past Progressive: He was playing football.
- Present Perfect Progressive: He has been playing football.
- Past Perfect Progressive: He had been playing football.
Passive voice:
- Simple Present/Past: The house is/was built.
- Present/Past Perfect: The house has/had been built.
- Future I: The house will be built.
'Be' as a main verb
In English, 'be' is a main verb when it is not followed by another verb. In these cases, we do not need an auxiliary verb in negative or interrogative sentences.
- Positive sentence: They are fifteen years old.
- Negative sentence: They are not fifteen years old.
- Question: Are they fifteen years old?
More articles on English grammar
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