Auxiliary Verbs List

By Matthew, 2 October 2008 - 11:20am
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A list of auxiliary verbs used in English and their uses.

 

Auxiliary Verb   Function Example
be   passive voice They were given chocolate and cand.
  continuous / progressive aspect She will be waiting by the fountain.
do   questions Did you eat it?
  negatives No, I didn't eat it.
  emphasis You did eat it.
have   perfect aspect Sharon has seen it.
may modal permission / possibility May I have another?
might conditional possibility I might stay a few extra days, if you don't mind.
can ability He can run the hundred in under 10 seconds.
could conditional ability I could play a full game when I was younger.
will future intent We will see you in July.
would conditional future I would love to go, but I am busy.
shall invitation /rules Shall we dance?
should recommendation / advice Where should I visit while I am here?
ought to recommendation / advice You ought to go to the Opera House.
must obligation You must see this movie.

 

Note:

  1. This list links to more resources on each auxiliary verb.
  2. See this grammar point on the importance of auxiliary verbs in English for more information on auxiliary verbs.
  3. Modal auxiliaries cannot function alone and need a main verb: should; may; might etc.
  4. Some auxiliaries can also function as main verbs: have; be; do etc.
  5. In the table, the dominant function of the auxiliary is given, but there may be more than one. For more information, follow the link for each particular auxiliary;
  6. Many verb phrases act like auxiliaries and modify the main verb of a sentence: used to do; get used to doing; have to do; be going to; like to do; go doing; be about to do etc.