English Language Arts
Grade 5
15 min
Identify helping verbs
Identify helping verbs
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define the terms 'helping verb,' 'main verb,' and 'verb phrase.'
Identify the 23 common helping verbs within a provided list.
Locate the complete verb phrase (helping verb + main verb) in a declarative sentence.
Identify helping verbs that are separated from the main verb in questions and negative sentences.
Differentiate between a verb acting as a main verb versus a helping verb (e.g., 'He is happy' vs. 'He is running').
Use helping verbs correctly to show changes in time (tense) in their own writing.
Have you ever noticed that some verbs need a sidekick to show the full action? 🤔 Let's meet these super-powered 'verb helpers'!
In this lesson, you will learn how to find special verbs calle...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
VerbA word that shows an action (like 'run', 'jump') or a state of being (like 'is', 'seems').The dog **barked** loudly.
Main VerbThe verb in a sentence that shows the primary action or state of being. It can stand alone or work with a helping verb.She **sings** in the choir. (Here, 'sings' is the main verb).
Helping VerbA verb that comes before the main verb to 'help' it out. It helps show the time (tense) or possibility of an action.She **will** sing in the choir. (Here, 'will' is the helping verb).
Verb PhraseA group of words made up of one or more helping verbs and a main verb. The verb phrase acts as the complete verb of the sentence.The team **has been practicing** all week. (The verb phrase...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Verb Phrase Formula
Helping Verb(s) + Main Verb = Verb Phrase
A helping verb almost always comes directly before the main verb. Look for a main action verb, then check for one of the 23 helping verbs right before it.
The Question Split
Helping Verb + Subject + Main Verb?
In many questions, the helping verb is separated from the main verb by the subject of the sentence. The helping verb moves to the beginning of the question.
The 'Not' Split
Helping Verb + 'not' + Main Verb
When you make a sentence negative with the word 'not' (or a contraction like '-n't'), it splits the verb phrase by sitting between the helping verb and the main verb.
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Challenging
Consider these two sentences:
1. He is a talented artist.
2. He is painting a new masterpiece.
Which statement correctly describes the use of the verb 'is'?
A.'Is' is a helping verb in Sentence 1 and a main verb in Sentence 2.
B.'Is' is a main verb in both sentences.
C.'Is' is a main verb in Sentence 1 and a helping verb in Sentence 2.
D.'Is' is a helping verb in both sentences.
Challenging
What is the complete verb phrase in the negative question: 'Shouldn't you be studying for the test?'
A.Shouldn't be studying
B.should be studying
C.be studying
D.Shouldn't you be
Challenging
Which sentence uses a helping verb to show that an action will happen in the future?
A.I am reading a book.
B.I have read that book.
C.I will read that book.
D.I did read that book.
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