English Language Arts
Grade 6
15 min
Identify main verbs and helping verbs
Identify main verbs and helping verbs
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define what a helping verb is.
Identify common helping verbs in various sentence structures.
Explain the function of helping verbs in relation to main verbs within a verb phrase.
Distinguish between a helping verb and a main verb when they appear together or alone.
Construct grammatically correct sentences using helping verbs to convey specific tenses or moods.
Recognize how helping verbs contribute to the precision and clarity of argumentative writing.
Ever wonder how sentences get their power and precision? 💪 What if I told you some words act like superhero sidekicks, helping other words do their job even better?
In this lesson, you'll discover the secret world of helping verbs! You'll learn what they are, how to spot them, and how they team...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Helping Verb (Auxiliary Verb)A verb that works with a main verb to form a verb phrase. It helps the main verb show tense (when something happened), mood (how something is expressed), or voice (who performs the action).She *is* reading a book. (*is* is the helping verb)
Main VerbThe verb in a sentence that shows the primary action or state of being. It carries the main meaning of the verb phrase.She is *reading* a book. (*reading* is the main verb)
Verb PhraseA group of words that includes one or more helping verbs and a main verb. Together, they act as the complete verb of the sentence.They *will be studying* for the test. (*will be studying* is the verb phrase)
TenseThe form of a verb that shows when an action happened (past, present, or future). Helping verbs often...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Helping Verb + Main Verb Team
Helping Verb(s) + Main Verb = Verb Phrase
Helping verbs always appear before the main verb in a verb phrase. They work together to create the full meaning and tense of the action. You can have one, two, or even three helping verbs before the main verb.
The 'Be,' 'Have,' 'Do' Families
Memorize the forms of 'to be,' 'to have,' and 'to do' as primary helping verbs.
These three verb families provide the most common helping verbs. Recognizing them quickly will help you identify verb phrases. For example: 'is running,' 'have eaten,' 'did go.'
Modal Helpers Add Specific Meaning
Modal Helping Verb + Base Form of Main Verb
Modal helping verbs (can, could...
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Sign Up Free to ContinueSample Practice Questions
Challenging
A student wrote four sentences. In which sentence is a form of the verb 'to do' used as the MAIN verb, not a helping verb?
A.Why did the character make that choice?
B.The author did not explain his purpose.
C.We do our chores every Saturday morning.
D.I do believe your argument is valid.
Challenging
To express an action that was completed before another past action, a writer should use 'had' as a helping verb. Which sentence correctly applies this rule for clarity?
A.Before the debate began, the student reviewed her notes.
B.Before the debate began, the student had reviewed her notes.
C.Before the debate began, the student will review her notes.
D.Before the debate began, the student is reviewing her notes.
Challenging
In an argumentative essay, a writer wants to present a counterclaim but show that it is only a possibility, not a certainty. Which sentence uses a modal verb to achieve this effect best?
A.Opponents of the policy will argue that it is too expensive.
B.Opponents of the policy must argue that it is too expensive.
C.Opponents of the policy may argue that it is too expensive.
D.Opponents of the policy did argue that it is too expensive.
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