Be, do, have

Auxiliary verbs help the main verb and are in fact also referred to as 'helping' verbs. Auxiliary verbs are: be, do and have. Modal verbs are also auxiliary verbs but we are going to focus on be, do and have in this module.

The verbs be, do and have can also be used as main verbs or as auxiliary verbs. Here are examples of be, do and have as main verbs:

She is Paul's sister. – 'be' describes a state.
I have a great job. – 'have' shows possession.
Peter does his homework every evening. – 'do' is used with certain nouns.

However these verbs are also auxiliary verbs:

Be

In continuous sentences:
He is reading in the garden.
I am preparing for my exams.

In passive sentences:
The book was printed in 1732.
You are requested to attend the meeting.

Do

In negative sentences:
Danny doesn't speak French.
I don’t like horror films.

Do in questions

Do you like Jazz music?
Did Tess call you?

Have

In perfect tenses:
I have lived here for ten years.
He has studied medicine.
He had seen the film before.