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WhiteSmoke's Dictionary
Home > Reference > Glossary > A > Auxiliary Verbs

Term: Auxiliary Verbs


Definition:

'DO', 'BE' and 'HAVE' are the English auxiliary verbs used in a negative structure, a question or to show tense.

DESCRIPTIONS OF ENGLISH AUXILIARY VERBS:

1/ 'DO', 'DON'T', 'DOES' and 'DOESN'T' are used for questions and negatives in the Present Simple Tense, and 'DID' and 'DIDN'T' are used in the Past Simple Tense.

2/ 'BE' is used with the Present Participle in Continuous (Progressive) Verbs. It is also used with the Past Participle in the Passive

3/ 'HAVE' is used with the Past Participle to form the Perfect Aspect.

'Auxiliary Verbs' - Related Links

Grammar Topic:  Verbs and Tenses

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