Main Verbs & Helping Verbs

Front

What is a main verb?

Back

A main verb is the action word in a sentence that shows what the subject is doing. For example, in 'The dog runs,' 'runs' is the main verb.

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What is a helping verb?

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A helping verb is a verb that helps the main verb express an action or a state of being. For example, in 'She is running,' 'is' is the helping verb.

Front

Identify the main verb in the sentence: 'The cat sleeps on the mat.'

Back

The main verb is 'sleeps.'

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Identify the helping verb in the sentence: 'They are playing soccer.'

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The helping verb is 'are.'

Front

What is the role of a main verb in a sentence?

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The main verb shows the main action or state of being of the subject.

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What is the role of a helping verb in a sentence?

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The helping verb adds detail to the main verb, indicating tense, mood, or voice.

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Identify the main verb in the sentence: 'She dances beautifully.'

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The main verb is 'dances.'

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Identify the helping verb in the sentence: 'He will eat dinner soon.'

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The helping verb is 'will.'

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What is an example of a sentence with both a main verb and a helping verb?

Back

'They are running fast.' ('are' is the helping verb, 'running' is the main verb.)

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What is the main verb in the sentence: 'The flowers bloom in spring.'

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The main verb is 'bloom.'