Helping Verb Worksheets

Related ELA Standard: L.2-3.1

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

Verbs are action words they add life to all the sentences they are in. There is a sub-classification of verbs called helping verbs that heighten the meaning of the original verb that is present. Helping verbs actually are found right alongside other verbs or the primary verb within a sentence. Helping verbs greatly aid writers in maintaining sentence structure and setting the mood for the story they are writing. The worksheets on this page will help your students understand the placement and proper tenses to use with helping verbs.

Helping Verb Worksheets To Print:

Feed the Blank - You have a whole bunch to choose from including: is, am, are, has, have, had, was, were, and will.

Give a Verb a Hand! - You will need to make each of these sentences clear and calm. A helping verb works with the main verb to show when the action or state of being occurs (in the past, present or future). Rewrite each sentence and add a helping verb to change the meaning of the sentences.

Worker Verbs - They do the true heavy lifting. See if the verb is used properly here for each and every sentence.

Which is Correct? - A flurry of sentence fillers here for your practice. Read the completed sentence to yourself to make sure it flows well.

Verbs Help Verbs - These sentences make no sense at all, fix'em up. Does the sentence make sense.

Fill That Blank - A simple drop them in activity. Those sentences need a bit of time to get right.

Correct or Write More - Read each sentence. If the helping verb used is correct, write correct on the line.

Main Verbs - Complete each sentence by writing a helping verb on the line. You are trying to elevate that main verb each time.

Present, Past, or Future? - Rewrite each sentence using a helping verb to show that the action takes place in the past, present or future, as indicated in parenthesis.

Sentence Me! - This is a two part activity practice sheet. A nice way to conclude this section for students.

Auxiliary Verbs - Those are the action words that act like Swiss Army knives. You can go all Swiss Army here.

Using Helping Verbs Correctly - A little sentence creation for you to work through. This is a powerful way to learn to use these words in your own writing.

Plop, Plop - Fizz, fizz! Oh what a sentence it is! Another version of the previous topic for you. You will think up your own words here. We provide some examples for you.

5 Sentences - Write original sentences using the helping words provided. There are five of them. Make note of the tense that is being used and reflect that in your work.

Rewrites - Rewrite each sentence three times, changing the helping verb to change the meaning of the sentence.

Different Types of Helping Verbs


Helping verbs do just that; help! In the sense of sentence structure they add some breadth to the main clause. Helping verbs can also change the overall meaning of the main verb. Both of these functions of helping verbs provide a vehicle for writers to create a much richer experience for readers. Universally a sentence should never have more than three helping verbs.


If a helping verb adds additional meaning to a clause we call it an auxiliary verb. Auxiliary verbs usually add emphasis to portion of a sentence. The most commonly used auxiliary verb forms are: be, do, and have. You can see this present in example sentence like: I have been cooking for the last hour. I do have the backpack with me.


In many different circumstances helping verbs can change the overall meaning of the primary verb. When this happens we call that extra verb a modal verb. These particular verbs usually express a special ability, responsibility, or possibility. These verbs never change form. Example words include: could, must, ought to, shall, and will. Here are some example sentences with modal verbs: Ability: Teddy can play soccer very well. Possibility: Can you lend me your jersey? Responsibility: I might have to watch my little brother tonight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Feed the Blank Preview