Identify main verbs and helping verbs

Lesson Intro: Identify Main Verbs and Helping Verbs

Today we’re going to learn how to find main verbs and helping verbs in a sentence.

A verb shows action (run, jump, write) or a state of being (is, are, was, were).
The main verb is the most important verb in the sentence—it tells what the subject does or is.

Sometimes a sentence has more than one verb. A helping verb works with the main verb to show time (past, present, future), possibility, or need.

Examples:

• She is running.

  • Helping verb: is

  • Main verb: running

• They have finished their work.

  • Helping verb: have

  • Main verb: finished

• I will call you later.

  • Helping verb: will

  • Main verb: call

A quick trick:
If you remove the helping verb, you can usually still find the main action word.

Let’s practice spotting the helping verb + main verb teams in sentences!

📘 IXL Activity Instructions

1. Click the IXL link below.

2. Answer questions 1–30 only.

3. Read each question carefully.

4. Choose the best answer.

5. Work independently and make sure your progress is saved.