Helping Verbs (Is, Am, Are, Was, Were, Has, Have, Had, Do, Does, Did)

Beginners

Helping Verbs (Is, Am, Are, Was, Were, Has, Have, Had, Do, Does, Did) Free Resource Updated: Jul 11, 2026
Free
Back to Notes

HELPING VERBS (BEGINNERS)

What is a Helping Verb?

A helping verb is a verb that helps the main verb to complete the meaning of a sentence.

Common Helping Verbs

Present:

Am

Is

Are

Has

Have

Do

Does

Past:

Was

Were

Had

Did

Use of Helping Verbs

AM

Used with: I

Example:

I am a student.

I am happy.

IS

Used with: He, She, It, Singular Noun

Example:

He is a doctor.

The boy is playing.

ARE

Used with: You, We, They, Plural Nouns

Example:

We are friends.

They are playing.

WAS

Used with: I, He, She, It, Singular Noun (Past)

Example:

She was at home.

WERE

Used with: You, We, They, Plural Nouns (Past)

Example:

They were happy.

HAS

Used with: He, She, It

Example:

She has a pen.

HAVE

Used with: I, You, We, They

Example:

We have a car.

HAD

Used for all subjects in the past.

Example:

They had a meeting.

DO

Used with: I, You, We, They

Example:

Do you play cricket?

DOES

Used with: He, She, It

Example:

Does he speak English?

DID

Used for all subjects in the past.

Example:

Did you call me?

Remember:

Helping verbs help the main verb and make the sentence complete.