Auxiliary Verb Exercises

Fill in the blank with the correct auxiliary verb from the choices presented:

1. What ________________ the kids doing when you last saw them? (was, were, are, did,)
2. Carla ________________ always wanted to try skydiving. (was, doesn’t, has, have)
3. Where __________________ you go on your summer vacation? (were, been, did, does)
4. Why do you think she __________ call you like she said she would? (didn’t, hasn’t, has
been, have)
5. Mary _____________ going to be upset when she hears what happened. (don’t, is, didn’t,
has)
6. Jeremy _____________ want to go to the movies; he wants to stay home instead.
(doesn’t, isn’t, wasn’t, hasn’t)
7. I _________________ appreciate his jokes. They weren’t funny. (have, been, didn’t,
haven’t)
8. I really like fish but I _______________ care for meat. (weren’t, don’t, is, was)
9. Where _____________ you going when I saw you last night? (were, was, do, did)
10. Tara ________________ called yet; she’s late as usual. (are, were, hasn’t, wouldn’t)

Answers: 1 – were, 2 – has, 3 – did, 4 – didn’t, 5 – is, 6 – doesn’t, 7 – didn’t, 8 – don’t, 9 –

were, 10 – hasn’t

1. Jerry has bought a new shirt to replace the one that was ruined earlier.

2. Does Sam write all his own reports?

3. The secretaries haven’t written all the letters yet.
4. Terry is writing an e-mail to a client at the moment.

5. Jessica is taking John to the airport.

6. If he doesn’t arrive on time, he’ll have to take a later flight.
7. Unfortunately, our dinner has been eaten by the dog.
8. I have purchased a new pair of shoes to replace the ones that were lost in my luggage.
9. We hope you don’t have an accident on your way to school.
10. She was baking a pie for dessert.
11. Dad has been working hard all day.
12. The bed was made as soon as I got up.
13. Sarah doesn’t ski or roller skate.
14. Did Matthew bring coffee?

I can play violin.

It may rain today.
You must learn the test-taking strategies.
I will call you.
 It might take more than a week. (possibility)
 You might have told me about it! (showing disapproval)
 He must take his medicine three times a day. (obligation)
 He must be French. (logical deduction)
 I can’t lift that suitcase by myself. (ability)
 That can’t be the right answer. (logical deduction)
 May I look at the questions now? (asking for permission)
 They say it may snow tomorrow. (possibility)

 He should be here by now.

 I could swim quite well when I was younger.
 You mustn’t blame yourself for this.
 You might have discussed it with me first.
 You can’t be serious!
 Could you open the window please?
 Must you make so much noise?
 She had to take her brother along with her.
 We ought to be going.
 LONG QUIZ

5. What ________________ the kids doing when you last saw them? (was, were, are,
did,)

4. I _________________ appreciate his jokes. They weren’t funny. (have, been,

didn’t, haven’t)
3. I really like fish but I _______________ care for meat. (weren’t, don’t, is, was)
2. Where _____________ you going when I saw you last night? (were, was, do, did)
1. Tara ________________ called yet; she’s late as usual. (are, were, hasn’t,
wouldn’t)

UNDERLINE THE MAIN VERBS IN THE FF. SENTENCES

1. I can play violin.

2. It may be raining today.
3. You must learn the test- taking activities.
4. I will call you.
5. She was baking a pie for dessert.

UNDERLINE THE MODAL AUXILIARY HELPING VERB TWICE AND UNDERLINE THE MAIN VERB ONCE.

1. We ought to be going.
2. Much you make so much noise.
3. He should be here by now.
4. You can’t be serious.
5. Could you open the window please?

WRITING SENTENCES

1. Use may to express possibility

2. Use can to express ability.
3. Use ought to by expressing obligation.