Auxiliary Verbs Exercises

Auxiliary verbs, also known as helping verbs, are essential in forming correct English sentences. They work with main verbs to express tense, voice, or mood, making communication clear and grammatically accurate. Learning how to use auxiliary verbs correctly is an important part of mastering English grammar.

Practising auxiliary verb exercises helps students understand their proper usage in questions, negatives, and different tenses. These exercises strengthen grammar skills and improve writing and speaking accuracy. Explore the examples and activities in this section to test your knowledge and gain confidence in using auxiliary verbs effectively.

 

Table of Contents

• Auxiliary Verbs Exercises with Answers for Classes 5 to 10
• Why Practice Auxiliary Verbs Regularly?

 

Auxiliary Verbs Exercises with Answers for Classes 5 to 10

When you learn auxiliary verbs, you will also come across modal verbs. They also perform the same functions as a helping verb; the only difference is that they are used to show the probability/possibility of something happening. Try out the following exercises and check how good you are with auxiliary verbs.

Exercise 1: Choose the correct auxiliary verb

1. Andy _____ working on his homework.

( is / am / does / are )

2. Samantha _______ make dinner with her grandma.

( is / am / does / are)

3. The friends _______ going to South Carolina. ( is / am / does / are)

4. _______ your dad work in this building? ( is / am / does / are )

5. _______ you want to come to my house later? ( are / am / do / does )

6. Mike _________ like animals. ( isn’t / doesn’t / aren’t / don’t )

7. The poster _______ hanging on the wall. ( is / am / does / are )

8. Where _______ your family like to eat? ( are / am / do / does )

9. _______ your brother playing soccer this weekend?

( is / am / does / are)

10. Patty _______ watching television anymore.

( isn’t / doesn’t / aren’t / don’t )

11. His family _________ go to parties. ( isn’t / doesn’t / aren’t / don’t )

12. Tony and Tracy _______ planning a vacation. ( is / am / does / are )

 

Answers:

1. is

2. does

3. are

4. does

5. do

6. doesn’t

7. is

8. does

9. is

10. isn’t

11. don’t

12. are

 

Exercise 2: Complete the following sentences using an appropriate auxiliary verb

1. If you ask her, she …………………… tell you. 

a) will

b) shall

c) would

2. If I have time, I ………………….. write a few letters.

a) will

b) shall

c) would

d) Either ‘shall’ or ‘will’

3. She …………………… come in the evening.

a) will

b) shall

c) Either could be used here

4. If it rains, we …………………. cancel the picnic.

a) will

b) could 

5. I …………………… buy a car when I get my promotion.

a) will

b) would

c) Either could be used here

6. ‘…………………… you help me?’

a) Will

b) Shall

c) Either could be used here

7. I am not feeling well, so I ……………………. going to work.

a) will be

b) will not be

8. If you do that again, I ………………… box your ears.

a) will

b) would

c) Either could be used here

9. …………………. I wait any longer?

a) Shall

b) Will

c) Either could be used here

10. If you are not feeling well, you …………………… consult a doctor.

a) should

b) would

c) Either could be used here

 

Answers:

1. If you ask her, she will tell you.

2. If I have time, I will/shall write a few letters.

3. She will / shall come in the evening. (Both will and shall are possible here, but their meanings are different. ‘She will come in the evening’ is a simple prediction. ‘She shall come in the evening’ is an order.

4. If it rains, we will cancel the picnic.

5. I will buy a car when I get my promotion.

6. ‘Will you help me?’

7. I am not feeling well, so I will not be going to work.

8. If you do that again, I will box your ears.

9. Shall I wait any longer?

10. If you are not feeling well, you should consult a doctor.

 

Exercise 3: Fill in the blank with the correct auxiliary verb

1. What ________________ the children doing when you last saw them?

(was, were, are, did, been)

2. Barry ________________ always wanted to try skydiving. (was, doesn’t,

has, is, have)

3. Where __________________ you go during your August holiday? (were,

been, are, did, does)

4. Why do you think he __________ call you like he said he would? (didn’t, is,

hasn’t, has been, have)

5. Mr Nel _____________ going to be upset when he hears what you did.

(will, don’t, is, didn’t, has)

6. Johnathon _____________ want to go to the movies; he wants to stay

home instead. (doesn’t, isn’t, wasn’t, hasn’t, was not)

7. I _________________ appreciate his comments. They weren’t funny. (did,

have, been, didn’t, haven’t)

8. I really like fish but I _______________ care for chicken. (weren’t, been,

don’t, is, was)

9. Where _____________ you going when I saw you yesterday? (were, was,

is, do, did)

10. Mom ________________ called yet; she’s late as usual. (are, were,

has, 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

 

Exercise 4: Transform the following affirmative sentences into negative sentences using auxiliary verbs

1. She is happy.

2. They have completed the task.

3. He can swim well.

4. We will attend the meeting.

5. I am going to the store.

Answers:

1. She is not happy.

2. They have not completed the task.

3. He cannot swim well.

4. We will not attend the meeting.

5. I am not going to the store.

 

Exercise 5: Read the following sentences and underline the auxiliary verbs

1. She has been studying for her exams all week.

2. They are going to travel next month.

3. He does not like spicy food.

4. We will be visiting our grandparents this weekend.

5. I had finished my work before the deadline.

Answers:

1. Has, Been

2. Are

3. Does

4. Will Be

5. Had

 

Exercise 6: Complete the following sentences using suitable modal auxiliary verbs

1. ______ you come with me to the hospital?

2. It ______ be what you wished for. Open it.

3. ______ I submit all the documents today?

4. There ______ be some problem with the software.

5. All students ______ wear their uniforms every day.

6. ______ I come in?

7. ______ you help me with this?

8. My phone ______ be out of charge by the time we reached home.

9. Hani ______ make it to the reception as she missed the flight.

10. Everyone ______ follow traffic rules to ensure the safety of all.

11. You ______ get tickets if you are lucky.

12. My brother ______ not like this for sure.

13. The teacher said that she ______ be on leave the next day.

14. ______ everyone fill in those forms?

15. Sheena ______ finish this in an hour.

 

Answers:

1. Will

2. may

3. Shall

4. must

5. must

6. May

7. Can

8. might

9. couldn’t

10. should

11. might

12. will

13. would

14. Should

15. Can

 

Why Practice Auxiliary Verbs Regularly?

Practicing auxiliary verbs regularly is essential for mastering English grammar. Auxiliary verbs help form tenses, questions, negatives, and passive voice, which are crucial for constructing accurate sentences. Without proper practice, students may make mistakes in sentence formation, leading to confusion in both writing and speaking.

Regular exercises improve understanding of primary auxiliaries (be, have, do) and modal auxiliaries (can, may, must, should, etc.), making it easier to use them correctly in exams, school assignments, and everyday communication. Consistent practice also builds confidence, ensures error-free writing, and enhances clarity in English expression.