100+ Auxiliary Verbs Exercises with Answers for Better Grammar Practice

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
• Exercise 1: Choose the correct auxiliary verb
• Exercise 2: Complete the following sentences using an appropriate auxiliary verb
• Exercise 3: Fill in the blank with the correct auxiliary verb
• Exercise 4: Transform the following affirmative sentences into negative sentences using auxiliary verbs​
• Exercise 5: Read the following sentences and underline the auxiliary verbs
• Exercise 6: Complete the following sentences using suitable modal auxiliary verbs
• Frequently Asked Questions on Auxiliary Verbs Exercises

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 helping verbs; 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

Choose the most suitable auxiliary verb from the given options to complete each sentence correctly. This exercise will help you identify the appropriate helping verb based on the subject, tense, and sentence structure.

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

Complete each sentence by selecting the correct auxiliary verb that best fits the context. Pay close attention to the meaning of the sentence, as well as the tense and grammatical structure required.

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

Fill in each blank with the correct auxiliary verb to complete the sentence meaningfully and grammatically. 

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

Rewrite each sentence in the negative form by using the appropriate auxiliary verb.

1. She is preparing for the annual examination.

2. They have completed the science project.

3. Rahul can solve difficult mathematical problems.

4. We will attend the workshop tomorrow.

5. I am waiting for my friend outside the library.

6. The students were participating in the debate competition.

7. He has submitted the assignment.

8. My sister was practising the piano.

9. They are watching a documentary.

10. The doctor will examine the patient this afternoon.

11. She should complete the application form today.

12. The workers have repaired the bridge.

13. We were discussing the project.

14. You must carry your identity card.

15. The child could answer all the questions correctly.

Answers

1. She is not preparing for the annual examination.

2. They have not completed the science project.

3. Rahul cannot solve difficult mathematical problems.

4. We will not attend the workshop tomorrow.

5. I am not waiting for my friend outside the library.

6. The students were not participating in the debate competition.

7. He has not submitted the assignment.

8. My sister was not practising the piano.

9. They are not watching a documentary.

10. The doctor will not examine the patient this afternoon.

11. She should not complete the application form today.

12. The workers have not repaired the bridge.

13. We were not discussing the project.

14. You must not carry your identity card.

15. The child could not answer all the questions correctly.

Exercise 5: Read the Following Sentences and Underline the Auxiliary Verbs

Identify and underline the auxiliary verb(s) used in each sentence.

1. She has been working since morning.

2. We are planning a family trip.

3. He did not complete his homework.

4. They will be travelling by train.

5. I have finished reading the novel.

6. The children were playing in the garden.

7. She can solve this puzzle easily.

8. The meeting has already started.

9. You should revise the chapter carefully.

10. My father is repairing the computer.

11. We had completed the assignment before the deadline.

12. The players have been practising regularly.

13. They were not expecting such heavy rainfall.

14. He might visit us next weekend.

15. The teacher will announce the results tomorrow.

Answers

1. has, been

2. are

3. did

4. will, be

5. have

6. were

7. can

8. has

9. should

10. is

11. had

12. have, been

13. were

14. might

15. will

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

Fill in each blank with the most suitable modal auxiliary verb.

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.