Pop quiz: In the sentence “I am studying for finals,” what’s the verb? If you said “studying,” you’re close—but not quite there. The full verb is actually “am studying”—a combo of a helping verb (am) and a main verb (studying). Some verbs work solo. Others need backup. Let’s figure out when and why.
Verbs Can Be One Word or a Whole Team
Some verbs stand alone. Others need help to function properly. When a verb is more than one word, it’s called a verb phrase.
One-word verb:
The fire destroyed the forest.
Two-word verb phrase:
Philip is going to the library.
In the second example, is and going work together as a team to make the verb phrase is going.
What Is a Main Verb?
The main verb is the star of the show. It’s either:
- A one-word verb (standing alone)
- The last word in a verb phrase
The main verb carries the core meaning—it tells you what action is happening, what state something is in, or what condition exists.
- She danced all night. (Main verb: danced)
- They have finished the project. (Main verb: finished)
- I will be studying tonight. (Main verb: studying)
Notice how the main verb is always the last verb in the phrase? Everything before it is backup.
What Are Helping Verbs?
A helping verb (also called an auxiliary verb) comes before the main verb and helps it function properly. Some verb forms—especially those ending in -ing or -en/-ed—cannot work without a helping verb.
❌ Incorrect (missing helping verb):
My brother buying the business.
✅ Correct (with helping verb):
My brother is buying the business.
Without the helping verb is, the sentence feels incomplete—like something’s missing. That’s because buying needs a helping verb to work.
More Examples: Verbs That Need Help
Verb forms ending in -ing or past participles (like written, gone, eaten) always need a helping verb:
❌ Linda singing quite well.
✅ Linda is singing quite well.
❌ Bill written a poem.
✅ Bill has written a poem.
See the pattern? The helping verbs (is, has) complete the sentence and make the verb work properly.
Breaking Down a Verb Phrase
A verb phrase = all the helping verbs + the main verb.
Example:
She will have been studying for six hours by midnight.
- Helping verbs: will, have, been
- Main verb: studying
- Verb phrase: will have been studying
All those helping verbs are working together to support the main verb studying.
Quick Practice: Find the Main Verb and Helping Verbs
Identify the verb phrase, main verb, and any helping verbs:
- The concert starts at 8 p.m.
- I have been waiting for an hour.
- They will announce the winner tomorrow.
- She is reading the new thriller.
Answers: 1. starts (one-word verb, no helpers) | 2. have been waiting (HV: have, been; MV: waiting) | 3. will announce (HV: will; MV: announce) | 4. is reading (HV: is; MV: reading)
The Bottom Line
Main verbs carry the core meaning, but they often need help to function properly. Helping verbs (like is, have, will) team up with main verbs to create complete verb phrases. Together, they make sentences work. Remember: the main verb is always last, and everything before it is backup.
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