1.2.5

Main, Auxiliary & Copular Verbs

Test yourself

Lexis - Types of Verbs

The verbs in a sentence can fall into three categories: main, auxiliary and copular.

Illustrative background for Main verbIllustrative background for Main verb ?? "content

Main verb

  • A main verb describes the main action of the clause.
    • For example, eats, sleeps and walks.
Illustrative background for Main verbs - examplesIllustrative background for Main verbs - examples ?? "content

Main verbs - examples

  • Henry runs to work.
    • Runs is the main verb.
  • Harry loves Sally.
    • Loves is the main verb.
  • Peter owns a car.
    • Owns is the main verb.
Illustrative background for Auxiliary verbIllustrative background for Auxiliary verb ?? "content

Auxiliary verb

  • An auxiliary verb is a verb which helps the main verb of the sentence.
    • For example, do and be.
  • These verbs can also be used to express possibility.
    • For example can, might and will. These particular auxiliary verbs are described as modal auxiliary verbs.
Illustrative background for Auxiliary verbs - examplesIllustrative background for Auxiliary verbs - examples ?? "content

Auxiliary verbs - examples

  • I am waiting for the bus.
    • Here, waiting is the main verb and am is the auxiliary verb used to form the present progressive tense.
  • Joe may walk the dog this afternoon.
    • Here, walk is the main verb and may is the modal auxiliary.
  • I should visit my grandmother this weekend.
    • Here, visit is the main verb and should is the modal auxiliary.
Illustrative background for Copular verbIllustrative background for Copular verb ?? "content

Copular verb

  • A copular verb links the subject to a noun or adjective that complements the subject.
  • The most common copular verb is the verb ‘is’ (and all of its conjugations like am, were and are).
  • Other examples are: appear, seem, look, sound, smell, taste, feel, become and get.
Illustrative background for Copular verbs - examplesIllustrative background for Copular verbs - examples ?? "content

Copular verbs - examples

  • The food tastes amazing.
    • Here, 'food' is the subject and 'amazing' is the adjective complementing the 'food'. So 'tastes' is the copular verb.
  • Henry is bad at football.
    • Here, 'Henry' is the subject and 'bad' is the adjective complementing 'Henry'. So 'is' is the copular verb.
  • Margaret feels angry.
    • Here, 'Margaret' is the subject and 'angry' is the adjective that complements 'Margaret'. So 'feels' is the copular verb.

Jump to other topics

1Language Levels

2Language, The Individual & Society

3Language Diversity & Change

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson