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Helping Verbs – Quiz 1
Helping Verbs Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates students' understanding of helping verbs, including modal auxiliaries and their use in forming present continuous, perfect, past, and future tenses. It also assesses the ability to form questions with helping verbs and apply them in various contexts such as formal requests, predictions, and habitual preferences.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
..... your brother sleeping right now?
A) Does.
B) Was.
C) Is.
D) Are.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Is your brother sleeping right now?" uses the present continuous tense, which is formed with the helping verb "is" followed by the base form of the main verb (sleeping). This structure indicates an action happening at the moment of speaking.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Does - Incorrect. "Does" is used for questions about habits or general truths, not for actions happening now.
Option B:
Was - Incorrect. "Was" is past tense and does not fit the context of an action happening right now.
Option C:
Is - Correct. This helps form the present continuous tense, indicating an ongoing action at the moment of speaking.
Option D:
Are - Incorrect. "Are" is used with plural subjects or collective nouns and does not fit here.
2.
She ..... to practice hard everyday.
A) Has.
B) Have.
C) Does.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence requires a helping verb to form the present continuous tense, which is used for actions happening now or in the near future. "Has" (Option A) is not appropriate here as it is typically used with an infinitive to indicate possession or past actions. "Have" (Option B) is also incorrect because it does not fit grammatically in this context. "Does" (Option C) correctly forms the present continuous tense when combined with the base form of the verb "practice." Therefore, the correct answer is
Option C: Does.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Has" does not fit grammatically in this context for forming the present continuous tense.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Have" is not used to form the present continuous tense with a single subject pronoun.
Option C:
Correct. "Does" forms the present continuous tense correctly when combined with the base form of the verb "practice."
Option D:
Incorrect. None of the other options are correct for this sentence.
3.
What time ..... the meeting start yesterday?
A) Do.
B) Did.
C) Were.
D) Does.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "What time... the meeting start yesterday?" is asking about a past event, so it requires a past tense verb. The correct form of the helping verb in this context is "did," which is used to form questions and negative statements in the simple past tense.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Do - Incorrect; do is not used for forming questions about past events.
Option B:
Did - Correct; did forms the correct question for a past event.
Option C:
Were - Incorrect; were is used with be verbs in past tense, not to form questions about actions.
Option D:
Does - Incorrect; does is used for present tense and is not appropriate here.
4.
You ..... go only if you have the permission.
A) Can.
B) Will.
C) Could.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "You can go only if you have the permission" uses a helping verb "can," which indicates ability or permission to perform an action under certain conditions. This fits with Option A, as it correctly conveys that going is possible (with the condition of having permission).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses the helping verb "can" to indicate possibility.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Will" implies a promise or prediction, not ability or permission.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Could" suggests a past ability or hypothetical situation, not current permission.
Option D:
Incorrect. At least one option is correct (A).
5.
Identify the auxiliary verb in the following sentence:'She is going to the market.'
A) To.
B) Is.
C) Going.
D) The.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The auxiliary verb in the sentence 'She is going to the market.' is
is
. Auxiliary verbs are used to form tenses, aspects, and voices of main verbs. In this case, "is" helps form the present continuous tense with the main verb "going."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
To - This is a preposition, not an auxiliary verb.
Option B:
Is - Correct. It functions as an auxiliary verb forming the present continuous tense.
Option C:
Going - This is the main verb in this sentence and does not function as an auxiliary verb here.
Option D:
The - This is a definite article, not an auxiliary verb.
6.
Choose the modal auxiliary that would best complete the following sentence:Emory discussed her gymnastics ability with Evan. She stated, "I ..... do ten cartwheels in row!"
A) Should.
B) Would.
C) Can.
D) Will.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I..... do ten cartwheels in row!" is an example of expressing capability, which is best conveyed using the modal auxiliary verb "can." This indicates Emory's ability to perform a physical action, making "can" the most appropriate choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Should - Implies obligation or advice, not capability.
Option B:
Would - Indicates willingness in the past or future, not current ability.
Option C:
Can - Correctly expresses capability or ability to perform an action.
Option D:
Will - Implies a promise or prediction about the future, not current ability.
7.
..... you new here?
A) Are.
B) Is.
C) Do.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "..... you new here?" is an incomplete thought and requires a subject to be grammatically correct. The verb "are" (Option A) fits as it agrees with the implied singular subject "you." Helping verbs, such as "are," assist in forming tenses or emphasizing actions.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Are" is a helping verb that properly forms the present tense of the main verb "be" with the subject "you."
Option B:
Incorrect. "Is" does not agree in number with the implied singular subject "you." It would be correct if the sentence were "Is he/she new here?"
Option C:
Incorrect. "Do" is a main verb and cannot function as a helping verb in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
8.
Often used to indicate future action or intention, especially in formal or legal contexts. In modern English, "shall" is less commonly used in everyday language."I ..... accompany you to the meeting tomorrow."
A) Can.
B) Might.
C) Will.
D) Shall.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Shall" is often used to indicate future action or intention, especially in formal or legal contexts. In the given sentence "I ..... accompany you to the meeting tomorrow," using "shall" fits well as it emphasizes a firm commitment or intention.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Can - implies ability rather than future action or intention.
Option B:
Might - indicates possibility, not certainty of future action.
Option C:
Will - commonly used for future actions but less formal than "shall" in this context.
Option D:
Shall - correctly indicates a firm intention or commitment, especially suitable in formal language.
9.
I understand. You ..... explain it to me again.
A) Can't.
B) Needn't have.
C) Don't have to.
D) Shouldn't be.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I understand. You don't have to explain it to me again." is grammatically correct and conveys that the speaker no longer needs an explanation because they already comprehend the subject matter.
Option A: Can't - Incorrect, as the speaker can still request or not request an explanation.
Option B: Needn't have - Incorrect, as this phrase implies a past action that wasn't necessary. The sentence is about current understanding.
Option C: Don't have to - Correct, as it accurately expresses that there's no obligation for the other person to repeat the explanation since the speaker has already understood.
Option D: Shouldn't be - Incorrect, as it suggests an incorrect or inappropriate situation which does not apply here.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect, as the speaker can still request or not request an explanation.
Option B:
Incorrect, as this phrase implies a past action that wasn't necessary. The sentence is about current understanding.
Option C:
Correct, as it accurately expresses that there's no obligation for the other person to repeat the explanation since the speaker has already understood.
Option D:
Incorrect, as it suggests an incorrect or inappropriate situation which does not apply here.
10.
..... Anna do extracurricular activities after school?
A) Does.
B) Do.
C) Is.
D) When.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Anna do extracurricular activities after school?" is a question about Anna's actions, specifically whether she engages in extracurricular activities after school. The correct form should use the helping verb "does" to match the subject "Anna," which is singular and third person.
Option A) Does is correct because it properly forms the question by using the appropriate helping verb for the singular subject.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses the proper helping verb "does" for a singular, third-person subject.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Do" is used for plural subjects or first and second person singular.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Is" is not relevant to forming questions about actions.
Option D:
Incorrect. "When" is a question word, not a verb form.
11.
What does 'can' express?
A) Only possibility.
B) Ability or possibility.
C) Permission.
D) Only ability.
Show Answer
Explanations:
'Can' is used to express both ability and possibility in English. It can indicate what someone is capable of doing (ability) or the likelihood that something might happen (possibility).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect, as 'can' does not only refer to possibility but also to ability.
Option B:
Correct, as 'can' expresses both ability or possibility.
Option C:
Incorrect, as 'can' is not exclusively about permission; it can be used for ability and possibility.
Option D:
Incorrect, as 'can' does not only refer to ability but also to possibility.
12.
Complete:She ..... my best friend in 2020.
A) Is.
B) Were.
C) Was.
D) Are.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Was.
In the sentence "She ... my best friend in 2020," we need to use a verb that agrees with the subject "She" and fits the past tense context. Since "was" is the past form of "to be" for third-person singular subjects, it correctly completes the sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Is - Incorrect as it is in present tense.
Option B:
Were - Incorrect as it is used for plural subjects or first and second person singular.
Option C:
Was - Correct as it agrees with the subject "She" and is in past tense.
Option D:
Are - Incorrect as it is in present tense and does not agree with the subject "She."
13.
A:I am studying medicine.B: .....
A) I am.
B) So I am.
C) So am I.
D) Neither am I.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C "So am I" is correct because it uses the helping verb "am" to form a negative agreement response in the present tense, matching the subject "I" and the helping verb "am" from the initial statement. This structure is used when someone agrees with a negative statement or question.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
I am - Incorrect as it does not form an agreement response.
Option B:
So I am - Incorrect as the word order should be "So am I" for agreement responses.
Option C:
So am I - Correct, forming a negative agreement response with matching subject and helping verb.
Option D:
Neither am I - Incorrect as it is used to disagree with a positive statement or question.
14.
..... you usually send postcards home when you are on holiday?
A) Do.
B) Has.
C) Are.
D) Is.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is correct because "Do" functions as a helping verb in this question, which is necessary to form the present simple tense for the auxiliary verb when asking about habitual actions. The sentence requires an auxiliary verb to inquire about a habit or usual action.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Do - Correct. Forms part of the present simple tense with "you" and "usually".
Option B:
Has - Incorrect. This is not used for habitual actions in the present simple tense.
Option C:
Are - Incorrect. This verb does not fit grammatically or contextually here.
Option D:
Is - Incorrect. This verb cannot be used to form a question about habitual actions in this context.
15.
The police ..... caught the thief.
A) Was.
B) Has.
C) Have.
D) Is.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "The police have caught the thief" uses a helping verb correctly. In this context, "have" is used with the main verb "caught," indicating that the action has been completed. The subject "the police" is plural, so "have" (a form of the auxiliary verb "to have") agrees in number.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Was - Incorrect as it does not agree with the plural subject "the police."
Option B:
Has - Incorrect as it does not agree with the plural subject "the police."
Option C:
Have - Correct, agreeing in number with the plural subject "the police."
Option D:
Is - Incorrect as it does not agree with the main verb "caught."
16.
I would like to talk to you personally. The principal verb is .....
A) Would like.
B) Would.
C) Like.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The principal verb in the sentence "I would like to talk to you personally" is "like." The phrase "would like" consists of a modal auxiliary (would) and the main verb (like), where "like" functions as the principal or main verb.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Would like - This includes both the modal auxiliary and the main verb, so it is not correct.
Option B:
Would - This is a modal auxiliary and not the principal verb.
Option C:
Like - Correct. It is the main or principal verb in the sentence.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect since "like" is the correct answer.
17.
She ..... how to swim, she just doesn't want to go swimming with you!
A) Does know.
B) Doesn't know.
C) Do know.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence requires a helping verb to agree with the subject "She." The correct form is "Does know," which uses "does" as an auxiliary verb to emphasize the negative statement that follows ("doesn't want"). This construction properly forms a question in the present tense.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses 'does' as the helping verb, agreeing with the singular subject 'She.'
Option B:
Incorrect. 'Doesn't know' is not a question but a negative statement.
Option C:
Incorrect. 'Do know' does not agree with the singular subject and is not used to form questions in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. All other options are correct.
18.
..... you going this evening?
A) Are.
B) Have.
C) Do.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "..... you going this evening?" is a question asking about someone's future action, which requires the use of an auxiliary verb (helping verb) to form the present continuous tense for questions and negative statements.
Option A: Are. - Correct. The helping verb 'are' is used in forming the question for the present continuous tense.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Are. This helps form the question correctly for the present continuous tense.
Option B:
Have. Incorrect. 'Have' is not a helping verb in this context.
Option C:
Do. Incorrect. 'Do' would be used with affirmative statements, not questions about ongoing actions.
Option D:
None of the above. Incorrect. Are is the correct choice.
19.
The children ..... playing in the garden all day.
A) Did.
B) Have been.
C) Has.
D) Do.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "The children have been playing in the garden all day" uses a helping verb correctly. The present perfect continuous tense is appropriate here because it indicates an action that started in the past, continues up to now, and may or may not continue into the future.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Did" is incorrect as it does not fit with the context of the sentence. It would be used for simple past tense.
Option B:
"Have been" is correct, fitting the present perfect continuous tense needed to describe an ongoing action from the past that continues up to now.
Option C:
"Has" is incorrect as it does not fit with the plural subject "children." It would be used for a singular subject in simple present or present perfect.
Option D:
"Do" is incorrect as it does not fit with the context of the sentence. It would be used for simple present tense.
20.
IS PETER AN ATHLETE?
A) YES, HE CAN.
B) YES, HE IS.
C) YES, HE WILL.
D) YES, HE DOES.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because "is" in this context functions as a helping verb, specifically an auxiliary verb used to form the present tense of linking verbs like "to be." It helps to affirm Peter's current status as an athlete.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Can implies ability or possibility, not necessarily current state.
Option B:
Is is a helping verb used for affirmation of present tense. Correct.
Option C:
Will indicates future action, not current status.
Option D:
Does typically replaces the main verb in questions or negatives, not for affirming state.
21.
DID YOUR SIBLINGS GET UP EARLY TODAY?
A) NO, THEY DIDN'T.
B) YES, SHE DID.
C) NO, HE DIDN'T.
D) YES, IT DID.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "DID YOUR SIBLINGS GET UP EARLY TODAY?" is a question asking about the actions of multiple people (siblings). The correct answer should be in the form of a declarative statement, not a question. Option A correctly states that the siblings did not get up early today using the helping verb "did" to match the question's structure.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
NO, THEY DIDN'T. - Correct. Uses appropriate helping verb "didn't".
Option B:
YES, SHE DID. - Incorrect. Refers to a single person and does not match the plural subject "siblings".
Option C:
NO, HE DIDN'T. - Incorrect. Refers to a single person and does not match the plural subject "siblings".
Option D:
YES, IT DID. - Incorrect. Refers to an inanimate object or concept and does not match the plural subject "siblings".
22.
Complete:She ..... a good student.
A) Am.
B) Are.
C) Is.
D) Were.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "She is a good student" uses the present tense of the verb "to be," which is "is." This form is used to describe a current state or characteristic, making option C correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Am" is the first-person singular form of the verb "to be."
Option B:
Incorrect. "Are" is used for plural subjects or second-person singular subjects.
Option C:
Correct. "Is" is the correct form for third-person singular subjects like "she."
Option D:
Incorrect. "Were" is the past tense of "to be," used for past states or conditions.
23.
When we get home from school, I ..... like a snack.
A) Must.
B) Would.
C) Will.
D) Can.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Would" is the correct answer because it indicates a habitual action in the past, which fits well with the context of a routine activity like wanting a snack after school. The verb "would" here suggests a preference or habit that has been established over time.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Must - Incorrect; 'must' implies necessity rather than a habitual preference.
Option B:
Would - Correct; indicates a habitual preference for having a snack after school.
Option C:
Will - Incorrect; 'will' is used for future actions, not habitual preferences in the past.
Option D:
Can - Incorrect; 'can' implies ability, not a habitual desire or preference.
24.
Is the verb an auxiliary or a full verb?These students never HAVE classes on Fridays.
A) Auxiliary.
B) Full.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The verb "have" in the sentence "These students never HAVE classes on Fridays." is a
full verb
. It functions as the main action of the sentence, indicating possession or occurrence. In this context, it does not serve an auxiliary function such as helping another verb (like forming the present perfect tense) but stands alone to express the idea that these students do not attend classes on Fridays.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Have" is not an auxiliary verb here.
Option B:
Correct. "Have" functions as a full verb in this sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Have" does not serve both functions simultaneously.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
25.
William Shakespeare ..... written many plays
A) Has.
B) Have.
C) Had.
D) Will have.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "William Shakespeare
Has
written many plays" is grammatically correct because it uses the present perfect tense, which is formed with "has/have + past participle". This tense is used to describe an action that started in the past and continues into the present. In this context, Shakespeare's playwriting career spans a long period of time, making the present perfect appropriate.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses present perfect tense indicating an action from the past continuing to the present.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Have" is plural and does not agree with singular subject "William Shakespeare".
Option C:
Incorrect. "Had" is in the past perfect tense, which describes an action completed before another past action.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Will have" is future tense and does not fit the context of a completed action with ongoing implications.
26.
Today, we ..... work with partners during social studies.
A) Should.
B) Am.
C) Will.
D) Would.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence is about a future action, specifically what will be done today with partners during social studies. "Will" is used to express future actions in English, making it the correct choice here.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Should - This implies obligation or recommendation, not a future action.
Option B:
Am - This indicates present continuous tense, which is incorrect for expressing today's planned activity.
Option C:
Will - Correct. Expresses future actions.
Option D:
Would - This is used for past conditional or polite requests, not for stating a plan for the day.
27.
We ..... gone to Mexico yet. In two weeks we are going to be there
A) Has.
B) Have.
C) Haven't.
D) Had.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "We haven't gone to Mexico yet." is correct because it uses the present perfect tense with the negative form, which is appropriate for an action that started in the past and continues up to now. The verb "have" (in its contracted form "haven't") is used here as a helping verb to form the negative of the present perfect tense.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Has" is incorrect because it does not match the subject "We."
Option B:
"Have" alone would be correct for a positive statement, but with "yet," we need a negative form.
Option C:
"Haven't" is correct as it forms the negative of the present perfect tense.
Option D:
"Had" is incorrect because it would be used for the past perfect tense, not the present perfect.
28.
Complete the sentence:Where ..... they go yesterday?
A) Do.
B) Has.
C) Had.
D) Did.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Where did they go yesterday?" is a question in the past tense, asking about a completed action. The correct helping verb to use with "did" for questions in the simple past tense is "Did." Therefore, option D) Did is the correct answer.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Do is used in present tense questions and statements.
Option B:
Has is used with the past participle to form the present perfect tense.
Option C:
Had is used with the past participle to form the past perfect tense.
Option D:
Did is correct for forming questions in the simple past tense.
29.
Which sentence is a prediction based on opinion?
A) I should love this movie.
B) I'm going to love this movie.
C) I'm sure you will love this movie.
D) I might love this movie.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C is a prediction based on opinion because it uses "sure" and "you will," indicating a strong belief in the future outcome, which is subjective.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This sentence expresses a personal feeling or desire but not necessarily a prediction.
Option B:
This uses present continuous to express a prediction about the future based on opinion.
Option C:
This is correct as it combines certainty ("sure") with a future tense verb ("will love"), indicating a strong personal belief.
Option D:
This sentence uses "might," which expresses possibility rather than a firm prediction based on opinion.
30.
..... I drink some water?
A) Will.
B) Shall.
C) Would.
D) Should.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Shall" is used to ask for advice or permission, especially in formal situations. In the sentence "I drink some water?", "shall" can be appropriately used to seek advice on whether drinking water is a good idea. This usage aligns with its formal and advisory context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Will - Used for future actions or predictions, not suitable here.
Option B:
Shall - Correctly used to seek advice or permission in a formal tone.
Option C:
Would - Used for past habits or conditional statements, not appropriate here.
Option D:
Should - Suggests obligation or recommendation, but "shall" is more formal and advisory in this context.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are helping verbs?
Helping verbs, also known as auxiliary verbs, assist the principal verb in forming tenses and expressing modality. They include forms of "be," "have," and modal auxiliaries like can, could, may, might, must.
How do helping verbs work with the present continuous tense?
In the present continuous tense, a form of "be" (am, is, are) plus the present participle (-ing form) of the main verb is used. For example, "I am eating" or "She is playing." The helping verb "be" helps to indicate that the action is ongoing.
Can you use more than one helping verb in a sentence?
Yes, multiple helping verbs can be used together. For instance, "She has been studying" uses both the present perfect tense auxiliary "has" and the continuous aspect auxiliary "been." This combination indicates that an action started in the past continues up to now.
How do helping verbs affect agreement with subjects?
Helping verbs must agree with their subject in person and number. For example, "He is going" uses the singular form of "is," while "They are going" uses the plural form. This agreement ensures grammatical correctness in sentences.
What role do helping verbs play in making predictions?
Helping verbs like "will" and "shall" are used to make predictions or express future intentions. For example, "We will visit the museum tomorrow." The helping verb "will" indicates a future action.