Section A

The English language has main verbs and

helping verbs.

VERBS

HELPING VERBS MAIN VERBS

be, do have, can, will, etc. learn, change, disappear, etc.
We describe states, actions, and events with
main verbs.

Children learn languages easily.

Helping verbs primarily give grammatical information.
We use helping verbs together with main verbs.

Languages are always changing .

Many languages have disappeared .

How can I improve my language abilities?

Section B
We can use the verbs be, do, and have as either a
main verb or a helping verb.

No one is here.

No one is coming here.

Somebody did all the work.

Did you do anything yesterday?

We can use the verbs be, do, and have as either a
main verb or a helping verb.

We have plenty of time.

I haven’t seen them all day.

Section C
A clause is a group of words with a subject and a
main verb. A sentence can have one or more clauses,
but each clause needs a main verb.

I need a new computer.

(1 clause)

I need a new computer, but I can’t afford it.

(2 clauses)
A clause is a group of words with a subject and a main
verb. A sentence can have one or more clauses, but
each clause needs a main verb.

When you study, you should turn off the TV.

(2 clauses)

I don’t know what she wants, but I’m going to find out.

(3 clauses)
Section D
Many main verbs have more than one meaning.

How far can you run?

(run = go quickly on foot)

He runs a restaurant.

(run = manage)

This road runs south to Dover.

(run = extend; reach)