English-based Exercises
Main & Auxiliary Verbs;
More Verb Characteristics Practice (Tense, Aspect)
1. Identify all the verbs in the following sentences. For each verb, indicate whether it is a
main or auxiliary verb. For auxiliaries, indicate their type (modal or aspectual).
1) Linda is making a cake for Paul.
2) Ringo argued with Brian.
3) George will be writing a novel.
4) She reads the paper every morning.
5) John might have been telling a joke.
2. Decide whether the verbs in italics are main verbs or auxiliaries in the sentences given below.
1) I have no books.
2) She was washing the dishes.
3) The board has rejected his claim.
4) My brother is a policeman.
5) What have you been reading?
3. For each verb unit, identify its tense and aspect.
1) We left the room early.
2) The faucet has been leaking.
3) We have invited Mike.
4) Messages transmit rapidly by satellite.
5) We will be discussing it tomorrow.
6) They may have left.