Let's solve each sentence in the "Helping Verbs" worksheet step by step. The goal is to choose the correct helping verb (also known as auxiliary verbs) that makes each sentence grammatically correct and meaningful.
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1. Tim ______ just learned to ride a bike.
- A. have
- B. has
- C. will
Analysis:
The subject is "Tim" (singular), and the phrase "just learned" suggests a recent past action. But note: "has just learned" is the correct form for present perfect tense, which describes an action completed recently.
✔ Correct answer:
B. has
→ "Tim has just learned to ride a bike."
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2. The girls ______ shopping all afternoon.
- A. was
- B. were
- C. will
Analysis:
Subject: "The girls" (plural).
Action: "shopping" — this is continuous action (present continuous).
We need a helping verb that matches plural subject and continuous tense.
✔ Correct answer:
B. were
→ "The girls were shopping all afternoon."
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3. The mail ______ be later than usual today.
- A. was
- B. will
- C. has
Analysis:
This sentence predicts a future event ("be later than usual").
We need a helping verb indicating future tense.
✔ Correct answer:
B. will
→ "The mail will be later than usual today."
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4. She ______ set her alarm for eight.
- A. were
- B. have
- C. has
Analysis:
Subject: "She" (singular).
"Set" is a past tense verb, but we're likely referring to something she did recently (completed action).
Use present perfect: "has set" — indicates a completed action with relevance now.
✔ Correct answer:
C. has
→ "She has set her alarm for eight."
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5. The cats ______ both sleeping right now.
- A. are
- B. is
- C. will
Analysis:
Subject: "The cats" (plural).
"Sleeping" is present participle → needs helping verb for present continuous tense.
✔ Correct answer:
A. are
→ "The cats are both sleeping right now."
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6. Toby ______ whining to I told him to go to his room.
- A. was
- B. can
- C. am
Analysis:
This is a past continuous action: "Toby was whining" when someone told him to go to his room.
So we need the past continuous form: "was whining".
✔ Correct answer:
A. was
→ "Toby was whining when I told him to go to his room."
(Note: The sentence seems slightly off — probably meant to say "when I told him..." or similar. But based on context, "was" fits.)
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7. Those who ______ help have all signed up.
- A. could
- B. have
- C. can
Analysis:
This is a relative clause: "Those who [can] help" — meaning people capable of helping.
"Can" expresses ability.
"Could" would imply past ability or possibility, but here it’s about current capability.
✔ Correct answer:
C. can
→ "Those who can help have all signed up."
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✔ Final Answers:
1.
B. has
2.
B. were
3.
B. will
4.
C. has
5.
A. are
6.
A. was
7.
C. can
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🔍 Summary:
- Helping verbs include *have, has, had, be, was, were, will, can, could*, etc.
- Match the subject number (singular/plural).
- Use correct tense: present, past, future, perfect, continuous.
- Consider the context (e.g., ongoing action, completed action, ability).
Let me know if you'd like a printable version or explanation in simpler terms!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of using verbs correctly worksheet.
