The learning process can be enjoyable, and most times it becomes disorienting when it comes to verbs. Small words such as is, am, are, was, were, has, have, and had may be small in size, yet they do a lot to dictate the way we talk and write.
Have you ever wondered why you say, “She is happy” and “They are happy” or “He has a toy” and “They have toys” To explain this and other expressions, this simple guide will help you understand such expressions and make it easier for you to use them correctly every time.
1. What Are Helping Verbs?
Helping verbs (also called auxiliary verbs) work together with main verbs to show time, tense, or action.
The most common ones are:
Be verbs: is, am, are, was, were
Have verbs: has, have, had
2. Present Tense: Is, Am, Are
These verbs show what’s happening right now.
I am a student.
She is a doctor.
They are friends.
Remember:
Am goes only with I.
Is is for he, she, it, or one person.
Are is for you, we, they, or more than one person.
3. Past Tense: Was, Were
These verbs talk about something that already happened.
She was tired yesterday.
They were at the park.
Remember:
Was is used for one person or thing.
Were is used for more than one person or thing, and also with you.
4. Has, Have, and Had
These words come from the verb to have and show that something belongs to someone, or that something is complete.
I have a pencil.
She has a cat.
They had a great time.
In the present:
Has is for he, she, it, or one person.
Have is for I, you, we, they, or more than one person.
In the past:
Had is used for everyone, no matter singular or plural.
5. Common Mistakes
She have a doll. (Wrong)
She has a doll. (Right)
You was late. (Wrong)
You were late. (Right)
I am go to school. (Wrong)
I am going to school. (Right)
6. Try These
She ___ a kind teacher. (is/are)
I ___ at home yesterday. (was/were)
You ___ a sweet smile. (has/have)
They ___ finished their work. (has/have)
7. Why It Matters
Getting these verbs right helps you:
- Speak and write clearly
- Understand time and tense
- Avoid small grammar mistakes that change meaning
8. Final Thoughts
It is easy to learn when to use is, am, are, was, were, has, have and had and English becomes easy to learn. Little practice a day, and it will soon become natural.
In EuroSchool, the teaching of English is done using stories, games and activities that make learning interesting. Children do not learn to use language correctly, but with confidence.
Admit your child to EuroSchool and assist him in developing a good ground in the English language.
