What is a helping verb? If I was "taking swimming lessons" is the helping verb "taking" or "swimming"?

2 Answers
Nov 20, 2016

See below

Explanation:

A helping verb is a verb used along with another verb (forming a verb phrase) that helps add meaning and mood to the main verb. A helping verb is also known as a auxiliary verb. Here is a few examples: could, should, would, is, may, might.

In your question, the main verb would be taking with the helping verb was. Hope this helps!

Mar 9, 2017

The sentence: "I was taking swimming lessons."

The main verb is the action "taking".
The helping verb is the modifier "was" showing tense.

Explanation:

The noun is "I".
The adjective is "swimming", describing the object "lessons".

Main verbs are always immediate actions of the subject.

The helping verb can in this case change the tense or the condition of the sentence by changing its own tense or condition.

I am taking swimming lessons.
I should be taking swimming lessons.