a verbal; the —ing form of the verb used as a noun. Ex.: I love dancing.
helping verbs
1. three common verbs that can either stand alone or be combined with ("help") other verbs: be, have, and do. Ex.: " I was angry" ("was" stands alone); "I was helping Sue" ("was" acts as helping verb).
2. nine verbs (also known as modals or modal auxiliaries) that are always used in combination with other verbs: can, could, may, might, shall, should, will, would, must
infinitive
a verbal; to plus the base form of the verb. Ex.: I love to dance.
modal auxiliaries
see modals
modals
nine verbs (also known as helping verbs) that are always used in combination with other verbs: can, could, may, might, shall, should, will, would, must
participle
a verbal; the —ing or —ed form of the verb used as an adjective. Ex.: I love dancing bears.
verb tense
the time that a verb shows
Tense
Example
Present
I work.
Past
I worked.
Future
I will work.
Present perfect
I have worked.
Past perfect
I had worked.
Future perfect
I will have worked.
Present progressive
I am working.
Past progressive
I was working.
Future progressive
I will be working.
Present perfect progressive
I have been working.
Past perfect progressive
I had been working.
Future perfect progressive
I will have been working.
verbals
words formed from verbs that often express action: these include infinitives, gerunds, and participles
