You need to be watching for the words in italics. These words are all helping verbs. A helping verb does NOT show action. Helping verbs have no meaning on their own. We usually use helping

verbs with main verbs.

.

Be sure to watch for these helping verbs.

Once upon a time there were three young dragons.

Miss Princess

Master RedMiss Debbie

One day their mother was talking about what they would do with their lives. It was time for them to go out into the world.

Little Miss Princess was always very curious. She read everything she could find. She wanted to improve her mind.

Master Red was always blowing his top. He was quick to act but slow to think.

Little Miss Debbie was a planner. She always worked with pride.

Miss Princess read of places where she could read forever. They were called libraries. That is where she would go.

Master Red was just mad at the neighbor dragon for stepping on his foot. All he planned was how to get even.

Sears

Miss Debbie sent for catalogues from all over the world. She would plan her life before she left.

Miss Princess was the first to leave. She had her suitcase. She was going to the New York Public Library!

Public Library

Public Library

The satisfaction Miss Princess felt when she reached the library was great!

Hot-head Red was trapped in the near-by

jungle and was never heard from again.

Miss Debbie had her life all planned out. She promised her mother to write. She was going to build a home near the sea and open a bakery. She had always loved to bake.

After a short time her bakery was famous for its moist cakes.

My

bakery

Miss Debbie’s bakery is now one of the most famous bakeries around the world.

Miss Debbie’s Bakery

There are now Miss Debbie bakeries scattered all over the world.

Which sentences have helping verbs?

1. She ran into the jungle.

2. The moist cake was delicious.

3. She scattered the papers all over the table.

4. Her satisfaction with her job is obvious.

5. The curious children were headed to the library.

6. He has been collecting sporting goods catalogues.7.

No Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes