List of English auxiliary verbs

This is a list of English auxiliary verbs, i.e. helping verbs, which include Modal verbs and Semi-modal verbs. See also auxiliary verbs, light verbs, and catenative verbs.

Primary Auxiliary Verbs

 * be


 * do


 * have

Single Word Modal Auxiliary Verbs

 * best
 * better
 * can
 * could
 * dare


 * need
 * may
 * might
 * must
 * ought


 * shall
 * should
 * will
 * would

Two Word Semi-Modal Auxiliary Verb Phrases

 * be to
 * dare to
 * got to (gotta)
 * have to


 * had best
 * had better
 * need to


 * ought to (oughta)
 * would rather
 * used to

Three Word Semi-Modal Auxiliary Verb Phrases

 * be able to
 * be about to
 * be allowed to
 * be bound to
 * be forced to


 * be free to
 * be going to (be gonna)
 * be likely to
 * be obliged to
 * be required to


 * be supposed to
 * be unlikely to
 * be used to
 * get used to
 * have got to