To Do and To Have

The verbs to do and to have can be used as auxiliary and main verbs.

My sister does her own taxes (main verb)

Do you believe in ghosts? (auxiliary verb; helps to form a question in the present simple tense)

Ann has a well-playing job. (main verb; the verb to have is used in the present simple tense in American English)

Ann has got a well-playing job. (auxiliary verb; the verb to have is used in the present perfect tense in British ENglish)

Note that the verbs to do and to have are irregular.

You can use the auxiliary verb to do and to have:

• when you don't want to repeat something

Everyone likes going to the movies, but I don't. (=I don't like going to the movies)

• to deny something or say that it is not true

Have you ever been abroad? - No, I haven't. (=I haven't been abroad.)

• to show interest in what somebody has said, or to show surprise

They have been married for 50 years. - Have they? That's unbelievable!

• with so (when you agree) and neither/nor (when you disagree). In this case, an auxiliary verb goes before the subject.

She has helped me a lot. - So have I. (=I have helped you too.)

I don't want to go to work. - Neither do I. (=I don't want to go to work either.)

Guided Practice#

Decide whether the verbs are being used as an auxiliary or main verb of the sentence.

• Kim does her homework at night.
• Do they know about this?
• My grandma has a bad memory.
• Lucy has forgotten to buy milk.

• Kate called in sick, and I .................... . She had called in sick two times already, and I ....................

• Do you remember calling me? - No, I ....................
• Has he been playing tennis for 10 years? - No, he .................... . He has just started.

• They don't know how to cook? - ....................? How is it possible?
• She had tried it many times before. - ....................? I've never heard about it.

• Emma wants to go out with Daniel. - ....................
• I have never been to England. - ....................

Short Story using Auxiliary Verb To Do and To Have#

-Have you heard anything from Sam?

-No, I haven't. I've tried calling him, but he doesn't pick up the phone.

-So have I! Well, maybe he is busy with something right now.

-Actually, I think that Ann has told me something about Sam trying to find a new job, so he might be stressed out now.

-Does she even know him that well?

-Yes, she does. They met at my birthday party last year, and they have become friends at once.

-Have they? I've never seen them hanging out together. Anyway, I hope that he's doing alright.

Independent Practice#

Decide whether the highlighted verb to do and to have is an auxiliary or a main verb in following sentences.

1. I've never been to Paris.

2. She has a big collection of shoes.

3. I can't believe they have forgotten about your birthday!

4. Peter hasn't got any motivation lately.

Give short answers using the auxiliary verb to do and to have.

1. I dont think they will win this game.

2. My friend has never spent Christmas together with his family.

3. Kate likes shopping at weekends.

4. Have you heard the latest news?

5. I've never seen anything like that!

6. Do you believe in fate?