Main verb
Definition
The main verb, also called the lexical verb, carries the central meaning of a verb phrase. Helping verbs may come before it to express tense, aspect, voice, questions, negatives or modality.
Examples
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She has finished the report.
Finished carries the central action, while has is a helping verb.
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They might leave soon.
Leave is the main verb after the modal might.
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Mina owns a small apartment.
The main verb can appear without a helping verb.
Main verb vs. helping verb
They have completed the work.
Have builds the present perfect.
They have enough time.
Have carries the central meaning of possession.
The same word can function as a helping verb or a main verb depending on its role in the verb phrase.
The main verb may be finite or non-finite
When no auxiliary is present, the main verb may carry tense itself. When auxiliaries are present, the main verb often appears as a base form, -ing form or past participle.
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Leo works from home.
The main verb is also finite and carries present tense.
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Leo is working from home.
The main verb is non-finite, while is carries tense.
Common mistakes
She can works from home.
She can work from home.
After a modal helping verb, the main verb uses the base form.
They have finish the report.
They have finished the report.
After perfect have, the main verb uses a past participle.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which word is the main verb in She has been waiting?
Waiting carries the central activity. Has and been are helping verbs.Which sentence uses have as the main verb?
In have two tickets, have carries the meaning of possession.Which main-verb form is correct after might?
A modal is followed by the base form of the main verb.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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