these helping verbs: are used to explain an action that is/was/will be in a state of progress and is/was/will be completed before a particular time. (Perfect tenses) can also be used in the continuous form to show actions that are in a state of progress but are ongoing. (Action is still happening in Continuous perfect tenses) Forms of the verb to have (has, have, and had) and will and won’t are often used to create the various perfect aspects. The perfect aspect is subdivided into: past perfect present perfect future perfect The following sentences demonstrate how helping verbs are used to create these aspects: She had stolen the car already by then. (past perfect) I had been dreaming about you when you called. (past perfect continuous) What will we do now that Barbara is gone? (future perfect) Jennifer won’t be going to the dinner. (future perfect) Dave has been working on the task all day. (present perfect continuous) Have you worked here long? (present perfect) I might go there later (future perferct) I may be able to help you with that right now (present continuous perfect) He has to be at work by 8. (future perfect) They have been practicing spanish all day (presend cont. perfect) Helping verbs perform other specific tasks to further modify the action or meaning of the main verb