Asking without an Auxiliary Verb

Asking without an Auxiliary Verb

by Maria Jose
(Concordia, Entre Rios, Argentina)

Hi,

Is it grammatically correct to ask a question such as, “How many bananas George ate last week?” (Since it does not include the auxiliary verb “did.”)

Thanks.

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Dec 16, 2012
Answer
by: Chelsey

No, it is not grammatically correct to ask the question

"How many bananas George ate last week?"

In this example, you need an auxiliary verb.

An auxiliary (or helping) verb comes before a main verb to express and action or state.

Auxiliary verbs also express time.

The auxiliary verb did is used to show past tense and works with singular and plural subjects.

The correct way to word this question would be,

"How many bananas did George eat last week?"

We use the base form of the main verb: eat.

The answer to the question would then use the past tense form of the main verb: ate.

Example Answers

1. George ate five bananas last week.
2. I don't know how many bananas George ate last week.
3. George ate a few bananas last week.

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