Verbs in tenses other than the simple present and simple past consist of two or more than two words. The last word is the main verb which is preceded by two or more auxiliary verbs.

Study the following sentences.

• I have been writing. (Main verb – writing; first auxiliary – have; second auxiliary – been)
• She is writing. (Main verb – writing; auxiliary verb – is)

Formation of negative sentences

When the verb consists of two or more words, the negative sentence is formed by putting not after the first auxiliary verb.

• I am writing. (Assertive)
• I am not writing. (Negative)
• They have been working. (Assertive)
• They have not been working. (Negative)
• I will come. (Assertive)
• I will not come. (Negative)

The same rules apply when the sentence is in the passive.

• A letter has been written by me. (Passive-Assertive sentence)
• A letter has not been written by me. (Passive-negative sentence)

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