VERBS

Action, Linking, Helping

A verb is a word that expresses action or a state of being. Example: We went to Boston, Massachusetts

for our annual family reunion. Example: We raced to the finish line as the

crowd cheered for us down the last 50 meters.

Example: Is a firefly a kind of beetle or a butterfly?

Every complete sentence has a verb. The verb says something about the subject

Action verb

Expresses physical or mental activity Example: I used a calculator in math class

today to solve difficult equations. (physical) Example: Fran understands the science

assignment better than all the other students. (mental)

Practice

Identify the action verb in the following sentences.

The Maricopa artists make unusual pottery.

The Maricopa people live in Arizona. One kind of clay forms the bowl or

platter itself. First, the potters mold the clay by hand.

Check for understanding

The Maricopa artists make unusual pottery.

The Maricopa people live in Arizona. One kind of clay forms the bowl or

platter itself. First, the potters mold the clay by hand.

Linking verb

Connects or links the subject to a word or word group that identifies or describes the subject. Example: Christopher Paul Curtis is an

author whose books have won many awards. (connects author to Christopher Paul Curtis)

The winner was excited as he made his way the stage to receive his award. (connects excited to winner)

Linking verbs to know

Linking verbs formed from BeAm Has been May be

Is Have been Might be

Are Had been Can be

Was Will be Should be

Were Shall be Would have been

Other Linking VerbsAppear Grow Seem

Stay Become Look

Smell Taste Feel

Remain Sound Turn

Practice

Mom sounded happy about winning the major account for her company.

One of the most successful business leaders in the United States is John Johnson.

Of course, roasting peanuts smell wonderful.

It may seem strange, but George Washington Carver once prepared an entire dinner out of peanuts.

He remains the owner of a group of companies worth $200 million per year.

Check for understanding

Mom sounded happy about winning the major account for her company.

One of the most successful business leaders in the United States is John Johnson.

Of course, roasting peanuts smell wonderful. It may seem strange, but George

Washington Carver once prepared an entire dinner out of peanuts.

He remains the owner of a group of companies worth $200 million per year.

Helping verb

Helps the main verb to express action or a state of being. Example: can speak, will learn, should

have been, will be listening, did not think Example: Did you watch the video on how

to make a paper airplane? Example: Many students can speak two

languages by the time they graduate.

Helping verbs to know

Commonly Used Helping VerbsAm Being Do Have Must Were

Are Can Does Is Shall Will

Be Could Had May Should Would

Been Did Has Might Was

Can your neighbor’s dog do tricks? Hikes must be arranged by the park

rangers. A tour guide will gladly explain the

process of oxidation. The colors of the desert do not remain

the same for long. The visitors can purchase the fossilized

wood as a souvenir.

Practice

Can your neighbor’s dog do tricks? Hikes must be arranged by the park

rangers. A tour guide will gladly explain the

process of oxidation. The colors of the desert do not remain

the same for long. The visitors can purchase the fossilized

wood as a souvenir.

Check for understanding

Say something about the subject All complete sentences have at least one Main verb + helping verb = verb phrase Linking, action, helping are all verbs some verbs can be action or linking

verbs depending on how they are used in the sentence

Shows physical or mental activity

Reminders about verbs…