Verbs
Verbs• Definition: A verb is a word that
expresses an action or a state of being. Every complete sentence must contain at least one verb.
• There are three types of verbs: 1) action verbs2) linking verbs 3) helping verbs.
Action VerbsAn action verb shows action. It tells what the
subject of the sentence does.
Examples: The dog barked loudly.
I walked to school.They talked on the phone.The kids swam in the pool.
Find an example on your own in your book.
Linking Verbs
• A linking verb joins the subject of a sentence with a word that identifies or describes it. Example: Miss Moylan is excited for KU basketball to start. Example: The candy tasted sweet.
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Common Linking VerbsThe most common linking verbs are forms of
the verb be:am are is was were will becan be have been should be
Other common linking verbs include:appear become feelgrow look seemsmell sound taste
Helping VerbsA helping verb helps a main verb express
tense, mood, or voice. Helping verbs are always with another verb to create a verb phrase.
Example: We should walk to school today.
Note: A helping verb and a main verb are sometimes separated in a sentence.
Example: Do you play any sports?
Common Helping VerbsForms of the verb be:
is am are waswere be been being
Forms of the verb have and do:has have haddo does did
Other common helping verbs:can could may mightmust should will would
Helping Verb Examples
Example: I can’t run very quickly.
Example: Have you ever thought about volunteering?
Find one in your book!
Note: Some verbs can function different types of verbs, depending on how they are used.
Helping Verbs= Helping Verb + Another verbLinking Verbs= Linking Verb + Adjective
Example: Carolyn tasted the sauce. (Action verb: Carolyn is doing the action of tasting.)
The sauce tasted sweet.(Linking verb: �Tasted� is linking the subject sauce
to its descriptor, sweet.)
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PracticeIdentify each verb and its type in the following
sentences:
1) We imagined a future without any wars.
2) Sarah was expecting a better grade on the test.
3) My hair was long, so the barber cut it.