Download Verbs--Part I File

Verbs
Verbs are words that show action, a condition or link a subject to another
word in the sentence.
The subject of a sentence is who or what is being spoken about in the
sentence.
Example: My cat likes cheese.
Types of Verbs
1. Action verbs—shows someone or something doing an action. The
action can be physical or mental.
Example—Rufus swam around the pool. (physical action)
Everyone fears King Kong. (mental action)
2.
Linking verbs—shows a state of being; shows someone or
something exists, but they do not show action; links the subject of
the sentence to a noun or an adjective.
 The most common linking verbs are forms of the verb be: is,
am, are, was, were, been, being.
Example: He is happy.
 Smell, look, taste, feel, remain, turn, appear, become, sound,
seem, grow, and stay can also be linking verbs.
 Some words can serve as either linking or action words
(depending on how they are used).
Example:
King Kong looks at Ann Darrow. (action)
She looks frightened. (linking)
3.
Helping verbs—assist the main verb (usually an action verb); some
helping verbs are also linking verbs.
Example: The boat will float in the water.
 Shall, will, should, would, could, must, might, can, may, have, had,
has, do, and did are other common helping verbs.
 Some helping verbs can act as main verbs if they stand alone.
Trick to locating most verbs—change the tense. The word you would change
is the verb.
Practice Activity: Underline all of the verbs. Are they action, linking or
helping verbs?
1.
Brett might have gone to the movies.
2. The girl jumped over the first hurdle.
3. This dog is a beautiful Great Dane.
4. She will probably arrive later in the day.
5. The class thought of a clever solution.
6. Miguel studied all weekend for the test.
7. I must finish this project tonight or it will receive an F.