Verbs and Gerunds Parts of Speech

Verbs Verbs show time and action. Example will jump jumps was jumping

Action Verbs Things that can be done. Example ran punched left did

Helping Verbs Existing is an action. Helping verbs show time, condition, and existence. Example I am mad. Am, is, are, was, were, will, be, being, been, has, have, had, do, did, does, may, might, must, shall, should, would, could, can

Verb Phrases Verb phrases show time, condition, and action. Helping verb + action verb = verb phrase Examples I am studying. They were skipping class. They will fail.

Gerunds Gerunds are the noun forms of verbs. verb+ing = gerund Gerunds are NOT attached to helping verbs. Examples Drawing is fun. Eating late at night may lead to nightmares. He hates doing homework.

There May Be More Than One Verb or Verb Phrase in Each Sentence Ayonna ran to the store and bought chips. Jessica was holding the door when the fight started. Playing football is much more dangerous if you’re not wearing pads. If you are talking during class, you might get in trouble. I am not good at running.

Review Helping verbs show time. Helping verb + action verb = verb phrase. I am walking. I was walking. Gerunds = noun form of verb. Gerund = ing + verb – helping verb. Walking is a good time.

Practice Write down each sentence. Underline the verbs. Circle the gerunds.

1 Eating pizza is fun.

2 Tim might study if he’s not too busy.

3 Playing sports can be healthy.

4 Tom went home, did his chores, and slept.

5 I am not good at lying.

6 Stealing, lying, and cheating are wrong.

7 Are you going to the store?

Answers 1. Eating pizza is fun. 2. Tim might study if he’s not too busy. 3. Playing sports can be healthy. 4. Tom went home, did his chores, and slept. 5. I am not good at lying. 6. Stealing, lying, and cheating are wrong. 7. Are you going to the store?