Verbs-It’s what’s happening!

What is a verb? Simply speaking, verbs show action.

Main verbs The verb is strong enough to be the only verb in the sentence. It can be the only verb and the sentence will still make sense. Ex: The baby grumbles.

Main Verbs/Action Verbs The main verb in a sentence shows action or a state of being. An action verb shows an action performed by a noun. Example: The dog ran back home. Which is the verb? In this sentence, ran shows an action.

Linking Verbs Verbs that show state of being (come from the verb “to be”) are called linking verbs. Linking verbs also link a noun to an action or description. Ex: My pet is a dog. Which is the verb? In this sentence, is shows a state of being. Ex: Gracie, my dog, appears sweet. This is a picture of my dog, Gracie.

Sung to the tune of “London Bridge” "London Bridge Linking Verbs” Be am is are was were been Has have had Do does did Can could shall should will would may Might must being

Try this! bs_and_Linking_Verbs.pdf bs_and_Linking_Verbs.pdf nking_verbs.pdf nking_verbs.pdf

Helping Verbs Helping verbs “help out” the main verb in a sentence. They accomplish this by showing when a sentence took place. For example: past, present or future. Want to see some types of helping verbs? Just continue with the presentation…

1. “Be” verbs. The term “be verbs” is a little deceiving because they include more than the word “be.” They help show a state of being or a state of existing. Sounds a little boring doesn’t it? Well, they don’t show any action, that’s for sure. – Here is a list of “be” verb forms: am, is, are, was, were, been, being, be. Examples: Katy is watching television. The other children are playing outside. He was being rude to the principal.

Some more helping verbs: 2. Have. Have is used to show action that is already completed. I have finished washing the dishes. (Dish washing is complete! Present tense-the dishes are currently clean.) I had some dollars, but then I lost them! (The money is over and done with, sorry pal. Past tense) 3. Do. The verb “do” can perform a variety of functions: To make negatives: I do not care for broccoli. To ask questions: Do you like broccoli? To show emphasis: I do you want you to eat your broccoli. To stand for a main verb: Sam likes broccoli more than Carmen does.

Some helping verbs help express possibility or necessity. Here are some examples: 1. Can, could. I can’t reach the top shelf. You could try using a stepladder. 2. May, might. The bus may arrive on time this morning. It might be full of rowdy passengers, though. 3. Will, would. Will Katy ride with James to soccer practice? Would she prefer to ride with Emily instead? 4. Shall, should. Shall I set the table now? You should wait a little longer. 5. Must. You really must see a doctor about that nasty cut. Not every sentence has or needs a helping verb. Any time you see a verb ending in “ing”, a helping verb usually accompanies it. Sometimes other words separate the helping verb and main verb in the sentence. The word “not” is an example. Sarah couldn’t run as fast as Beth. Here the word “not” separates the helping verb “could” from the main verb “run.”

Try this! bs.pdf bs.pdf

Quick review If it shows an action-it’s an action verb! If it comes before a description or noun and shows a state of being-it’s a linking verb! Does the verb have little meaning on its’ own, tell you when the action took place, or show possibility?-it’s a helping verb! – Remember, linking verbs are usually seen with a noun or adjective. – Helping verbs tell you when and how. So, check the tense of the verb (past, present, future)

On your index card, write… Action verbs-show action. Ex: He ran well. Linking verbs-show states of being and usually come before nouns or adjectives. Ex: He is a good runner. Helping verbs-don’t make sense alone, tell when, show possibility and are before other verbs. He can run really well. The difference in a linking verb and a helping is: Linking verbs come before a noun and helping verbs come before another verb.

Information taken from worksheets/?vm=r&s=1