Grammar Unit Verbs

Let’s Review... The verb is the fourth of the eight parts of speech. Just for the record, here are all eight: Noun Pronoun Adjective Verb Adverb Preposition Conjunction Interjection

Verbs can be used in different ways. They can be action or linking. They can be in active or passive voice … Where do we begin?

First, let's start with a basic definition: A verb is a word that expresses action, makes a statement, or links relationships.

You now have 2 minutes... to see how many Verbs you can list

Action verbs do just that. They demonstrate action. Examples: Susie hit the ball. Jim cooked spaghetti. Taylor drove the tractor.

Linking verbs make statements OR they express links and relationships. Examples, statements: She is a good Mathlete. He is a football singer. Examples, links/relationships: She is my mother. That boy is my neighbor.

Linking verbs are on a special list: Am Is Are Was Were Be Being Been Has been Have been Had been Will be Shall be May be Would have been Should have been Can be Should be Would be (any combination that ENDS with be or been.) Seem Become Taste Feel Smell Sound Look Appear Grow Remain Stay

In a verb phrase, it is the word that ENDS the phrase that determines usage. For example, in the phrase, "is cooking," even though "is" would be classified as a linking verb used by itself, the last word in the phrase is "cooking." Therefore, the verb phrase is action and "is" was used simply as a helping verb - NOT a linking verb. There are three more things you should know about Linking Verbs...

F.Y.I.: Linking verbs can be in any tense and can have endings such as "ing" or "ed" and they are STILL linking verbs. TIP: Some of the verbs on the linking verb list can be used as action verbs OR linking verbs. Be sure to reason out their usage. Now we are going to identify verbs and linking verbs in sentences...

Examples: The tree grew to be quite tall. (action verb - The tree physically grew.) The man grew weary. (linking verb - expresses a statement, even a relationship between the man and "weary.") She is looking at the picture. (action verb - She is physically doing the action of looking.) She is looking paler by the minute. (linking verb - links "she" with "paler.")

Take a few moments to review for the quiz

Verb Homework In a newspaper or magazine, or on the internet, find an article that interests you and is at least 10 lines long. Tape the article to a clean sheet of paper. Underline and identify all the verbs in the article. Due Tomorrow at the beginning of class.