Verbs Action, Linking, and Helping Verbs

Verbs A word that shows action, links another word in the sentence to the subject, helps another verb, or indicates existence. Bill painted the barn. (action – shows what the subject is doing) The coffee was hot. (linking – links hot to the subject coffee) Robert is cutting the lawn. (helping – is helps cutting to show action) The actors are on stage. (indicates the existence of the actors) The verb is the most important part of speech. All parts of the sentence are built around the verb. Recognizing verbs will help you to become a better reader and writer.

Recognizing Action Verbs Expresses physical or mental action Physical – kick, swallow, speak, close, swing Mental – believe, ponder, think, imagine, realize Some verbs have receivers for the action; others do not. Verbs that have receivers for the action are called transitive verbs. The pitcher threw the ball. (Ball receives the action of being thrown.) Mr. Gray reseeded his lawn. (Lawn receives the action of being reseeded.) We repaired the sail on our boat. (Sail receives the action of being repaired.)

Recognizing Action Verbs Verbs that do not have receivers for the action are called intransitive verbs. Their plot failed. The train stopped at the crossing. The ball sailed over the fence. In these examples, there is nothing that is receiving the action of the verb. The same verb may be transitive in one sentence and intransitive in another. Amy plays tennis twice a week. (transitive – tennis receives the action of being played) Amy plays regularly. (intransitive – no receiver of the action) Note: To determine whether a verb is transitive or intransitive, ask yourself whom or what after the verb. Complete exercises

Recognizing Linking Verbs Does not express an action Links the subject to another word in the sentence that comes after the verb The patient’s forehead felt hot. (Felt links the subject forehead to the adjective hot.) Our coach’s strategy was logical. (Was links the subject strategy to the adjective logical.) Donna is my sister. (Is links the subject Donna to the noun sister.) Linking Verbs amweretastelookgrow isbefeelappearremain arebeingsmellbecomestay wasbeensoundseemturn

Recognizing Linking Verbs BE= am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been Can also be used helping verbs Verbs ending with be or been are forms of the verb “be.” Has been, had been, will be, should be Taste, feel, smell, sound, look, appear, become, seem, grow, remain and stay= action or linking depending on the sense of the sentence The roasted turkey smell appetizing. (Smelled is a linking verb that links appetizing to the subject turkey. The turkey is not performing the action of smell.) We smelled the delightful aroma as we entered the room. (Smelled is an action verb. The subject “We” performed the action of smelling. Note: Ask yourself if the subject is performing the action. Yes=action verb No=linking verb Complete exercises

Recognizing Helping Verbs Helps the main verb make a statement No man can work two full time jobs. (The helping verb can helps the main verb work to show the action.) Kelly might be happy to see her sister. (The helping verb might helps the main verb be to link Kelly to happy.) There will be rewards for hard work. (The helping verb will helps the main verb be to indicate existence.)

Recognizing Helping Verbs Note: Be verbs can be linking or helping. Have and do can be action or helping. The last word in the verb phrase determines whether the verb is action or linking.

Recognizing Helping Verbs Verb phrase – the main verb and its helping verbs Two new clubs will be formed this year. Verbs phrases can be interrupted by other words. Not, Never and Always are common interrupters. I will not compete on Saturday. You will never convince me of that. The subject in a question usually interrupts the verb phrase. Will you go to the party with me? Compete exercises

Reading/Writing Help How does recognizing verbs help you when you are reading and writing? Discuss with a partner. List at least three ways. Discuss as a class.