1. Verbs and Verb Phrases
By Mrs. Thomas

2. Verbs There are several types of verbs: Action Verbs Linking Verbs
Helping Verbs
Infinitives
Gerunds

3. Action Verbs Show action You can play charades with verbs
Jim ran around the playground.
Sheila swam a mile.
Jim ran in the relay race.
You can play charades with verbs
I need three volunteers:
Think of a verb in your head. When you are called on, you will act out the verb.

4. Linking Verbs
Linking verbs link the subject of the sentence to the predicate.
You can NOT act out a linking verb.
The most common linking verbs are the form of TO BE
is & are
was & were
Substitution Test – Some verbs can be used as both a linking verb and an action verb. To test the verb, simply replace the verb with is, are, or am. If the sentence makes sense then it is a linking verb.

5. Linking Verbs am appear seem is become are smell became was sound feel
The verbs in these boxes could be linking verbs or action verbs. Use the substitution test to make sure.
The linking verbs in this box
are always linking verbs. am is
are
was
were be
been
being
appear
become
became
feel
grow
look
remain
seem
smell
sound
stay
taste
turn

6. Linking Verb Substitution TestA.
Which of these sentences uses a linking verb?
That cake smells fabulous.
She smelled the flower that he gave her.
ANSWER: That cake smells fabulous.
We would not say she is the flower that he gave her because that would not make any sense. B.
Which of these sentences uses a linking verb?
Sylvia tasted the spicy stew.
The stew tasted good.
ANSWER: The stew tasted good.
We would not say Sylvia is spicy stew because that would not make any sense.

7. Helping Verbs Helping Verbs help out the main verb in the sentence. is
are am
was
were be
been
being
can
did
has
have
had
will
shall
may
could
would
should
might
must

8. Helping Verbs Identify the helping verb in the following sentences.A.
Identify the helping verb in the following sentences.
Sam is willing to pay for the broken window.
ANSWER: is
Is helps the verb willing B.
Identify the helping verb in the following sentences.
Jessica should assist her mother with the dishes.
ANSWER: should
Should helps the verb assist

9. Infinitives feel hear help let Make see watch
It is easy to recognize an infinitive when you see one.
Infinitives ALMOST always begin with the word to + a verb
to run
to jump
EXCEPTIONS: The to is dropped when it follows certain verbs:
feel
hear
help
let
Make
see
watch

10. Infinitives Identify the infinitive in the sentence.A.
Identify the infinitive in the sentence.
We are going to swim at the lake.
He was planning to sing the song on Valentine’s Day.
ANSWER: to swim
ANSWER: to sing B.
Identify the infinitive in the sentence.
Did you feel the rain splatter?
Miss Jones is helping us understand fractions.
ANSWER: to splatter
ANSWER: to understand

11. Gerunds
Gerunds are verbs that end in –ing but function as a noun in a sentence.
Travelling is a wonderful way to experience the world.
Travelling is the subject of the sentence.
The crowd did not like my singing.
Singing is the object of the verb in the sentence.

12. Gerunds Identify the gerund in the sentence.A.
Identify the gerund in the sentence.
Swimming is a great way to exercise.
ANSWER: swimming B.
Identify the gerund in the sentence.
Your favorite hobby seems to be sleeping.
ANSWER: sleeping

13. Participles
Participles are verbs that end in –ed or –ing but are used as adjectives in a sentence.
The crying baby had a wet diaper.
The guy, wearing the chicken costume, is my friend.
The burning log fell off the fire.
The church, destroyed by fire, was rebuilt.
Shaken, he walked away from the roller coaster.

14. Participles Identify the participle in each sentence.
Smiling, she hugged the panting dog.
ANSWER: smiling and panting B.
Identify the participle in each sentence.
Removing his shoes, Joey jumped into the lake.
ANSWER: removing

15. What type of verb? A.
Identify the verb in each phrase and what type of verb it is.
We are going to see the horror movie at the theater.
ANSWER: are - helping verb
going – action
to see - infinitive B.
Identify the verb in each phrase and what type of verb it is.
Cycling is an adventurous sport.
ANSWER: cycling - gerund
is – linking verb

16. What type of verb? C.
Identify the verb in each phrase and what type of verb it is.
Watching zombie parades, is really silly.
ANSWER: watching – gerund
is – linking verb D.
Identify the verb in each phrase and what type of verb it is.
My friend is spending the day bird watching.
ANSWER: is - helping verb
spending – action verb
watching - gerund