Name: ________________________
Verb Study Guide
*An action verb is a word that shows action. It tells what the subject of
the sentence does or did.
Lisa hit a homerun.
*The tense of a verb tells when something happens.
A verb in the present tense tells something that is happening now.
I practice the violin before dinner.
A verb in the past tense tells that something has already happened.
I practiced the violin before dinner.
A verb in the future tense shows something is going to happen.
I will practice the violin before dinner.
*A helping verb helps the main verb show action or make a statement.
Patty is writing a book about the space shuttle.
Helping verbs include:
am, is, are, was, were, will, shall, have, should, has, had, could, can
*A linking verb links the subject to a noun or an adjective. Linking verbs do
not show action.
Sam is an incredible skateboarder.
She became nervous before the performance.
Some common linking verbs are:
am, are, is, was, were, will be, look, taste, smell, feel, become,
appear, seem
Be careful!! Some verbs may serve as either action verbs or linking verbs.
The rabbit appeared from the bush. (action verb)
It appeared frightened. (linking verb)
*An irregular verb is a verb that does not add –d or –ed to form the past
tense.
begin – began
eat – ate
swim – swam
fall - fell