What do you know
about verbs?
A verb is the part of speech that expresses action, existence or occurrence.
Verbs
Grammarians have fun classifying verbs
in all sorts of ways, but today we’re
going to review three main categories of verbs.
Action Verbs
• We most often think of verbs as “doing”
words that express physical action.
Examples:
The doctor wrote the prescription.
Alison bought a ticket.
Action Verbs
• Action verbs can also express
mental actions.
• Examples:
Peter guessed the winning lottery
number.
I thought the same thing!
• Action verbs: kick, study, scream,
jump, write, memorize
Action Verbs
• How to identify an action verb:
Ask yourself, “Can a person or a thing do this?”
During biology class, Amy napped at her desk.
Michele laughs inappropriately.
Carlos watched the pretty women at the beach.
Linking Verbs
• Linking verbs do not express action, but
connect the main noun of the sentence to
additional information.
• Linking verbs are used more often than
action verbs.
Keila is bored.
My cats are content on the couch.
I felt so tired after that big dinner!
Linking Verbs
• The following verbs are always linking
verbs:
• Any form of “to be” (am, is, are, was, were,
has been, are being, might have been,
etc.), become, and seem.
• There are always exceptions to the rule…
Helping Verbs
A helping verb helps the main verb by
adding additional information to the reader
or listener.
Katey is watching TV in the other room.
Small fish are eaten by big fish.
Do you want some soda?
I have finished my homework.
Draw that Verb
• On one side of your paper, write a sentence
using an action verb and illustrate the physical
or mental action of your sentence. Label the
drawing ACTION VERB and underline the verb
in your sentence.
• Example: I scored the winning goal in the soccer
game. –or- My sister plays piano like a maniac.
• Do the same for LINKING VERB on other side of
paper.
• Example: Stephanie is a shopaholic. –or- I am in
love with One Direction.