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Bulger
English 9
Grammar Handout #3
VERBS
A verb is _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Action verbs tell what action someone or something is performing. It may show mental action or visible action.
Visible Action
Mental Action
Run
Play
Wonder
Consider
Tell
Write
Believe
Think
Build
Drive
Hope
Decide
Actions verbs can be transitive (if it directs action toward someone or something) or intransitive (if it does not
direct action toward someone or something).
Transitive
Intransitive
I ate the pizza. (Ate what? – The pizza)
The author died. (Died what? – No answer)
Stephen borrowed the book.
Taylor Swift performed well.
She tried on the dress.
We split up to see more of Disneyland.
Linking verbs do not express action. Instead, they connect the subject of the verb to additional information about
the subject. (The most common linking verb is a form of “be”).
The Forms of Be
Am
Am being
Can be
Shall be
Have been
Might have been
Are
Are being
Could be
Should be
Has been
Must have been
Is
Is Being
May be
Will be
Had been
Shall have been
Was
Was Being
Might be
Would be
Could have been
Should have been
Were
Were Being
Must be
May have been
Will have been
Would have been
Other Linking Verbs
Appear
Feel
Look
Seem
Sound
Taste
Become
Grow
Remain
Smell
Stay
Turn
Ex. Kelsey has been happy lately. Linking verb:
Linked words:
Be sure to double check words that can operate as linking verbs and action verbs. (If a verb is a linking verb, am,
are, or is will make sense when substituted for it in a sentence.)
Linking – Robbie grew quite tall.
Action – Robbie grew tomatoes.
The pizza smells good.
Tanya smelled the rose.
Helping verbs are verbs that can be added to another verb to make a single verb phrase.
Helping verbs other than the forms
Verb Phrases
Verb Phrases Separated
of BE
do
have
shall
can
Helping Verb
Key Verbs Mom will certainly not allow anyone
does has
should could
am
talking
in the kitchen.
did
had
will
may
can
write
might must
will be
studying
Has anyone seen my keys?
HW – p 13 Ex 1 (1-10), Ex 2 (1-10); p14 Ex 1 (1-5), Ex 2 (1-10); p 15 Ex 1 (1-10), Ex 2 (1-5); p 16 Ex 2 (1-10); p 17 Ex 1 (1-10), Ex 2 (1-10), p18 Ex 1 (1-10); p
19 Ex 1 (1-10), Ex 2 (1-5); p 20 Ex 1 (1-10), Ex 2 (1-10).