Name That
Verb!
• Action Verbs
• Linking Verbs
• Helping/Main Verbs
© Brent Coley 2008 | www.mrcoley.com
There are different
types of verbs.
Some show action,
and some don’t.
An action verb
shows action. It
tells what the
subject of the
sentence does.
Action Verbs
Bill hit the ball.
The cat purred softly.
I walk to school.
Susan spoke to me.
A linking verb
links, or connects,
the subject to the
predicate. It does
not show action.
Common Linking
Verbs
am is are was
were be been
seems feels tastes
Linking Verbs
We are hungry.
He was late to school.
The winner is Johnny.
The rose smells good.
A helping verb
helps a main verb.
The helping verb
comes before the
main verb.
Helping/Main
Verbs
I am eating my lunch.
Ed has taken the test.
We were talking.
Practice Time
In the following
sentences, see if
you can identify
the verb.
Ready?
Let’s get started!
They are watching
television.
They are watching
television.
Verb: are watching
They are watching
television.
Verb: are watching
Type: helping/main
Frank was tired
after work.
Frank was tired
after work.
Verb: was
Frank was tired
after work.
Verb: was
Type: linking verb
My dad drove his
car to the store.
My dad drove his
car to the store.
Verb: drove
My dad drove his
car to the store.
Verb: drove
Type: action verb
Finding Nemo is her
favorite movie.
Finding Nemo is her
favorite movie.
Verb: is
Finding Nemo is her
favorite movie.
Verb: is
Type: linking verb
I did my homework
right after school.
I did my homework
right after school.
Verb: did
I did my homework
right after school.
Verb: did
Type: action verb
Ann was cooking
dinner in the
kitchen.
Ann was cooking
dinner in the
kitchen.
Verb: was cooking
Ann was cooking
dinner in the
kitchen.
Verb: was cooking
Type: helping/main
The boys were
playing in the park.
The boys were
playing in the park.
Verb: were playing
The boys were
playing in the park.
Verb: were playing
Type: helping/main
Sarah competed in
the track meet.
Sarah competed in
the track meet.
Verb: competed
Sarah competed in
the track meet.
Verb: competed
Type: action verb
The ocean water
tastes salty.
The ocean water
tastes salty.
Verb: tastes
The ocean water
tastes salty.
Verb: tastes
Type: linking verb
Thomas raised his
hand.
Thomas raised his
hand.
Verb: raised
Thomas raised his
hand.
Verb: raised
Type: action verb
The teacher
answered his
question.
The teacher
answered his
question.
Verb: answered
The teacher
answered his
question.
Verb: answered
Type: action verb
Randy is studying
for his grammar
test.
Randy is studying
for his grammar
test.
Verb: is studying
Randy is studying
for his grammar
test.
Verb: is studying
Type: helping/main
They will be late to
the party.
They will be late to
the party.
Verb: will be
They will be late to
the party.
Verb: will be
Type: linking verb
I am thirsty after all
that running.
I am thirsty after all
that running.
Verb: am
I am thirsty after all
that running.
Verb: am
Type: linking verb
We have learned a
lot about verbs.
We have learned a
lot about verbs.
Verb: have learned
We have learned a
lot about verbs.
Verb: have learned
Type: helping/main
Great job!
Now that you’re
an expert on
verbs, be sure to
use the related
flash cards on
direct objects,
predicate nouns,
and predicate
adjectives.