Vibrant Verbs
Identification, Classification, & Application
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Essential Questions

What is the function of a verb?
CCSS 3.1.a Explain the function of nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs in general and their
functions in particular sentences.

Are there important academic vocabulary words
that I need to apply when discussing verbs?
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2.D
Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.

What are the different classifications of verbs?
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.3
Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for
meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening.

How do I apply verbs to create vivid text for my
reader?
Function of a Verb
A
verb is one of the most
important parts of the sentence.
 It tells the subjects actions,
events, or state of being.
 It is always found in the predicate
of a sentence.
Classifications of Verbs
Action
 Being Verbs (To be)
 Linking
 Helping/Main Verbs
 Infinitives (to + verb)
to go, to talk, to walk

Action Verbs

Action Verbs (AV) express physical or mental
action of the subject.
Physcial
Mental
The words are action verbs:
ran
coughed
swallowed
ride
sang
awake
Can you find the action verb in each
sentence?
The girls danced in the recital.
2. Our mailman drove a funny car
last week.
3. His teacher wrote the answers
on the board.
4. Alice worked on her homework
last night.
Move On
1.
No, try again.
Yes, that word is an action
verb!
Try another sentence
Move On
Linking Verbs

A linking verb is a verb which connects a subject
to its predicate without expressing action.
A linking verb connects, or links, the subject to
a word or word group that identifies or
describes the subject.
 These verbs do not express action. They
simply link or connect information to the
subject.

Common Linking Verbs
appear
 become – Always Linking
 feel
 grow
 look
 seem – Always Linking
 remain
 smell
 sound
 stay
 taste
 turn

To Be Verbs – Always
Linking
am
is
are
was
were
will be
was being
has been
had been
Application:





Burt is the gardener’s assistant.
He seems afraid of the swans.
One swan looks angry.
In fact, the swans are hungry.
They become very active after Burt feeds them.
Action or Linking?

There are some words (sense words) that will be
linking or action verbs depending on how they are
used in a sentence.
For example:
 The popcorn smells good. Smells is used as a linking
verb.

I smelled the flowers as I walked through the garden.
Smelled is used as an action verb.
How Do I Know?




We carefully tasted the steaming chili.
Action or Linking?
The milk tasted fresh. Action or Linking?
Dad turned towards my mom to ask her a
question. Action or Linking?
Hannah just turned seventeen.
Action or Linking?
Independent Practice

The boy appears calm after the fire alarm.
________________
 The keys appeared on the table after they had
been missing. ____________
 The audience grew quiet. __________
 The flowers grew taller from all the rain.
 The boys feel tired after their long hike.
_______________
 I feel the cold, wet rain against my skin.
___________________
To Be Verbs
am
is
are
was
were
has been
may be
have been
can be
had been
should be
will be
might be
would have been
Helping or Auxiliary Verbs

A helping/auxiliary verb works with a
main verb to help you understand what
action is taking place.
Elmer was
using the
computer.
Helping Verbs/Helpful Hints:
Other things to keep in mind:
•Not every sentence will have a
helping verb with the main verb.
•When you see a verb ending in
“ing” such as "running", be on
the lookout for a helping verb.
Helping Verbs
•Sometimes there is another
word which separates the
helping verb from the main verb.
One common example is "not",
as in:
•The boy couldn't find his socks.
The helping verb is could and
the main verb is find. Not is a …..
23 Helping Verbs
may be
do
might being does
must been did
am
are
is
was
were
(main) (main)
should have
could had
would has
(main)
will
can
shall
Helping Verbs
•A sentence may contain up to three
helping verbs to the main verb.
•Example:
The dog must have been chasing the cat.
The helping verbs are: must, have, and
been.
The main verb is chasing. HV + MV = VP
http://www.quia.com/rr/121293.html
Present verbs
 An
action verb that describes an
action that is happening now is
called a present tense verb.
The bird flies
through the sky.
Flies is a present tense verb
because it is happening right
now.
Present tense verbs
Many
present tense verbs
end with s, but some end
with es, or ies.
cries
sleeps
splashes
Past Verbs
 Verbs
which tell about actions
which happened some time ago
are past tense verbs.
The dog wanted a
bone.
Wanted is a past tense
verb because the action
has already happened.
Past tense verbs
Many
past tense verbs end
with ed, but some end with d,
or ied.
tried
clapped
played
Future Verbs
 Verbs
which tell about actions
which are going to happen are
future tense verbs.
We will awaken at
six a.m.
Will awaken is a future tense
verb because the action has
not yet happened.
Future tense verbs
Future
tense verbs use
special words to talk about
things that will happen: will,
going to, shall, aim to, etc.
going to start
will enjoy
shall email
Online Verb Games
Hit the Back Arrow on your browser to return.
Take Dave’s Quiz
Helping Verb Quiz
Print and complete the Action Verb
Worksheet
Find the Verb Game
Jeopardy Challenge Board
Present and Past Tense Matching
Game
Verb Machine
More Verb Activities
Irregular Verb Worksheet
 Verb Concentration Game
 ANTS PICNIC (Irregular Verb Game)
 Verb Worksheet
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