Parts of Speech Verbs

Verbs Verb – a word that expresses action or a state of being The verb says something about the subject Every sentence must have a verb! Verbs are Classified into 3 types: 1. main or helping 2. action or linking 3. transitive or intransitive verbs

Main Verbs Main – single word that is used to express the action or state of being Ex: jump, walk, think Ex: The dog barked all night. Since only one verb is used, it is the main verb.

Helping Verbs Helping/Auxiliary – helps the main verb to express action or a state of being The dog has been barking all night. The helping verbs has and been assist (or help) the main verb barking. Ex: can speak will learn should have been fed

Common Helping Verbs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca2MoQvv8FA&feature=fvsr

Or to another tune…. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F2JWKY63K0

Verb phrase Verb Phrase: the main verb and its helping verb put together Ex: Many students can speak Spanish. I will be learning all the state capitals tonight. The dog should have been fed by now.

Common Verb Phrases See how many you can make using main and helping verbs you know!

Note: Sometimes the verb phrase is interrupted by another part of speech Ex: Suzanne should not call so late at night. The verb phrase should call is interrupted by the adverb not. The scientists didn’t think the asteroid would hit the earth. The verb phrase did think is interrupted by –n’t. Did you watch the new video? The verb phrase Did watch is interrupted by the subject you.

Action Verbs Action Verbs – expresses either physical or mental activity Ex: Physical activity: I have used a computer in math class. Please cook dinner, Jerome. Mental activity: Fran understands the science assignment. The Magician is thinking of a number.

Linking Verb Linking Verbs – connects, or links, the subject to a word or word group that identifies or describes the subject. Ex: Sandra Cisneros is a writer. The verb is connects writer with the subject Sandra Cisneros. The fireflies are beautiful. The verb phrase are connects beautiful with the subject fireflies. The new superintendent was she. The verb was connects she with the subject superintendent.

Other examples Linking verbs that form the verb be: Is Are Was Were Has been Have been May be Can be Should be Would have been Other linking verbs: Appear Grow Seem Stay Become Look Smell Taste Feel Remain Sound turn

SOME WORDS CAN BE USED AS EITHER Linking or action verbs! They sounded the bell for a fire drill. Mom sounded happy about her new job. The judge will look at my science project. Ann will look funny in her gorilla costume.

Here’s a Test to tell the difference! Remove the verb from the sentence The judge ____________ at my project. Replace it with one of these words (is/are/was/were) depending on the tense. The judge is at my science project. If the sentence still makes sense, the verb you took out was a LINKING verb. If the sentence doesn’t make sense, the verb you took out was an ACTION verb.

So what are these? Mom sounds happy on the phone LINKING They always sound the bell for lunch. Action The judge will look at my science project. ACTION Ann will look funny in her gorilla costume.

Tell whether the verb used is an ACTION or a LINKING verb. PRACTICE Identify the verb. Tell whether the verb used is an ACTION or a LINKING verb. The alphabet chart is helpful linking. is - linking Many people communicate with these letters. Communicate - action Many people use forms of sign language. Use - action At first, it may be a challenge. May be - linking Football players sometimes give signals in sign language. Give - action