Verb Notes

Action Verb An action verb is a word that describes what someone or something does. An action verb names an action. Example: attract, reach, jump, hop, think, roam, falls, remember, calculate, rationalize

Linking Verb A linking verb connects a sentence’s subject with a noun or an adjective in the predicate. Common linking verbs (copy chart): appear, be, been, being, become, feel, grow, look, remain, seem, smell, sound, taste, am, is, are, was, & were.

Example: linking verb Black Beauty is a novel by Anna Sewell. The linking verb is “is”. “is” links Black Beauty and novel

Example: linking verb Black Beauty is gentle. “is” links Black Beauty with gentle

Direct Object A direct object receives the action from the verb. It answers the question what? or whom? after an action verb. Not every sentence has a direct object.

Example: action verb & direct object The equator divides Africa in two.

Example: action verb & direct object Streams and wells create oases in the desert.

Example: action verb & direct object Not even cars cross the sand dunes.

Example: action verb & NO direct object In the eastern Sahara, the sun shines for thousands of hours every year.

Example: action verb & NO direct object In flat regions the Nile River flows slowly.

Indirect Object An indirect object comes after the action verb and before the direct object. An indirect object answers the question to whom? or for whom?

Example: action verb with indirect object & direct object Jim built his granddaughter a sandcastle on the beach. Indirect object – for whom Direct object - what

Example: action verb with indirect object & direct object We told Mom a lie about the broken lamp. Direct object - what Indirect object – for whom

Example: action verb with indirect object & direct object Tomas paid the mechanic 200 dollars to fix the squeaky brakes. Indirect object – for whom Direct object - what

Helping Verb A helping verb is a verb that helps the main verb express an action or make a statement. Examples: am, is, are, was, were, have, has, had, did, shall, and will. "The Helping Verbs Song"

Shyla can ride her bike to school. Example: helping verb Shyla can ride her bike to school.

Samuel has broken the remote control again. Example: helping verb Samuel has broken the remote control again.

Mrs. Smith is bringing a chocolate cake to the party. Example: helping verb Mrs. Smith is bringing a chocolate cake to the party.

Transitive Verb Intransitive Verb An action verb that is followed by a direct object. The polar bears /eat fish. Intransitive Verb An action verb that is not followed by a direct object. The polar bears /eat slowly. What How