Verbs

I.Verbs A. A verb is a word that expresses action or state of being. 1. We went to Boston. (went shows action)

I.Verbs A. A verb is a word that expresses action or state of being. 1. We went to Boston. (went shows action)

I.Verbs A. A verb is a word that expresses action or state of being. 1. We went to Boston. (went shows action) 2. The firefly is green and blue. (is shows state of being)

I.Verbs A. A verb is a word that expresses action or state of being. 1. We went to Boston. (went shows action) 2. The firefly is green and blue. (is shows state of being) B. Every complete subject has a verb. The verb says something about the subject.

II. Main Verbs and Helping Verbs A. In some sentences, a single word is all that is needed to show the action or state of being.

II. Main Verbs and Helping Verbs A. In some sentences, a single word is all that is needed to show the action or state of being. 1. The dog barked. 2. He throws the ball.

II. Main Verbs and Helping Verbs A. In some sentences, a single word is all that is needed to show the action or state of being. That is the main verb. 1. The dog barked. 2. He throws the ball. B. In other sentences, the verb is made of one main verb and one or more helping verbs.

II. Main Verbs and Helping Verbs A. In some sentences, a single word is all that is needed to show the action or state of being. That is the main verb. 1. The dog barked. 2. He throws the ball. B. In other sentences, the verb is made of one main verb and one or more helping verbs. C. The helping verb helps the main verb express action or state of being.

1. We can learn Spanish. (can = helping verb, learn = main verb)

1. We can learn Spanish. (can = helping verb, learn = main verb) 2. He will speak to the teacher. (will = helping verb, speak = main verb)

1. We can learn Spanish. (can = helping verb, learn = main verb) 2. He will speak to the teacher. (will = helping verb, speak = main verb) 3. The pets should have been fed. (should have been = helping verbs, fed = main verb)

1. We can learn Spanish. (can = helping verb, learn = main verb) 2. He will speak to the teacher. (will = helping verb, speak = main verb) 3. The pets should have been fed. (should have been = helping verbs, fed = main verb) D. Together, the main verb and the helping verb are called a verb phrase.

1. We can learn Spanish. (can = helping verb, learn = main verb) 2. He will speak to the teacher. (will = helping verb, speak = main verb) 3. The pets should have been fed. (should have been = helping verbs, fed = main verb) D. Together, the main verb and the helping verb are called a verb phrase. 1. I will be learning the state capitals.

E. Some words can be both helping verbs and main verbs. 1. I do wash the dishes. (main verb) I will do the dishes. (helping verb)

E. Some words can be both helping verbs and main verbs. 1. I do wash the dishes. (main verb) I will do the dishes. (helping verb) F. Sometimes the verb phrase is interrupted by another part of speech. 1. Sue should not call so late at night. (not is NOT part of the verb phrase)

2. Scientists didn’t think the asteroid would hit. (didn’t = did not, not is NOT a verb!) 3. Did you watch the video? (you is NOT a verb)