Action Verbs LJ #____ 10/19/15

What is an action verb? A verb is one of the most important parts of the sentence. It tells the subject’s actions, events, or state of being. A verb that shows action is called an action verb.

These words are action verbs: ran slept studying read

Present verbs present tense verb An action verb that describes an action that is happening now is called a present tense verb. Ex: A bird flies in the sky.

Present tense verbs s esies Many present tense verbs end with s, but some end with es, or ies. sleeps splashes cries

Past Verbs Verbs which tell about actions which happened some time ago are past tense verbs. Ex: The dog wanted the bone.

Past tense verbs ed, d, ied Many past tense verbs end with ed, but some end with d, or ied. clapped played tried

Future Verbs Verbs which tell about actions which are going to happen are future tense verbs. We will awaken at 5:00 a.m.

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”, “shall ” “aim to please”

Helping Verbs A helping verb works with a main verb to help you understand what action is taking place. was using The girl was using the computer.

23 Helping Verbs may might must be being been am are is was were do does did should could would have had has will can shall

Helping Verbs Other things to keep in mind: Not every sentence will have a helping verb with the main verb. When you see an "ing" verb such as "running", be on the lookout for a helping verb also.

Helping Verbs Sometimes there is another word which separates the helping verb from the main verb. Ex: "not", as in: The boy could not find his socks. The helping verb is could and the main verb is find.

Helping Verbs A sentence may contain up to three helping verbs to the main verb. Ex: The dog must have been chasing the cat. The helping verbs are: must, have, and been; the main verb is chasing.