Verbs Parts of Speech EnglishI-General

Verbs A verb is a word used to express action or a state of being. –There are different classes of verbs: Auxiliary Verbs/Helping Verbs Action Verbs –Transitive –Intransitive Linking Verbs

Action Verbs An action verb expresses physical or mental activity. –There are two types: Transitive Verbs Intransitive Verbs –Dictionaries usually divide action verbs into both of these classes to help you better understand how to use them. »Transitive = v.t. »Intransitive = v.i.

Transitive vs. Intransitive A transitive verb is an action verb that takes an object. An intransitive verb is an action verb that does not take an object. –Object: a noun or pronoun that tells “who” or “what”

Transitive vs. Intransitive I wrote the essay. [essay receives the action of wrote]—transitive Adam’s mother grounded him. [him receives the action of grounded]— transitive Rachel sneezed. [no object needed]— intransitive Richard spoke before thinking. [no object needed]—intransitive

Transitive vs. Intransitive Some verbs can be both transitive and intransitive. –My sister teaches biology. [transitive] –My sister teaches well. [intransitive]

Linking Verbs A verb that connects the subject with a noun, a pronoun, or an adjective that describes or identifies the subject. –The word that is linked to the subject is called the subject complement A good friend is a gift. Elizabeth is a good friend.

Action vs. Linking Some verbs can function as both. –To figure out the type of the verb, insert a form of “be” or “seem”. –If the sentence makes sense, the verb can be classified as a linking verb.

Helping/Auxiliary Verbs auxiliary verbs help a main verb make sense. –Auxiliary verbs cause verb phrases I am going to the store [am = helping verb; going = main verb. You have offended me [have = helping verb; offended = main verb] –The word not and its contraction form (n’t) are never part of a verb phrase…they are adjectives. –Verb phrases can be separated. »Have you seen Super Bad?