1. VERBS

2. General Definition and Action Verbs A verb expresses action or a state of being. An action verb tells what the subject of the sentence does. Ex: Everyone runs when the coach blows her whistle. Ex: I eat dinner at six o’clock.

3. Linking verbs A linking verb does not show action, but instead shows state-of-being. Ex: We were at the store for an hour. Ex: You are in sixth grade. Ex: The dog seems hungry. Ex: You become 7 th graders later this year.

4. Examples of Linking Verbs AmWasBeBecomeFeel IsWere beingLookTaste AreSeemBeenAppearSmell Note: Some linking verbs can also be helping verbs. The difference is that helping verbs are part of a verb phrase which ends with a main (action) verb, but linking verbs never end with an action verb.

5. Helping/Auxiliary Verbs A verb that is made up of more than one word is called a verb phrase. The last word in a verb phrase is the main verb, and the other words are called auxiliary/helping verbs. Ex: Cesar and Ruth are going to soccer practice. Ex: Should we eat dinner now? Ex: Who would like more macaroni and cheese?

6. Helping Verbs HaveHasHad DoDoesDid BeAmIsAre WasWereBeen CanCouldShallShould WillWouldMayMight MustBeing Note: Sing to “This Old Man” to help you remember them. End with “are helping verbs” to finish out the song.

7. Other verb tips: If the word “to” is in front of a simple verb, the entire phrase is labeled as an infinitive verb phrase. Ex: I like to go to the movies. “Like” is main verb, and “to go” is the infinitive verb phrase. The words not, never, and always are NOT part of the verb phrase. They are adverbs. To test if a verb is a linking verb, substitute it with a “to be” verb, such as “am” “is” “was” or “were.” If it still makes sense, it is linking.

8. Practice! Identify the verb or verb phrase in the following sentences, then indicate whether it is an action verb, linking verb, or verb phrase (with a helping verb or infinitive). I am hungry. (“am” = linking / links the person to the adjective, “hungry”) I really could go for some Chipotle right now. (“could go” = verb phrase / “could” is the helping verb & “go” is the main/action verb) I love to eat chicken fajita burritos. (“to eat” = infinitive verb phrase / “to” + main verb) I will leave school and head to Chipotle. (“will leave” = verb phrase “head” = action verb)