Verbs
Just Do It
Verb Defined
A verb is a word that expresses…
AN ACTION - Joey punched
Sal in the face.
A CONDITION - I feel
pretty awful right now.
A STATE OF BEING I am thrilled at your
news!
Two Categories

Two main categories of verbs
Action verbs
2. State of being verbs
-Linking verbs
1.
Action Verbs

Action verbs tell what
action someone or
something is doing

The action can be physical or mental.
Action Verbs

MENTAL


“Mr. Johnson thinks most of us are
ready to take this test.”
PHYSICAL

“We worked hard on the grammar
homework.”
Being Verbs


Other verbs express a state of being.
These verbs do not refer to action of any sort.
They simply tell what the subject is.




Burt is the gardener’s assistant.
He seems afraid of the swans.
One swan looks angry.
In fact, swans are hungry.
The most common being verbs are forms
of be itself.
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






Am
is
Are
Was
Were
Be
Being
been
Other being verbs:











Appear
Become
Feel
Grow
Look
Seem
Remain
Smell
Sound
Stay
taste
Identify each verb in the sentences
below. Does it express action or being?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
We parked and locked our bicycles in the rack at the library.
Many, many resources were available there.
I considered several books about wild animals.
All of the books looked interesting.
Finally, I decided on one about tropical birds.
The book described many birds from countries in Central
and South America.
I especially liked the photographs in the book.
The pictures of the birds are very colorful.
Some of the birds’ feathers are pink, orange, red, and green.
I carried the book home in my backpack.
Linking Verbs
A linking verb does
not express
action like we
think of
“action”
It links the subject
of a sentence to
a word in the
predicate
Linking Verbs

“School is the best
part of my life.”
(cough, cough, cough)

“Sophie looks
miserable when we
study grammar.”
Linking Verbs – 2 types

Forms of the verb “to be”



“I am happy.”
“My shoes are wet.”
Verbs that express condition


“Everyone looks bored with
grammar.”
“Most of you seem intelligent.”
The Linking Verbs

“to be” verbs
is
are
am
was
were
been
being
Verbs that
express condition
seem remain
become grow
smell
taste
feel
sound
look
appear

Linking or Action?
BE CAREFUL: The same verb can be linking or
action, depending how it is used

Action


“The cook tastes the fish before
serving it.”
Linking

“This fish tastes delicious.”
Be Careful!
Infinitives are NOT verbs
BE CAREFUL: An infinitive (the word “to”
followed by a verb), is NOT a verb
I am going to go to the store.
How hard is it to operate this
computer?
It is hard to feel bad for criminals.
Verb Phrases
Action and linking verbs are sometimes
combined with one or more auxiliary
verbs -- also called helping verbs -- to
form a verb phrase.
“We are going on vacation.”
Now get this straight! I’m going to say it once….
Verb phrases are VERBS!
You got it?!!
Auxiliary Verbs
Auxiliary verbs


“Mrs. Felipe’s students should
understand nouns and
Main verbs
pronouns by now.”
“Cam has been questioned
hot a lot today.”
Auxiliary Verbs

The most common auxiliary
verbs are forms of…



be (am, is, are, was, were, be, been, being)
have (have, has, had)
do (do, does, did)
Auxiliary Verbs

Other common auxiliaries…
can
could
should
would
shall
will
may
might
must
Verb Phrases
Verb phrases are formed by the
combination of one or more auxiliary
(helping) verbs and a main verb
Coach
Nate
The coach was shouting at Nate all day long.
Verb Phrases
Auxiliary Verb
had
have
was
could have
might have been
is being
Main Verb
Verb Phrase
been
had been
had
have had
doing
was doing
helped
could have helped
seen
might have been seen
repaired
is being repaired
Verb Phrases
Be careful!!
Auxiliary verb(s) and the main
verb may be separated by one
or more words that are not
part of the verb phrase.
Verb Phrases-Separated
“Jenna could not believe her brother would not let her
borrow his ipod.”
“Your parents will never forgive you when I call home
to tell them what you did in class.”
“Our coach might not have been kidding when he
hinted at a tough workout tomorrow.”
The underlined words are NOT verbs and are not
part of these verb phrases
Verb Phrases-Contractions
BE CAREFUL Contractions like
“couldn’t” and
“shouldn’t” and “can’t”
frequently HIDE
auxiliary verbs and
make verb phrases hard
to find
Verb Phrases-Contractions
Sentence with contractions
“You shouldn’t come to practice today if you’re feeling
that badly.”
Same sentence with contractions written out
“You should not come to practice today if you are
feeling that badly.”
Same sentence with verb phrases underlined
“You should not come to practice today if you are
feeling that badly.”
Noun or Verb?
Be careful
kids!!
There are many words that can be
used as nouns or verbs. Be on
your little Sponge Bob toes!
“Our club is in good shape
financially.” (noun)
“Shape up or get out!” (verb)