Verbs: Action, Linking and Helping Verbs

Contributed by:
Ivan
Learning how to identify and use action, linking, and helping verbs in sentences. A verb is a word that in syntax conveys an action, an occurrence, or a state of being.

1. Practice with Verbs = name: Pd:
Vv @PrbS are words used to express an action, a condition, or a state of being. The two
main kinds of verbs are action verbs and linking verbs. Both kinds can be accompanied
by helping verbs.
Nee Ars
An action verb tells what the subject does. The action may be physical or mental.
The fish swims in water. (physical action)
| believe in unicorns. (mental action)
A linking verb links the subject of the sentence to a word in the predicate. The most common linking
verbs are forms of the verb be.
We were late to class.
| feel tired.
Some verbs may serve as either action verbs or as linking verbs.
The rabbit appeared from the bush. (action)
Itappeared frightened. (linking)





Common Linking Verbs
Forms of BE be, is, am, are, was, were, been, being
Verbs that express appear, become, feel, grow, look, seem, smell, sound, remain, taste


Ahelping verb helps the main verb express action or show time. They are combined with the main
verbs to form verb phrases.
The bear has run away. (The helping verb is has. The main verb is run.)
A few verbs can serve as either helping verbs or main verbs.
That bear has a baby cub. (The main verb is has.)

Common Helping Verbs




Forms of BE be, is, am, are, was, were, been, being
Forms of HAVE has, have, had
Forms of DO do, does, did
Others could, should, would, may, might, must, can, shall, will




2. Identifying Verbs
Underline the verb or verb phrase in each sentence. On the line to the right, label the verb A for
action or L for linking. If the sentence also has a helping verb, underline it and add the label H to the
line to the right.
Samples: — My family likes the zoo in our city. a
The kangaroos will be safe inside their mothers’ pouches. LE
1. The kangaroos hop across the fields.
2. admire the big cats for their grace and power.
3. The monkeys easily swing from one tree to another.
4, The restless monkeys often sound noisy.
5, The prairie dogs scurry in and out of their holes in the ground.
6. Their movements are rapid.

7. The koala bears have climbed the eucalyptus tree.
8. The peacock seemed more beautiful than before.
9. Inthe rain forest display at the zoo, the birds looked strange and exotic.
10. The goats in the children’s 200 are hoping for treats.
11. Panda bears are rare.
12. Soon the hippopotamus will emerge from the murky water.
13. The hippopotamus can hold its breath for a long time.
14. The snake’s skin feels rather smooth.
3. Identifying Verbs
Underline the verb or verb phrase in each sentence. On the line to the right, label the verb A for
action or L for linking. If the sentence also has a helping verb, underline it and add the label H to the
line to the right.
Samples: — My family likes the zoo in our city. A
The kangaroos will be safe inside their mothers’ pouches. La
1. The kangaroos hop across the fields. A
2. ladmire the big cats for their grace and power. A
3. The monkeys easily swing from one tree to another. A
4. The restless monkeys often sound noisy. L
5. The prairie dogs scurry in and out of their holes in the ground. A
6. Their movements are rapid. L
7. The koala bears have climbed the eucalyptus tree. A,H
8. The peacock seemed more beautiful than before. L
9. Inthe rain forest display at the zoo, the birds looked strange and exotic. L
10. The goats in the children’s zoo are hoping for treats. A,H
11. Panda bears are rare. L
12.Soon the hippopotamus will emerge from the murky water. A,H
13. The hippopotamus can hold its breath for along time. A,H
14. The snake’s skin feels rather smooth. L