Verbs

1. Verbs Verb - expresses action or a state of being.

2. Types • Verb phrase - composed of a main verb and a helping verb, also called an auxiliary verb. • Modal or modal auxiliary verb - a helping verb that is joined with a main verb to express an attitude such as necessity or possibility. • Action Verb - expresses either physical or mental activity • Linking Verbs - connects the subject to a word or word group that identifies or describes the subject.

3. Action Verbs • Some common physical action verbs: speak, sleep, carry, throw, run, etc. • Some common mental action verbs: think, imagine, dream, know, consider, etc. The horse galloped across the field. If the ball touched the line, the umpire made the right call. Do you ever wonder if dogs dream?

4. Linking Verbs • Common linking verbs: forms of be, become, remain, seem, sound, stay. Marcy was serious. Computers were once so large that they could fill a room. He remains calm in stressful circumstances. You seem upset.

5. Action and Linking? • Some verbs can be either an action or linking verb, depending on how it’s used: appear, feel, grow, look, smell, taste, etc. • To determine whether a verb is used as an action verb or a linking verb use common sense. Does the verb represent an actual action or is it used to describe a state of being in a more interesting way?

6. Action and Linking Examples The magician appear in a cloud of smoke. Action My teacher appeared tired at the beginning of class. Linking I felt the rough texture of the sandpaper. Action I felt depressed after failing the test. Linking The tree grew until it was taller than the house. Action The children grow bored during grammar lessons. Linking You smell the aroma of cookies baking. Action You smell terrible. Linking