This document defines and provides examples of different types of verbs: action verbs that show action, linking verbs that connect subjects to predicates, and helping verbs that assist main verbs. It explains that action verbs tell what a subject does, linking verbs link subjects to predicates without showing action, and helping verbs come before and help main verbs. Examples of each verb type are given and readers are asked to identify verbs in sample sentences.

1. © Name That Verb! Action Verbs Linking Verbs Helping/Main Verbs

2. There are different types of verbs. Some show action, and some don’t.

3. An action verb shows action. It tells what the subject of the sentence does.

4. Action Verbs Bill hit the ball. The cat purred softly. I walk to school. Susan spoke to me.

5. A linking verb links, or connects, the subject to the predicate. It does not show action.

6. Common Linking Verbs am is are was were be been seems feels tastes

7. Linking Verbs We are hungry. He was late to school. The winner is Johnny. The rose smells good.

8. A helping verb helps a main verb . The helping verb comes before the main verb.

9. Helping / Main Verbs I am eating my lunch. Ed has taken the test. We were talking .

10. Practice Time In the following sentences, see if you can identify the verb.

11. Ready? Let’s get started!

12. They are watching television.

13. They are watching television. Verb: are watching Type: helping / main

14. Frank was tired after work.

15. Frank was tired after work. Verb: was Type: linking verb

16. My dad drove his car to the store.

17. My dad drove his car to the store. Verb: drove Type: action verb

18. Finding Nemo is her favorite movie.

19. Finding Nemo is her favorite movie. Verb: is Type: linking verb

20. I did my homework right after school.

21. I did my homework right after school. Verb: did Type: action verb

22. Ann was cooking dinner in the kitchen.

23. Ann was cooking dinner in the kitchen. Verb: was cooking Type: helping / main

24. The boys were playing in the park.

25. The boys were playing in the park. Verb: were playing Type: helping / main ACTIVITY