This document discusses different types of verbs: action verbs, linking verbs, and helping/main verbs. It provides examples of each verb type in sentences and identifies the verb. It then gives a practice activity where the reader identifies the verb in additional sentences. Key points made are that action verbs show action, linking verbs connect subjects to predicates, and helping verbs assist main verbs.

1. Name That
Verb!
• Action Verbs
• Linking Verbs
• Helping/Main Verbs
© Brent Coley 2008 | www.mrcoley.com

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

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.

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

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

15. Frank was tired
after work.

16. Frank was tired
after work.
Verb: was

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

18. My dad drove his
car to the store.

19. My dad drove his
car to the store.
Verb: drove

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

21. Finding Nemo is
her favorite movie.

22. Finding Nemo is
her favorite movie.
Verb: is

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

24. I did my homework
right after school.

25. I did my homework
right after school.
Verb: did

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

27. Ann was cooking
dinner in the
kitchen.

28. Ann was cooking
dinner in the
kitchen.
Verb: was cooking

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

30. The boys were
playing in the park.

31. The boys were
playing in the park.
Verb: were playing

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

33. Sarah competed in
the track meet.

34. Sarah competed in
the track meet.
Verb: competed

35. Sarah competed in
the track meet.
Verb: competed
Type: action verb

36. The ocean water
tastes salty.

37. The ocean water
tastes salty.
Verb: tastes

38. The ocean water
tastes salty.
Verb: tastes
Type: linking verb

39. Thomas raised his
hand.

40. Thomas raised his
hand.
Verb: raised

41. Thomas raised his
hand.
Verb: raised
Type: action verb

42. The teacher
answered his
question.

43. The teacher
answered his
question.
Verb: answered

44. The teacher
answered his
question.
Verb: answered
Type: action verb

45. Randy is studying
for his grammar
test.

46. Randy is studying
for his grammar
test.
Verb: is studying

47. Randy is studying
for his grammar
test.
Verb: is studying
Type: helping / main

48. They will be late to
the party.

49. They will be late to
the party.
Verb: will be

50. They will be late to
the party.
Verb: will be
Type: linking verb

51. I am thirsty after all
that running.

52. I am thirsty after all
that running.
Verb: am

53. I am thirsty after all
that running.
Verb: am
Type: linking verb

54. We have learned a
lot about verbs.

55. We have learned a
lot about verbs.
Verb: have learned

56. We have learned a
lot about verbs.
Verb: have learned
Type: helping / main

57. Great job!

58. Now that you’re
an expert on
verbs, be sure to
use the related
flash cards on

59. direct objects,
predicate nouns,
and predicate
adjectives.