Verb
Verb
Verb
Verbs that express existence are called linking verbs. These connect (or link) the subject of the
sentence with a word in the other half of the sentence that describes or identifies it. If you can
replace the verb with a form of the verb “to be” such as is, was, were, or if you can place an equal sign
there, it is a linking verb.
For example: Andrew appeared tan. Does it make sense to say “Andrew was tan” or “Andrew = tan?”
Yes, so appeared is a linking verb.
Practice Exercise # 1: Underline the verb. Next to it writes whether it is action or linking.
10. The bus driver drove all night to get there in time. __________
Practice Exercise # 2: Underline the verb. Then write whether it is an Action or Linking verb.
Helping Verbs
Helping verbs are verbs that come before a main verb and “help” the main verb. They add more
information or make the verb more specific.
For example: John skated on the pond. No helping verb.
John has skated on the pond. One helping verb.
John has been skating on the pond. Two helping verbs.
John should have been skating already. Three helping verbs.
The main verb, plus the helping verbs is called the verb phrase.
The most common helping verbs are “be, am, are, is, was, were, being, been, can, could, have, has, had,
will, would, do, does, did, shall, should, may, might, must.”
Practice Exercise # 3: Circle the main verb. Underline the verb phrase (verb plus helping verbs).
Practice Exercise # 4: Circle the main verb. Underline the verb phrase (verb plus helping verbs).