Action Verbs vs. Linking Verbs vs. Helping Verbs

Front

What is an action verb?

Back

An action verb is a word that describes a physical or mental action. Examples: run, jump, think.

Front

What is a linking verb?

Back

A linking verb connects the subject of a sentence to a subject complement. It does not show action. Examples: is, are, was, were.

Front

What is a helping verb?

Back

A helping verb (or auxiliary verb) is used with a main verb to form a verb phrase. Examples: is, have, will.

Front

Identify the action verb in this sentence: 'The dog barks loudly.'

Back

barks

Front

Identify the linking verb in this sentence: 'She is a teacher.'

Back

is

Front

Identify the helping verb in this sentence: 'They are playing soccer.'

Back

are

Front

What is a verb phrase?

Back

A verb phrase consists of a main verb and one or more helping verbs. Example: 'is eating'.

Front

How can you tell if a verb is action or linking?

Back

Action verbs show action, while linking verbs connect the subject to more information about it.

Front

Give an example of a sentence with a helping verb.

Back

'He has finished his homework.' (Helping verb: has)

Front

What is the role of a linking verb in a sentence?

Back

A linking verb connects the subject to a word that describes or identifies it.