Action, Linking, and Helping Verbs

Front

What is an action verb?

Back

An action verb expresses 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. 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 the sentence: 'The dog barked loudly.'

Back

barked

Front

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

Back

is

Front

Identify the helping verb in the sentence: 'They have finished their homework.'

Back

have

Front

What is the purpose of an action verb in a sentence?

Back

To show what the subject is doing.

Front

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

Back

To connect the subject to additional information about the subject.

Front

What is the purpose of a helping verb in a sentence?

Back

To assist the main verb in expressing tense, mood, or voice.

Front

Example of a sentence with both an action verb and a helping verb:

Back

She is running fast.