Action, Linking, & Helping Verbs

Master action, linking, and helping verbs! Improve your writing with clear examples and practice.

Action, Linking, and Helping Verbs--An Overview Since all good writing starts with strong verbs, this part of speech is very important. There are 3 basic types of verbs:The ACTION VERB--tells what action the sentence's subject (or doer) performs, is performing, has performed, or will perform. Basically--what is DOES. --Our lawyer SPEAKS frequently with her clients. --This lawyer HAS SPOKEN with some clients this week. --These attorneys will be SPEAKING soon.The LINKING VERB--connects (or links) a subject (or doer) to a noun, pronoun, or adjective in a sentence. The words that follow a linking verb answer the question "WHAT?" Basically--what it IS. *Common linking verbs are: is, are, was, were, be, been and am. --These chickens ARE hungry. --Selena IS the club president. !! To tell the difference between an ACTION VERB and a LINKING VERB, substitute a from of the verb BE. If the new sentence seems logical, the verb you relplace is probably a LINKING VERB!! --Sylvia SOUNDED the alarm (Sylvia BE the alarm? No--so ACTION VERB) --Sylvia SOUNDED nervous (Sylvia (form of be=is) IS nervous? YES--so LINKING VERB!)The HELPING VERB-- assists the main verb in a sentence. One or more helping verbs can assist the main verb. If a sentence is a question, answer the question, and the helping verb will precede the main verb. --This mechanic WILL repair the auto this morning. --These mechanics WILL BE inspecting the auto this afternoon. --HAS the mechanic spoken with you yet? What are linking verbs? (video) Please watch this short video detailing more of what is being discussed above--especially about Action vrs Linking Verbs! In the table below, sort the verbs into action verbs and linking verbs. Action Verbs hope inform argue offer examine ask cry act Linking Verbs am is are was were be being been Match the sentence with the correct verb type. Little Johnny lied to his mom. Action Verb Little Johnny is now in trouble. Linking Verb Little Johnny was upset. Linking Verb Little Johnny sobs in time-out. Action Verb Action or linking verb?Ifelt tired, so I went to bed. action verb linking verb Action or linking verb?Frank looked at the sleepy monkey and worried it would fall out of the tree. action verb linking verb Action or linking verb?Tai heard the orchestra playing and knew he was late. action verb linking verb