Verbs
Which Verbs are What?
Linking Verbs
Linking verbs link the subject with the complement of the sentence. They can be replaced with an = sign.
The constant linking verbs are: am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been
The sometimes linking verbs are: look, appear, become, seem, grow, remain, stay
Example: The food smells good.
- The verb "smells" can be replaced with an = sign (The food = good). Therefore, it is a linking verb, linking "food" to the adjective describing food ("good").
Helping Verbs (auxiliary verbs)
Helping verbs help out the main verb (typically action verb) in the sentence.
The helping verbs are: am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been, have, has, had, do, does, did, shall, will, should, would, may, might, must, can, could
Example: She did eat the pizza quickly.
- The helping verb "did" helps out the main verb "eat".
Action Verbs
Actions verbs describe actions and things taking place rather that states of being (helping or linking).
Action Verbs (just a few): ran, jumped, flew, screamed, cried, etc.
Example: Jan screamed when she saw the mummy.
- "Screamed" is an action verb as Jan is physically screaming.