Action Verbs

A Project LA Activity

jump

What is an action verb?

A

verb is one of the most important parts of the sentence. It tells the subjects actions, events, or state of being. It is always found in the predicate of a sentence. A verb that shows action is called an action verb.

The words are action verbs:

coughed ride

ran swallowed
sang

awake

Can you find the action verb in each sentence?

The girls danced in the recital. 2. Our mailman drove a funny car last week. 3. His teacher wrote the answers on the board. 4. Alice worked on her homework last night. Move On
1.

No, try again.

Yes, that word is an action verb!

Try another sentence Move On

Present verbs
An

action verb that describes an action that is happening now is called a present tense verb. The bird flies through the sky.

Flies is a present tense verb because it is happening right now.

Present tense verbs

Many

present tense verbs end with s, but some end with es, or ies.
cries sleeps

splashes

Past Verbs
Verbs

which tell about actions which happened some time ago are past tense verbs. The dog wanted a bone.
Wanted is a past tense verb because the action has already happened.

Past tense verbs

Many

past tense verbs end with ed, but some end with d, or ied.
clapped played tried

Future Verbs
Verbs

which tell about actions which are going to happen are future tense verbs. We will awake at six a.m.
Will awake is a future tense verb because the action has not yet happened.

Future tense verbs

Future

tense verbs use special words to talk about things that will happen: will, going to, shall, aim to, etc.
going to start will enjoy shall email

Helping Verbs

A helping verb works with a main verb to help you understand what action is taking place.

Elmer was using the computer.

23 Helping Verbs
may be do might being does must been did am are is was were (main) (main) should have could had would has will can shall

(main)

Helping Verbs

Other things to keep in mind: Not every sentence will have a helping verb with the main verb. When you see an "ing" verb such as "running", be on the lookout for a helping verb also.

Helping Verbs
Sometimes there is another word which separates the helping verb from the main verb. One common example is "not", as in: The boy couldn't find his socks. The helping verb is could and the main verb is find.

Helping Verbs
A sentence may contain up to three helping verbs to the main verb. An example would be: The dog must have been chasing the cat. The helping verbs are: must, have, and been; the main verb is chasing.

Online Verb Games

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Take Daves Quiz Helping Verb Quiz Print and complete the Action Verb Worksheet Find the Verb Game Jeopardy Challenge Board Present and Past Tense Matching Game Verb Machine

More Verb Activities

Irregular Verb Worksheet Verb Concentration Game ANTS PICNIC (Irregular Verb Game) Verb Worksheet

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