VERBS

1. Verbs
FROM THE WRITING CENTER
@ THE A.R.C.

2. Objectives
 Define what a verb is.
 Understand how verbs are used in sentences.
 Use different ways to identify verbs.
 Avoid confusion with verbs.
 Learn the different types of verbs.

3. What is a Verb?
A verb is a word in which is used to describe an action, state, or occurrence.
Example:
The athlete ran towards the finish line.
The verb in this sentence is ran.

4. How Can I Identify a Verb?
Besides simply being able to point out the verb due to it being an action, state or occurrence, you
can also use this trick to find the verb in the sentence.
I ran. You said. He left.

5. Commonly Used Verbs
Not all verbs are as obvious as “run” and “move”. Here is a list of some commonly used verbs.

6. How to Avoid Confusion
Sometimes there will be two verbs in a sentence.
“She knew what to say.”
In this sentence, the verb is knew and not say.
If a verb follows to, it is called an infinitive, and it is not the main verb. You will find the main verb
either before or after the infinitive.
“She knew what to say.”
VERB IFINITIVE

7. The Different Types of Verbs
Action
Transitive
Intransitive
Helping Linking

8. Action Verbs
Action verbs express action. Ex. Walk, talk, give, eat, say, etc.
The two types of action verbs are transitive and intransitive.
A transitive verb always has a noun in which the action of the verb is directed at.
EXAMPLE: Rebekah lowered her head.
The verb is lowered. Her head is the object in which the verb is directed at.
An intransitive verb does not have a direct or indirect object to receive the action of the verb.
EXAMPLE: Elijah decided to leave the party.
The verb is decided. There is no actual object associated with this verb.

9. Helping Verbs
Helping verbs are used before an action verb or a linking verb. Like their name suggests, they help
give more information to the subject.
EXAMPLE: Camille might leave for class a few minutes earlier.
Might is the helping verb and leave is an action verb.

10. Linking Verbs
Linking verbs are used to connect the subject of a sentence to a noun or adjective in order to
describe the subject.
EXAMPLE: Damon was a lawyer.
The verb is was. Was links Damon to the subject lawyer.

11. Conclusion
After viewing this PowerPoint, you should now be able to…
•Define what a verb is.
•Understand how to use a verb in a sentence.
•Differentiate between the different types of verbs.
•Find the difference between verbs and infinitives.