Vocabulary Workshop Level G Review Units 4-6 Answers

Verbs

Introduction

Verbs are one of the four major word classes, along with nouns, adjectives, and adverbs. A verb refers to an action, event, or state.

Ready to unlock the full potential of your sentences and enhance your grammar skills? Whether you're a student eager to sharpen your grammar skills or a teacher looking for ways to make lessons more interactive, this post is for you. Let’s dive into the world of verbs!

Verbs

What is a verb?

A verb expresses action or a state of being.

ACTION

• The sea often inspires wonder in writers and artists. 

BEING

• The oceans are broad and deep.

Main Verbs and Helping Verbs

What is a verb phrase?

A verb phrase is made up of at least one main verb and one or more helping verbs.

EXAMPLES 

• Have we considered other options? [Considered is the main verb. Have is a helping verb.] 
• The nurses are currently working at their stations. [Working is the main verb. Are is a helping verb.] 
• Andrea should have been sleeping. [Sleeping is the main verb. Should, have, and been are helping verbs.]

What are the common helping verbs?

Common helping verbs include forms of be, forms of have, forms of do, and modals. 

BE
am, are, be, been, being, is, was, were 

HAVE
had, has, have 

DO
do, does, did 

MODALS
can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would

REMINDER

What is a modal verb?

A modal is a helping verb that is used with a main verb to express an attitude such as necessity or possibility. 

EXAMPLES 

• We must leave this afternoon. [Must expresses necessity.] 
• If you shop carefully, you may find a bargain. [May expresses possibility.]

A helping verb may be separated from the main verb. 

EXAMPLES 

• Has the mail arrived yet? 
• Do you know the way there?

NOTE

The words never and not, including the contraction –n’t, are adverbs that tell to what extent. They are not part of the verb phrase.

EXAMPLES 

• I have never been to Florida. [Never is an adverb that modifies have been. It is not part of the verb phrase.] 
• Doesn’t that building look ancient? [The contraction for not, –n’t, is an adverb that modifies Does look. It is not part of the verb phrase.]

Action Verbs

What is an action verb?

An action verb expresses either physical or mental activity. 

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

• lift
• jog
• listen
• paint 

MENTAL ACTIVITY

• remember
• concentrate
• realize
• dream

EXAMPLES 

• Benjamin wrote a short story and sold it to a magazine. [Wrote and sold are action verbs that describe Benjamin’s physical activities.] 
• Dena considered the benefits of investing. [Considered is an action verb describing Dena’s mental activity.]

Linking Verbs

What is a linking verb?

A linking verb connects the subject to a word or word group that identifies or describes the subject. This word or word group is called a subject complement.
Some common linking verbs are the forms of be as well as appear, become, feel, grow, look, remain, seem, smell, sound, stay, taste, and turn.

EXAMPLES 

• The little boy is shy. [Is, a form of be, is a linking verb that connects the subject boy to the subject complement shy. Shy describes boy.] 
• Following a runoff election, she became mayor. [Became is a linking verb that connects the subject she to the subject complement mayor. Mayor identifies she.]

TIP

Some verbs may be used as linking verbs or as action verbs. To determine whether a verb in a sentence is a linking verb, substitute a form of the verb be or seem.
If the sentence makes sense with a form of be or seem, the verb is probably a linking verb.

LINKING 

• The apple cider tasted great. [The apple cider was great makes sense. Tasted is a linking verb.] 

ACTION 

• Jeff tasted the apple cider. [The sentence does not make sense with the verb was or seemed. Tasted is an action verb.]

Transitive Verbs

What is a transitive verb?

A transitive verb has an object. An object is a word or word group that tells who or what receives the action of the verb. 

EXAMPLES 

• We built a birdhouse. [The object birdhouse receives the action of the verb built.] 
• Have you memorized the poem and the name of its author? [The objects poem and name receive the action of the verb Have memorized.]

Intransitive Verbs

What is an intransitive verb?

An intransitive verb does not have an object. 

EXAMPLES 

• The baby drew clumsily. [Drew does not have an object. Clumsily is an adverb describing how the baby drew.] 
• Everyone shouted and jumped for joy. [Shouted and jumped do not have objects. Joy is the object of the preposition for.]

NOTE

Although action verbs may be transitive or intransitive, linking verbs and state-of-being verbs are always intransitive. Linking verbs and state-of-being verbs never have direct objects. 

EXAMPLES 

• The basket is in the kitchen. 
• The bear became slightly agitated. 
• I feel much better now. 
• That sounds like fun.

Many verbs can be either transitive or intransitive, depending on how they are used in a sentence. 

TRANSITIVE 

• The candidate won the election. [Election is the object receiving the action of the verb won.] 

INTRANSITIVE 

• The candidate won by a landslide. [Won does not have an object. Landslide is the object of the preposition by.]

TIP

Most dictionaries indicate whether verbs are used transitively or intransitively.
To determine whether a verb is transitive or intransitive, find the definition of the verb as you intend to use it. Then, look for one of these symbols: vt for verb transitive or vi for verb intransitive.

<->

Verbs Quiz

Decide what kind is the underlined verb.

Types of Verbs Interactive Quizizz Quiz

Explore more at Quizizz.

Conclusion

Mastering the different types of verbs is essential for effective communication and writing. By understanding how to use action, linking, transitive, and intransitive verbs, you can create more dynamic and engaging sentences. Keep practicing with the examples provided, and revisit this guide whenever you need a refresher. Remember, the key to mastering grammar lies in consistent practice and attention to detail. Happy writing, and may your verbs always bring life to your sentences!