SS.2 Identify main verbs and helping verbs
What are verbs?
Verbs are words that show an action or a state of being. Every sentence needs a verb to tell what the subject does or what the subject is.
- The dog runs fast.
- She reads every night.
- I am happy.
If you can ask “What is happening?” or “What is being?” and get an answer, you have found the verb.
Main verbs
A main verb is the most important verb in a sentence. It shows the main action or state of being.
- The birds sing in the morning.
- My brother plays soccer.
- The cake looks delicious.
Every complete sentence has at least one main verb.
Helping verbs
A helping verb works with a main verb to tell more about the action, such as when it happens or if it is still happening.
- She is running.
- They are eating lunch.
- We were laughing.
Common helping verbs include is, are, am, was, were, has, have, and had.
Main verbs and helping verbs together
Some sentences have both a helping verb and a main verb. The helping verb comes before the main verb.
- She is writing a story.
- The kids were playing outside.
- I have finished my homework.
The main verb shows the action, even when a helping verb is used.
Finding verbs in sentences
You can find verbs by looking for words that show action or being. Then check if there is a helping verb with them.
- The cat is sleeping on the couch.
- Dad cooks dinner.
- We are ready for school.
Read the sentence carefully. Some sentences have one verb, and others have more than one.