1. A verb is a word that expresses action. Verb • every sentence has a main verb • in many sentences, a single word is all that is needed to express the action

2. An action verb expresses either physical or mental activity. Verb PHYSICAL Please cook dinner, Jerry. MENTAL Francesca understands the science experiment.

3. Verb EXAMPLES The dog barked all night. Brandon throws the ball a long way. TIP “What is the action?”

4. Verb In some sentences, the verb consists of a main verb and one or more helping verbs. • a helping verb helps the main verb to express action EXAMPLES can speak will learn shouldhavebeen fed

5. Verb I hadcalled my grandmother already. Hadis helping the main verb called. I haveused a computer in math class. Haveis helping the main verb used.

6. Verb Remember, a verb cannot be a helping verb unless there is another verb for it to help. EXAMPLE They had a good time at the nature center. Hadis the only verb; there is no other verb for it to help.

7. Together, the main verb and its helping verb or verbs is called a verb phrase. Verb EXAMPLES Many students can speak Spanish. I will be learning all the state capitals tonight. The dog should have been fed by now. The magician is thinking of a number.

8. Commonly Used Helping Verbs be am is are was were been has have had do does did can could shall should will would may might must being Sung to the tune of “London Bridge”