
To accurately identify and use different types of verbs, focus on the specific role each verb plays in a sentence. Begin by understanding how each type functions: one describes an action, another assists the main verb in expressing time or possibility, while a third links the subject to a subject complement.
For instance, action words express what the subject is doing, like “run,” “eat,” or “jump.” Auxiliary verbs are paired with a main verb to create verb phrases, such as “is running” or “have eaten.” Finally, connectives are used to link the subject with further information, for example, “She is tired” where “is” connects the subject “She” with the complement “tired.”
By practicing with targeted exercises, learners can refine their ability to recognize these verbs in sentences and improve their grammatical understanding. This not only enhances sentence structure but also deepens the understanding of how verbs work within communication.
Action Helping and Linking Verbs Worksheet

To master sentence structure, begin by identifying the different roles of verbs. Focus on their function in forming the core of a sentence. Each verb type–whether describing an action, assisting another verb, or connecting the subject to further details–serves a specific purpose in communication.
Start by isolating words that express activities or movements, such as “run” or “jump.” Next, look for auxiliary elements that pair with primary verbs to form more complex tenses, like “have,” “is,” or “will.” Lastly, identify connecting words that link the subject to adjectives or nouns that describe or rename it, like “am,” “was,” or “seem.”
In your practice, pay attention to how these elements work together. For example, in the sentence “She is running,” “is” functions as a connector between the subject and the action, while “running” shows what she’s doing. Similarly, “He has been waiting” uses “has been” as a helper to express an ongoing action in the past.
By focusing on these distinctions in exercises, you can strengthen your ability to construct clear and grammatically correct sentences, enhancing both written and verbal communication skills.
How to Identify Action, Helping, and Linking Verbs in Sentences
To identify verbs that show action, look for words that describe physical or mental activities. These verbs express what the subject does, such as “run,” “think,” “eat,” or “speak.” For example, in the sentence “She runs every morning,” “runs” is the action verb because it describes what the subject is doing.
To spot verbs that assist other verbs, focus on auxiliary words that accompany the main action verb. These words help form different tenses or moods. Common helping verbs include “am,” “is,” “are,” “has,” “have,” and “will.” In the sentence “He is playing soccer,” “is” helps the main verb “playing” to indicate an ongoing action.
Linking verbs connect the subject with additional information about it, such as a state or condition. Common linking verbs include “am,” “is,” “are,” “was,” “were,” “seem,” “become,” and “appear.” For example, in “The sky is blue,” “is” links the subject “sky” with the description “blue.”
By carefully distinguishing these types of verbs, you can better understand sentence structure and improve your writing skills. Identify the verb’s role in a sentence, and classify it based on whether it shows an action, assists another verb, or connects the subject to further details.
Practical Exercises for Using Action, Helping, and Linking Verbs Correctly
To practice using verbs that show movement or mental processes, try creating sentences with clear actions. For example, write about daily activities like “She runs in the park” or “They think about their plans.” This will help reinforce the role of these verbs in expressing what subjects are doing.
For auxiliary verbs, focus on combining them with main verbs to express time or necessity. An exercise could include writing sentences like “He has completed his homework” or “We will visit tomorrow.” This reinforces the idea of using helping verbs to clarify tense or future actions.
To practice linking verbs, use sentences that describe the state or condition of the subject. For example, “The flowers are beautiful” or “He became tired after the game.” Identifying how linking verbs connect the subject to its description will help solidify their role in sentence structure.
Try exercises that ask you to underline or highlight these verbs in different sentences. Then, rewrite the sentence, changing the type of verb used (e.g., swapping an action verb for a linking verb). This will strengthen your understanding of the different roles verbs can play in a sentence.