Verbs and Gerunds
Parts of Speech
Verbs
Verbs show time and action.
Example
will jump
jumps
was jumping
Action Verbs
Things that can be done.
Example
ran
punched
left
did
Helping Verbs
Existing is an action.
Helping verbs show time, condition, and existence.
Example
I am mad.
Am, is, are, was, were, will, be, being, been, has, have, had, do, did, does, may, might, must, shall, should, would, could, can
Verb Phrases
Verb phrases show time, condition, and action.
Helping verb + action verb = verb phrase
Examples
I am studying.
They were skipping class.
They will fail.
Gerunds
Gerunds are the noun forms of verbs.
verb+ing = gerund
Gerunds are NOT attached to helping verbs.
Examples
Drawing is fun.
Eating late at night may lead to nightmares.
He hates doing homework.
There May Be More Than One Verb or Verb Phrase in Each Sentence
Ayonna ran to the store and bought chips.
Jessica was holding the door when the fight started.
Playing football is much more dangerous if you’re not wearing pads.
If you are talking during class, you might get in trouble.
I am not good at running.
Review
Helping verbs show time.
Helping verb + action verb = verb phrase.
I am walking. I was walking.
Gerunds = noun form of verb.
Gerund = ing + verb – helping verb.
Walking is a good time.
Practice
1
Eating pizza is fun.
2
Tim might study if he’s not too busy.
3
Playing sports can be healthy.
4
Tom went home, did his chores, and slept.
5
I am not good at lying.
6
Stealing, lying, and cheating are wrong.
7
Are you going to the store?
Answers
1. Eating pizza is fun.
2. Tim might study if he’s not too busy.
3. Playing sports can be healthy.
4. Tom went home, did his chores, and slept.
5. I am not good at lying.
6. Stealing, lying, and cheating are wrong.
7. Are you going to the store?