A verb is a word that expresses an action or a state of being.
As you can see from that definition, there are two main categories of verbs:action verbs and state of being verbs (also known as linking verbs).
Because action verbs and linking verbs are strong enough to be used in sentences all by themselves, they are called main verbs.
I love cheese. I turned the page. (action verbs)
I am a teacher. I turned green. (linking verbs)
But wait! There is also a third category of verbs which doesn't get any glory. They are the helping verbs.
Click here to see a list of all 24 helping verbs and to hear the helping verbs song!
The reason that these guys don't get any of the fame that action and linking verbs get is because they don't stand alone as main verbs.
Helping verbs are always helping either an action verb or a linking verb.
I will play the piano. (helping verb and action verb)
I will be a teacher. (helping verb and linking verb)
Let's look at some examples of verbs!
Action verb with no helping verb | I ate five pizzas! |
Helping verb helping anaction verb | Now, my stomach will hurt for an hour. |
Two helping verbs helping anaction verb | Actually, my stomach will be hurtingfor a few days. |