Verbs may be divided into three types:
A. Action verbs - show an action -- either physical or mental |
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Examples: |
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Smith catches the ball. (catches shows a physical action) |
Smith imagines great things. (imagines shows a mental action) |
Smith is wearing good clothes. (is wearing shows a physical action) |
B. Verbs of being (forms of be) - show a state of existence |
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Examples: |
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Smith is strange. (is shows a state of existence) |
Smith will always be my friend. (will be shows a state of existence) |
Smith has been here for a week. (has been shows a state of existence) |
Smith was away last week. (was shows a state of existence) |
C. Linking verbs - link a subject with its complement (A subjective complement "completes" / "equals" the subject.)
Linking verbs:
appear, taste, smell, feel, look, sound, grow, seem, remain, become
Examples:
NOTE: Most linking verbs can also be used as action verbs.