Overview
This lecture explains the difference between action verbs and linking (state of being) verbs, using examples involving bears.
Action Verbs
- Action verbs show what something does (e.g., "The bear eats a fish").
- These verbs describe physical or mental activities performed by the subject.
- Example: "The bear looked at me" uses "looked" as an action verb.
Linking (State of Being) Verbs
- Linking verbs connect the subject to more information about its state or condition.
- All forms of the verb "to be" (am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been) are linking verbs.
- Linking verbs show what something is, not what it does.
- Example: "The bear is hungry" uses "is" to link "bear" and "hungry."
- Some verbs (like "look" and "smell") can be used as both action and linking verbs.
- Example: "The bear looked lonely" uses "looked" as a linking verb.
- Example: "The bear smells like cinnamon" uses "smells" as a linking verb.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Verb — a word that shows an action or a state of being.
- Action Verb — a verb that describes what the subject does.
- Linking Verb — a verb that connects the subject to information about its condition.
- State of Being Verb — another term for linking verb; includes all forms of "to be."
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice identifying action and linking verbs in example sentences.
- Review the forms of "to be" as linking verbs.