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

ExamplesI am studying.They were skipping class.They will fail.

GerundsGerunds 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. Write down each sentence.

2. Underline the verbs.

3. Circle the gerunds.

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?