Verbs: Action, Linking, and Helping Verbs Explained with Clear Examples

When learning English, verbs play one of the most crucial roles in expressing action, state, or identity. Understanding different types of verbs — action verbs, linking verbs, and helping verbs — helps you master writing and speaking fluently. This article breaks down each type with visual explanations, examples, and interactive thinking exercises designed for learners of all levels.

Table of Contents

What Is a Verb?

A verb is a word that expresses an action, a state, or an occurrence. Every sentence in English requires at least one verb to make sense.

Examples:

Lisa runs every morning. → “runs” shows action.
The soup smells delicious. → “smells” links the subject to its state.
I am reading a book. → “am” helps form the verb phrase.

1. Action Verbs

Action verbs describe something that the subject does. They illustrate a physical or mental activity. These verbs carry the energy of the sentence.

Examples of Action Verbs:

Sentence	Action Verb	Type of Action
He kicks the ball.	kicks	Physical
She thinks deeply.	thinks	Mental
I write code every day.	write	Physical

Interactive Tip: Try replacing the action verb with another one and observe how the meaning changes. For example, replace “runs” with “jogs” or “sprints” — notice the difference in intensity.

2. Linking Verbs

Linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence to a noun, pronoun, or adjective that describes or identifies it. Instead of expressing action, they show a state of being or condition.

Common Linking Verbs:

am, is, are, was, were
become, seem, appear
feel, look, taste, sound, smell

Examples:

She is a teacher. (Identity)
The milk tastes sour. (Condition)
He feels tired. (State)

These verbs link the subject to something that describes it. Notice that you can often replace the linking verb with “equals” or “is similar to” for clarity.

3. Helping Verbs (Auxiliary Verbs)

Helping verbs, also called auxiliary verbs, combine with a main verb to express tense, voice, or mood. They “help” form meaningful verb phrases.

Common Helping Verbs:

be, have, do
can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would

Examples of Helping Verbs in Sentences:

She is reading a novel. → “is” helps “reading.”
They have finished their homework. → “have” helps “finished.”
I can swim fast. → “can” helps “swim.”

Helping verbs modify meaning by showing tense (past, present, future) or possibility. The meaning shifts when you change the helper.

How Verbs Work Together

A single sentence can contain different verb types working together. Consider this sentence:

He has been running for two hours.

Here’s the breakdown:

has been → helping verbs showing continuous tense.
running → main action verb.

Quick Verb Identification Practice

Try identifying the verb type in each sentence:

The cake smells amazing.
I do believe you.
She writes inspirational quotes.

Check your responses:

“smells” → Linking verb
“do” → Helping verb
“writes” → Action verb

Verb Mastery Tips

Look for words that express doing something → likely an action verb.
If the verb connects the subject to a description, it’s a linking verb.
If the verb works with another verb to clarify timing or possibility, it’s a helping verb.

Conclusion

Understanding action, linking, and helping verbs is essential for mastering English grammar. They form the foundation of every sentence you construct. Once you can identify how each type functions, your speaking, writing, and comprehension skills will improve dramatically.

Experiment with verbs in your sentences, mix them up, and observe how the meaning changes — that’s how fluency begins!