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Language
Handbook 1 The Parts of Speech

WORKSHEET 4 Identifying and Using Action and Helping Verbs

Exercise A Underline the verbs in each of the following sentences. Be sure to
include helping verbs.

EXAMPLE 1. Our football team might well win nearly every game this
season.

1. The crowd arrives early for Latisha’s rendition of the national anthem.
2. Last week we played Burdick School.
3. Their halfback towers above the other players.
4. Our fullback ran the ball every time.
5. During one play he dodged around left end.
6. Our team did not block effectively, however.
7. Our girls’ soccer team will defend its title as the state’s best.
8. Sarah Chang has scored twenty-three goals in two seasons.
9. She and Lena often practice together.
10. Many of Lena’s friends have suggested Carrie as a new member of their team.

Exercise B On the line provided, supply a verb that will complete each sentence.
In some sentences you will need to include a helping verb.

1. For many years the river has flooded every spring.

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EXAMPLE

1. Last month our family Hanukkah, a Jewish religious festival.

2. Hanukkah eight days each year.
3. Rita for Middletown at eight o’clock.

4. She her destination by eleven-thirty tomorrow.

5. The fog us many times on our way to school.
6. I weather like this.
7. Marc his teacher whether he could read a story by Isaac
Bashevis Singer.
8. I for a summer job in the spring.
9. I this assignment soon.
10. From now on, I more care with these small jobs.
 Language
Handbook 1 The Parts of Speech

WORKSHEET 5 Identifying Linking and Helping Verbs

Exercise A Underline the linking verbs in the following sentences. Be sure to
underline any helping verbs as well.

EXAMPLE 1. Jimmy Carter, the thirty-ninth president of the United

States, is from Georgia.

1. Atlanta is the capital of Georgia.

2. It has become an important center for trade and manufacturing.
3. The state’s forests are a major source of wealth.
4. Lumbering has been an important industry since the early days.
5. Cotton remains one of the most valuable farm products in Georgia.
6. Macon is considered a beautiful old city.
7. This city is the birthplace of Sidney Lanier.
8. Lanier became a well-known poet.
9. Carson McCullers was another native of Georgia.
10. The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter is one of her most popular novels.

Exercise B In the following sentences, underline each linking verb once. Underline
each helping verb twice. Some linking verbs have helping verbs.

1. Gardening remains an important part of many cultures.

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EXAMPLE

1. Bonsai, which means “planted in a tray” in Japanese, is the art of growing miniature
trees in shallow pots.
2. Bonsai is also the name of a tree that is grown in this manner.
3. A tree will look ancient if the gardener controls its growth.
4. If you prune the tree’s roots and branches often, it becomes stunted.
5. The branches are made crooked by tying them with wire.
6. Eventually, the tree will appear twisted and windblown.
7. If you like a tree that smells nice, a pine tree or a cherry tree is a good choice.
8. Your choice of container is important, too.
9. It should be shallow earthenware and can be either plain or glazed.
10. Matsuo Basho’s haiku about bonsai, “On a Withered Branch,” has become well known.