Special VerbsSpecial Verbs• By

• Cheryl Hamilton• Grade 1

An action word or verb is something you can do.

Action VerbsAction Verbs• run• jump• swim• talk

If the action is being done by one person, the verb will need to end

with the letter s.

ExampleExample

• Sandy spins the globe in class.

If the action is being done by more than one person, the verb will

not need the letter s added.

ExampleExample

• Sue and Sanford study for the test.

Verbs can tell what the action is now or what the action was in the past. Verbs that tell about the past end

with –ed.

The class visits the zoo.

The class visited the zoo.

Now for

something

new!

These words are verbs These words are verbs also!also!

amis are was were

Some of these words are used to show Some of these words are used to show

action now, and some tell about the past. action now, and some tell about the past. • Here’s how the words are sorted.

• NOW• am• is• are

• PAST• was• were

They are also used to tell about one or They are also used to tell about one or

more than one.more than one.• ONE• am• is• was

• MORE THAN ONE• are• were

Tip!Tip!• Am can only be used with the word “I.”

ExampleExample• I am not afraid of ducks!

ExampleExample• The castle is fun.

ExampleExample• We are dancing.

ExampleExample• Cheryl was a cute baby.

ExampleExample• We were at Fort Necessity.

Let’s get to work!Let’s get to work!

Worksheet 17Worksheet 17• Circle the verb in each sentence. Write Now if

the sentence tells about now. Write Past if the sentence tells about the past.

• 1. I am a butterfly. ____________

• 2. I was a caterpillar. ____________

• 3. Leaves were my food. ____________

• 4. Butterflies are on the flowers. ____________

• 5. The nectar is sweet. ____________