Identifying Verbs

GOAL:: To recognize and correctly use verbs in sentence construction.

Objectives:: The student will be able to:; 1. Describe the grammatical function of verbs.; 2. Identify verbs in simple sentences.; 3. Distinguish between action and linking verbs.; 4. Correctly use past, present, and future verb tenses.; 5. Use verbs correctly in the construction of simple sentences.

Energy Objectives:: The student will be able to:; 1. List ways to conserve heat during the winter months.; 2. Describe how to reduce heat losses and gains in the home.

Lesson Information:: Verbs are action words. They tell what has happened, what is happening, or what is going to happen. See EXAMPLE 1.

EXAMPLE 1:

For warmth during the winter, some people wear warm clothes, cover themselves with lap blankets, or use electric heaters.

In review, what action do some people take? They wear, they cover, and they use!

In addition to showing action, verbs can also show existence. These verbs are called helping verbs, being verbs, or linking verbs. The most popular linking verbs are listed below:

are

was

were

has

have

had

being

been

will

would

can

could

shall

should

doing

did

done

Many sentences contain both action and linking verbs. See EXAMPLE 2.

EXAMPLE 2:: Windows and doors should be closed tightly to prevent air infiltration.; Caulking around window frames will prevent cold air from entering the home.

Activity D-1:: Of the four boldfaced words in each sentence, circle the two that are verbs.; 1. Air leakage can be a big energy waster in the home.; 2. The homeowner may apply weatherstripping around doors to keep warm air from leaking out of the home.; 3. Caulking is a filling agent often applied around windows to prevent air leakage.; 4. The homeowner may install foam gaskets behind electrical sockets and light switches to prevent air infiltration around these small openings.; 5. Remember - replace broken window panes, close doors tightly, and seal all cracks to help keep your home warm during the winter!; When using verbs in a sentence, it is important to note if the action being described has taken place in the past, the present, or the future. Past, present, and future are also referred to as verb tenses. In EXAMPLE 3, note how the verb tense changes.

EXAMPLE 3:

Tim Smith will install four inches of insulation in his attic to help prevent heat from entering his home. (Future)

Mr. Smith is installing insulation in his attic today. (Present)

Tim installed an additional six inches of insulation in his attic last summer; his cooling bill decreased by 15 percent! (Past)

Some verbs require irregular tense forms or have many variations in tense formation. In general, however, the tense of most verbs can be changed as seen below.


Future	=	will, can, or shall + verb	(will work)
Present	=	is, are, am + verb + ing	(is working)
		verb + s (singular subject)	(works)
		verb (plural subject)	(work)
Past	=	verb + ed	(worked)
		was or were + verb + ing	(was working)

Activity D-2:: In the following sentences, underline the verb that is used incorrectly and write the correct tense of the verb in the blank. Identify the corrected verb with an "F" for future, a "PR" for present, and a "P" for past tense.; ____________ 1. Last summer we repair the broken windows.; ____________ 2. Reducing air infiltration helps reduce both summer and winter utility bills.; ____________ 3. The workers arrived and began caulk the windows.; ____________ 4. This is in addition to the door frames they weatherstrip yesterday.; ____________ 5. Preventing drafts around windows and doors will saves on heating and cooling bills.

Activity R-1:: Underline all verbs, action or linking, in the following paragraph. Above each verb identify as "F" for future, "PR" for present, and "P" for past.; An energy audit was conducted of my aunt's home. An energy audit is an examination of the home that seeks energy leaks or problems. In her home it was found that she had drafts around many windows and doors. Since the audit, my aunt has caulked around all the windows. Next weekend she and a handyman will begin applying foam weatherstripping around the doors. These two energy saving steps are just the beginning of my aunt's new energy saving plan.

Activity R-2:: Write a 3 to 4 sentence paragraph describing how you could make an energy audit in your home.; Work Space:; Rewrite the paragraph in the past tense, as if you conducted the audit yesterday.; Work Space:

RECOMMENDED READING:: Energy Tips: Save Energy in Winter. Texas Energy Extension Service, January 1991.

INFORMATION CHECK
: 1. Define action verb and linking verb.; 2. Write three original sentences using the verbs and tense forms given.; a. (work, future); b. (install, present); c. (save, future)

Multiple Choice:: _____1. A filling agent put around window frames to prevent air infiltration is; a. draft protector; b. weatherstripping; c. caulking; _____2. Foam strips placed mostly around door frames to prevent warm air from leaking out of the home in the winter is called; a. draft protector; b. weatherstripping; c. caulking; _____3. Unwanted air entering the home is sometimes called; a. insulation; b. installation; c. infiltration; ______4. Examining a home for possible energy waste is called an energy _________.; a. test; b. audit; c. waster; ______5. Others areas that need attention in order to reduce air infiltration includes all EXCEPT; a. light switches; b. kitchen cabinet doors; c. electrical outlets; d. the attic area

TEACHER'S NOTES
Activity D-1:: 1. can, be; 2. may, apply; 3. is, applied; 4. may, install; 5. replace, close

Activity D-2:: 1. repair = repaired (past); 2. helps = will help (future); 3. caulk = caulking (present); 4. weatherstrip = weatherstripped (past); 5. will saves = will save (future)

Activity R-1:: was (P); conducted (P); is (PR); seeks (PR); was (P); found (P); had (P); has (P); caulked (P); will (F); begin (F); applying (PR); are (F)

Activity R-2:: Student paragraphs will differ. Examine them to see that only future tense verbs are used in the first paragraph and past tense verbs are used in the second.

Answers to Information Check:: 1. Action verbs tell what will / is / has happened; they relate the action done by the noun or pronoun. Linking verbs show existence; some examples are "is", "are", "was", and "were".; 2. The students' sentences will vary. Examples are given below.; a. I will work on my energy saving plan tomorrow.; b. Mr. Hartman is installing extra insulation in the attic today.; c. We saved 30% on our energy bill last winter by incorporating energy saving techniques learned in this activity guide.

Multiple Choice:: 1. C; 2. B; 3. C; 4. B; 5. B

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