Grammar: Word classes: Verbs

Relating verbs (is, have)

What are relating verbs?

Relating verbs are words like be, have, seem, appear :

 Note that they are typically used in the present simple or past simple:

My name is SleepStealer.
          relating verb

I have a long tail.
relating verb

Kitty seemed quite tired.
      relating verb

For more information, see: 

	Grammar: Groups & phrases: Verb group: Time & tense: Present simple
	Grammar: Groups & phrases: Verb group: Time & tense: Past simple

Relating verbs help us to identify or describe some characteristic of a person or thing:

My name is SleepStealer. [identifying]
MegaMonster is very ugly. [describing]

When a relating verb is identifying, it equates one thing with another (typically represented by noun groups):

My name is SleepStealer. 
noun group           noun group

When a relating verb is describing, it can do one of three things: it can refer to a class or category (typically represented by a noun or noun group):

SleepStealer is one of the MischiefMakers. 
                                   noun group

It can provide information about some quality (typically represented by an adjective or adjective group):

SleepStealer is very clever. 
                       adjective group

It can provide information about the Circumstance (normally represented by a prepositional phrase):

SleepStealer was outside Bozo's window. 
                                 prepositional phrase

A useful way to determine whether a relating verb is identifying or describing is to check whether the two sides of the clause can be reversed. If they can, the verb is identifying; if not, then the verb is describing:  

My name is SleepStealer.   /   SleepStealer is my name. [identifying]

MegaMonster was very ugly.   /   Very ugly was MegaMonster. [describing] 

For more information, (including an outline of problems which students have with relating verbs), see:

Grammar: Clause: Using the clause to represent experience: The processes: 'What's happening?': 'Naming and describing'  

Relating verbs which describe change

Some relating verbs help us to describe change (become, get, turn, grow). Note that 'change' verbs are typically used in the present continuous and present perfect:

I am getting tired. [present continuous]
It has turned much colder. [present perfect]

For more information, see:

	Grammar: Groups & phrases: Verb group: Time & tense: Present continuous
	Grammar: Groups & phrases: Verb group: Time & tense: Past continuous

When dealing with language in the classroom, it is useful to be able to identify relating verbs.

If you would like some practice in identifying relating verbs, click here:

Relating verbs are commonly used in descriptions, both general and particular. Here are some examples from the Chinese Zodiac; the relating verbs are highlighted:

The Ox (1985, 1997, 2009)

People who are born under the sign of the Ox are patient and determined. they always appear relaxed and happy about life in general. 

The Monkey (1980, 1992, 2004)

People who are born under the sign of the Monkey are very smart. They seem to have lots of wonderful ideas, but they can be full of mischief too! 

For more information, see Text types: General Descriptions: Identifying and describing   

Once you start looking, you will also find plenty of descriptive passages in stories and in poems.

For PrimeTeach teaching activities which provide KS2 students with practice in using relating verbs (is, have), see:

Wanted! 1
Wanted! 2