The Verb Is as an Action Verb

by Honey Polancos
(Cebu, City, Philippines)

If the verb "is" is an action verb, but it is also a linking verb, then how does it express an action?

For example: "Mary is my classmate."

("Is" is a verb. What action does it expresses?)

Ola's answer:

This is an excellent question!

The verb "is" actually expresses a state of being.

The action is "to be."

For example, "Jane is in the room."

She isn't necessarily doing something. She is simply being there. She is located there.

For a full, illustrated explanation, visit this page:

The Verb To Be: Forms, Examples and Grammar Exercises