Some verbs, often called helping verbs but more formally known as auxiliary verbs, usually precede the base form of another verb and carry little meaning of their own. Nine auxiliary verbs, called modals, function only as helping verbs. That means they never stand on their own. Another verb form, known as a linking verb, occurs in two situations. In the first, the linking verb is followed by an adjective , in the second the linking verb is followed by a noun or pronoun that refers to the subject.
Sports writers use colorful verbs to describe athletic events.
Compare your verbs to those used by the reporter in the article that accompanies this photo. He looks good . The food smelled spicy . He is my father. This is she .