Sentences don’t just exist — they move! And the secret? Action words. That’s what we’re diving into this week in Grammar That Grows 🌿. From verbs at the beginning to predicates later, and finally active vs. passive voice, we’ll see how sentences gain momentum — and how kids (and even we!) can use them to write with purpose.
This week: Action changes everything.
🧒 First: Verb
A verb shows action or a state of being.
Run. Jump. Is. Are. Think.
Without a verb, a sentence doesn’t move — literally or figuratively.
📚 Next: Predicate
The predicate tells what the subject does or is.
Example: The dog barked loudly.
“Barked loudly” = predicate.
Now we’re not just identifying action — we’re understanding how the sentence works.
🎓 In the end: Voice (Active vs. Passive)
Active voice: The student wrote the essay.
Passive voice: The essay was written by the student.
Same event. Different emphasis.
Active voice feels direct and strong. Passive voice shifts the focus.
🌿 See the growth? Sentences start with action words, evolve into structured ideas, and finally become stylistic choices. That is how grammar grows.
Extras to Keep You Moving Forward
How Sentences Grow Stronger by Moving
Step 1: Verb
Run.
Step 2: Predicate
The dog runs.
Step 3: Voice
Active: The dog chased the ball.
Passive: The ball was chased by the dog.
📚 Recommended Reads (Kids & Young Writers)
- If You Were a Verb — A playful intro to action words for younger readers.
- Fun with Verbs — Learn the fun way!
🛠️ Practice Tools
Starfall Grammar Activities — Fun worksheets and interactive ways to practice verbs.
Active vs Passive Voice checkers — Use tools like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor to see voice in real writing.
💡 Why These Help
Your child doesn’t have to memorize definitions — they learn by doing and seeing grammar in context.
The Grammar That Grows Series Section
And Now, the End of This Post
Dear readers, have you noticed your child or even yourself experimenting with verbs or sentence structure in writing? Or, what’s growing in your sentences this week? Share below!
Teachers — when do you formally introduce “syntax” in your writing lessons?
Next week: we are getting a little descriptive…
