Verb

Verb: Definition, Types, 1000+ Examples, and Verb forms

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A verb (from Latin verbum ‘word’) is a part of speech that describes an action, occurrence, or state of being. It is a crucial element in constructing sentences and expressing various ideas. Verbs can be categorized into different types, such as action verbs (e.g., run, jump, think), linking verbs (e.g., is, am, appear), and helping verbs (e.g., can, will, have).

For examples

  • I washed the car yesterday.
  • The dog ate my homework.
  • I will go to the store.
  • John studies English and French.
  • Lucy enjoys listening to music.
  • Barack Obama became the President of the United States in 2009. (occurrence)
  • Mike Trout is a center fielder. (state of being)

Definition of a Verb

A verb is a word that describes what the subject of a sentence is doing. Verbs can indicate (physical or mental) actions, occurrences, and states of being.

According to The Oxford Learners’ Dictionary

A ‘verb’ is “a word or group of words that express an action (such as eat), an event (such as happen) or a state (such as exist)”.

According to the Cambridge Dictionary

A ‘verb’ is defined as “a word or phrase that describes an action, condition, or experience”.

According to The Collins Dictionary

“A verb is a word such as ‘ sing’, ‘ feel’, or ‘ die’ which is used with a subject to say what someone or something does or what happens to them, or to give information about them”.

Examples:

  • Jeffrey builds a house.
  • Anita is thinking about horses.
  • True love exists.

Agreement

In languages where the verb is inflected, it often agrees with its primary argument (the subject) in person, number, or gender. Except for the verb to be, English shows distinctive agreements only in the third person singular, present tense form of verbs, which are marked by adding “-s” ( walks) or “-es” (fishes). The rest of the persons are not distinguished in the verb (I walk, you walk, they walk, etc.).

Latin and the Romance languages inflect verbs for tense–aspect–mood (abbreviated ‘TAM’), and they agree in person and number (but not in gender, for example in Polish) with the subject. Japanese, like many languages with SOV word order, inflects verbs for tense-aspect-mood, as well as other categories such as negation, but shows no agreement with the subject—it is a strictly dependent-marking language.

On the other hand, Basque, Georgian, and some other languages have polypersonal agreement: the verb agrees with the subject, the direct object, and even the secondary object if present, a greater degree of head-marking than is found in most European languages.

Valency

Valency, also known as valence, refers to the number of arguments a verb can take in a sentence. In other words, it indicates how many nouns or noun phrases (including subjects and objects) a verb can govern or associate with. Valency is an important concept in syntax and grammar, helping to describe the structure of sentences.

There are four main types of valency:

  1. Avalent (valency = 0)
    • the verb has neither a subject nor an object. Zero valency does not occur in English; in some languages such as Mandarin Chinese, weather verbs like snow(s) take no subject or object.
  2. Intransitive Verbs (valency = 1, monovalent)
    • Intransitive verbs have a valency of one, meaning they take only one argument (the subject).
    • Example: She slept. (The verb “slept” has only one argument, the subject “She.”)
  3. Transitive Verbs (valency = 2, divalent)
    • Transitive verbs have a valency of two, meaning they take two arguments (a subject and a direct object).
    • Example: He ate an apple. (The verb “ate” has two arguments, the subject “He” and the direct object “an apple.”)
  4. Ditransitive Verbs (valency = 3, trivalent)
    • Ditransitive verbs have a valency of three, meaning they take three arguments (a subject, a direct object, and an indirect object).
    • Example: She gave him a book. (The verb “gave” has three arguments, the subject “She,” the direct object “a book,” and the indirect object “him.”)

It’s important to note that some verbs can change their valency based on the sentence structure. These are known as ambitransitive verbs. They can function as intransitive or transitive verbs depending on the context.

Example of an ambitransitive verb:

  • Intransitive: The cat jumped.
  • Transitive: She jumped the horse over the fence.

Understanding valency helps linguists and language learners describe and analyze the syntactic structure of sentences, providing insights into how verbs interact with different elements in a sentence.

Valency marking

Valency marking refers to the linguistic mechanisms or features that indicate the valency of a verb in a sentence. Valency can be marked through various means, including the use of different verb forms, particles, prepositions, or changes in verb conjugation. Here are some common ways valency is marked in different languages:

  1. Verb Conjugation
    • In many languages, including English, the conjugation of a verb often changes based on its valency.
    • Example (English):
      • Intransitive: She runs every day.
      • Transitive: She runs a marathon.
  2. Particle or Preposition
    • Some languages use particles or prepositions to indicate the valency of a verb, especially when it changes from intransitive to transitive.
    • Example (English):
      • Intransitive: The cat jumped.
      • Transitive: She jumped over the fence.
  3. Inflection or Derivation
    • Valency can be marked through inflection or derivation, where affixes or changes in the verb’s root indicate the valency of the verb.
    • Example:
      • Intransitive: The door opened.
      • Transitive: She opened the door.
  4. Word Order
    • The order of words in a sentence can indicate valency, especially in languages with strict word order patterns.
    • Example:
      • Subject-Verb-Object (SVO): She reads a book.
      • Subject-Verb (SV): She reads.
  5. Case Marking
    • Some languages use case markings on nouns or pronouns to indicate their roles as subjects or objects, helping to convey valency.
    • Example:
      • Intransitive: He arrived.
      • Transitive: He gave her a gift.
  6. Auxiliary Verbs
    • The use of auxiliary verbs can also indicate changes in valency, especially in languages with complex verb conjugation systems.
    • Example:
      • Intransitive: She sings.
      • Transitive: She can sing a song.

Valency marking is an essential aspect of syntax and helps convey the relationships between verbs and their arguments in a sentence. Different languages employ various strategies for valency marking based on their grammatical structures and linguistic features.

General Classification of Verbs according to What They Signify

Verbs Referring to Actions

Verbs referring to action (action verbs) are those that involve the movement of one’s body in one way or the other. Some examples of verbs referring to actions are as follows:

  • Walk
  • Run
  • Talk
  • Sit
  • Read
  • Write
  • Jog
  • Cough
  • Sleep
  • Jump
  • Sing
  • Drink
  • Teach
  • Present
  • Build
  • Break
  • Tow
  • Toss
  • Hug
  • Fight

Verbs Referring to Experiences or Feelings

These are verbs that refer to something that you can feel or experience and do not necessarily involve a movement of any kind. Some examples of verbs referring to feelings and experiences are as follows:

  • Love
  • Hate
  • Envy
  • Believe
  • Trust
  • Feel
  • Entrust
  • Experience
  • Care
  • Cherish
  • Sense
  • Know
  • Recognize
  • Understand
  • Comprehend
  • Like
  • Need
  • Adore
  • Loathe
  • Appreciate

Verbs Referring to a State or Condition

These verbs are those that refer to situations or the state of being. All forms of ‘to be’ verbs belong to this category. Some examples of verbs referring to a state or condition are as follows:

  • Am
  • Is
  • Are
  • Was
  • Were
  • Have
  • Has
  • Will be
  • Appear
  • Seem
  • Become
  • Been
  • Being

Types of Verbs

Verbs can be categorized into various types based on their functions and characteristics. Here are some common types of verbs:

Action Verbs

  • Express physical or mental actions.
  • Example: run, jump, think, write.

Action verbs, also known as dynamic or transitive verbs, express physical or mental action. They describe what someone or something does. Here’s a list of common action verbs:

  1. Run: She runs every morning.
  2. Jump: The athlete jumped over the hurdle.
  3. Read: He is reading a book.
  4. Write: She writes beautiful poetry.
  5. Speak: They speak multiple languages.
  6. Eat: We eat dinner together.
  7. Play: Children love to play in the park.
  8. Dance: The couple danced all night.
  9. Sing: He sings beautifully.
  10. Work: She works in an office.
  11. Create: Artists create beautiful paintings.
  12. Teach: Teachers teach students.
  13. Learn: Students learn new things every day.
  14. Drive: He drives a car to work.
  15. Build: Construction workers build houses.
  16. Climb: The mountaineer climbed the peak.
  17. Swim: She swims in the pool.
  18. Cook: They cook delicious meals.
  19. Run: The engine runs smoothly.
  20. Fly: Birds fly in the sky.

Action verbs add vitality and clarity to sentences, describing activities and bringing them to life.

Linking Verbs (copular)

  • Connect the subject of a sentence to a subject complement (a word or phrase that describes or identifies the subject).
  • Example: am, is, are, was, were.

Linking verbs, also known as copular verbs, connect the subject of a sentence with a subject complement—a word or phrase that provides additional information about the subject. Unlike action verbs that show physical or mental action, linking verbs describe a state of being, a condition, or a relationship. Common linking verbs include:

  1. Be: She is a doctor.
  2. Am, Is, Are: They are students.
  3. Was, Were: He was tired.
  4. Seem: The movie seems interesting.
  5. Become: Over time, it became clear.
  6. Appear: The problem appears complex.
  7. Feel: I feel happy.
  8. Look: You look exhausted.
  9. Sound: The music sounds melodious.
  10. Taste: The soup tastes delicious.
  11. Smell: The flowers smell lovely.
  12. Stay: They stayed calm.
  13. Turn: The weather turned cold.
  14. Grow: The children grow fast.
  15. Remain: The issue remains unresolved.

Linking verbs play a crucial role in sentence structure by connecting the subject to additional information, often helping to describe or identify the subject in a more detailed way.

Helping Verbs (Auxiliary Verbs)

  • Assist the main verb in a sentence, indicating tense, mood, voice, etc.
  • Example: can, will, have, might.


Helping verbs, also known as auxiliary verbs, work in conjunction with the main verb in a sentence to express various tenses, moods, voices, and aspects. Here are some common helping verbs:

  1. Be: I am going to the store.
  2. Have: She has finished her homework.
  3. Do: They do their best in every task.
  4. Can: He can swim very well.
  5. Could: She could solve the puzzle.
  6. Will: We will visit you tomorrow.
  7. Would: If I had the time, I would help.
  8. Shall: Shall we go together?
  9. Should: You should finish your work.
  10. May: May I ask a question?
  11. Might: It might rain later.
  12. Must: Students must complete the assignment.
  13. Ought to: You ought to apologize.
  14. Need to: He needs to study for the exam.
  15. Dare to: I dare to challenge myself.

Helping verbs, when combined with the main verb, create verb phrases that convey more nuanced meanings and provide additional information about the action or state being described in a sentence.

Modal Verbs

  • Express possibility, necessity, permission, or ability.
  • Example: can, could, may, might, must.

Modal verbs, also known as modals or modal auxiliaries, are a special category of auxiliary verbs that express the speaker’s attitude, ability, necessity, obligation, permission, or possibility. Here are some common modal verbs:

  1. Can: She can speak Spanish fluently.
  2. Could: I could run faster when I was younger.
  3. Will: They will help you with the project.
  4. Would: If I had more time, I would read a book.
  5. Shall: Shall we go to the movies tonight?
  6. Should: You should finish your homework before playing.
  7. May: May I borrow your pen?
  8. Might: It might rain later.
  9. Must: You must wear a helmet for safety.
  10. Ought to: We ought to be on time for the meeting.
  11. Need to: She needs to exercise regularly.
  12. Have to: They have to submit the report by Friday.
  13. Used to: I used to play the piano when I was a child.
  14. Would rather: He would rather stay home than go out.
  15. Can’t: It can’t be true.

Modal verbs add nuance and meaning to the main verb in a sentence, indicating the speaker’s perspective on the likelihood, necessity, or desirability of an action.

Phrasal Verbs

  • Consists of a main verb and one or more prepositions or adverbs.
  • Example: look up, break down, give in.

Phrasal verbs are combinations of verbs and one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) that together form a single semantic unit. These verbs often have meanings that are different from the individual words on their own. Phrasal verbs are commonly used in English and add a dynamic and idiomatic flavor to the language. Here are some examples:

  1. Bring up: He brought up an interesting point during the meeting.
  2. Call off: The event was called off due to bad weather.
  3. Get along: I get along well with my colleagues.
  4. Look after: She looks after her younger brother.
  5. Break up: They decided to break up after many years of dating.
  6. Turn on: Can you turn on the lights?
  7. Take off: The plane took off from the runway.
  8. Come across: I came across an old friend at the bookstore.
  9. Give up: Don’t give up on your dreams.
  10. Look into: The committee will look into the matter.
  11. Turn off: Please turn off the TV before leaving.
  12. Set up: They set up a new business together.
  13. Give in: Finally, he gave in to their demands.
  14. Run out of: We ran out of milk, so I need to buy some.
  15. Bring down: The news brought down the stock prices.

Understanding phrasal verbs is crucial for effective communication in English, as they are commonly used in both casual and formal contexts.

Reflexive Verbs

  • The subject and object are the same, indicating that the action is performed by the subject on itself.
  • Example: She washed herself.


Reflexive verbs are verbs in which the subject and the object are the same, and the action is directed back onto the doer. These verbs are often accompanied by reflexive pronouns that indicate the subject is performing the action on itself. Here are some examples of reflexive verbs:

  1. I wash myself every morning.
  2. She brushes her hair before bed.
  3. They enjoyed themselves at the party.
  4. He prides himself on his achievements.
  5. We prepare ourselves for the exam.
  6. The cat groomed itself with its tongue.
  7. She blamed herself for the mistake.
  8. He convinced himself to take the challenge.
  9. They behaved themselves during the ceremony.
  10. We find ourselves in a difficult situation.

Reflexive verbs are an essential part of many languages, including English, and are used to express actions performed by and on the same person or thing. The reflexive pronouns commonly used with these verbs include “myself,” “yourself,” “himself,” “herself,” “itself,” “ourselves,” “yourselves,” and “themselves.”

Causative Verbs

  • Indicate that the subject is causing someone or something to do an action.
  • Example: make, let, allow.


Causative verbs indicate the action of causing something to happen. These verbs are used when someone or something causes another person to do something or causes something to be done. There are two types of causative constructions: causative with “make” and causative with “have.” Here are examples of each:

  1. Causative with “Make”:
    • She made him study for the exam.
    • The loud noise made her jump.
    • The challenging task makes them work harder.
  2. Causative with “Have”:
    • I had my car repaired yesterday.
    • They had their house painted last summer.
    • He had the report finished by his assistant.

In these examples, the causative verbs (“make” and “have”) are used to express the idea that someone is causing or instructing someone else to act. The structure of causative verbs may vary, and the choice between “make” and “have” depends on the context and the nature of the action. Causative constructions are common in English and are used to convey a sense of influence or control over an action.

These categories help describe the various roles and functions that verbs play in constructing sentences and conveying meaning. Keep in mind that some verbs can belong to more than one category based on their usage in different contexts.

Different Categories of Verbs

Verbs can be categorized in various ways based on their functions, forms, and meanings. Here are different categories of verbs:

Regular Verbs vs. Irregular Verbs

Regular verbs and irregular verbs differ in how they form their past tense and past participle forms.

Regular Verbs:

  • Follow a consistent pattern for conjugation.
  • Form the past tense and past participle by adding “-ed” to the base form of the verb.
    • Example:
      • Base form: walk
      • Past tense: walked
      • Past participle: walked
  • Example of regular verbs in various forms:
    • Infinitive (Base form): play
    • Past tense: played
    • Past participle: played

Irregular Verbs:

  • Do not follow a consistent pattern for conjugation.
  • The past tense and past participle forms are not created by adding “-ed” to the base form; instead, they undergo various changes.
    • Example:
      • Base form: go
      • Past tense: went
      • Past participle: gone
  • Example of irregular verbs in various forms:
    • Infinitive (Base form): eat
    • Past tense: ate
    • Past participle: eaten

It’s important to note that irregular verbs do not conform to a standard rule for their past tense and past participle forms, so they need to be memorized individually. Regular verbs, on the other hand, follow a predictable pattern, making them easier to conjugate once you know the rules. Many common verbs in English are regular, but some of the most frequently used verbs are irregular, so they play a crucial role in everyday communication.

Key Differences

Regular Verbs:

  1. Formation of Past Tense:
    • Regular verbs form the past tense by adding “-ed” or “-d” to the base form of the verb.
    • Example:
      • Base form: play
      • Past tense: played
  2. Formation of Past Participle:
    • The past participle of regular verbs is also created by adding “-ed” or “-d” to the base form.
    • Example:
      • Base form: walk
      • Past participle: walked
  3. Consistency:
    • Regular verbs follow a consistent pattern for conjugation.

Irregular Verbs:

  1. Formation of Past Tense:
    • Irregular verbs do not follow a consistent pattern for forming the past tense. The past tense forms vary and are often irregular and unique.
    • Example:
      • Base form: go
      • Past tense: went
  2. Formation of Past Participle:
    • The past participle of irregular verbs is formed in various ways, and it does not involve a standard addition of “-ed” or “-d.”
    • Example:
      • Base form: eat
      • Past participle: eaten
  3. Lack of Consistency:
    • Irregular verbs lack a standard rule for conjugation and need to be memorized individually.
    • There is no predictable pattern for the changes in form between the base form, past tense, and past participle.

In summary, the key difference lies in the method of forming the past tense and past participle. Regular verbs follow a consistent pattern, while irregular verbs do not adhere to a standard rule and require memorization of their specific forms.

Transitive Verbs vs. Intransitive Verbs

Transitive verbs and intransitive verbs are two categories of verbs based on how they function in a sentence about their relationship with objects.

Transitive Verbs:

  1. Definition:
    • Transitive verbs are verbs that require a direct object to complete their meaning.
    • The action of the verb is directed toward something or someone.
  2. Example:
    • She read a book.
      • Here, “read” is a transitive verb, and “a book” is the direct object.
  3. Characteristics:
    • They often answer the question “what” or “whom.”
    • They can be transformed into passive-voice sentences.
  4. More Examples:
    • I wrote a letter.
    • They built a house.

Intransitive Verbs:

  1. Definition:
    • Intransitive verbs are verbs that do not require a direct object to complete their meaning.
    • The action of the verb is not directed toward something or someone.
  2. Example:
    • She slept peacefully.
      • Here, “slept” is an intransitive verb; there is no direct object.
  3. Characteristics:
    • They do not answer the question “what” or “whom” in the same way transitive verbs do.
    • They cannot be transformed into passive-voice sentences because they lack a direct object.
  4. More Examples:
    • The cat jumped.
    • He laughed loudly.

Key Differences:

  • Transitive verbs require a direct object, while intransitive verbs do not.
  • Transitive verbs can be transformed into passive voice constructions, whereas intransitive verbs cannot.
  • Transitivity is an important aspect when considering sentence construction and understanding the relationships between the verb and other elements in a sentence.

Dynamic verb vs. Stative verb (state-of-being)

Dynamic verbs and stative verbs are two categories of verbs that are distinguished based on the types of actions or states they describe.

Dynamic Verbs:

  1. Definition:
    • Dynamic verbs, also known as action verbs, express actions or processes that can be observed and measured.
    • They often describe activities that have a starting and ending point.
  2. Examples:
    • run, jump, eat, write, play
    • She runs every morning.
    • They played soccer for hours.
  3. Characteristics:
    • Dynamic verbs typically involve physical or visible actions.
    • They are often used in the progressive or continuous tenses.
    • They can be used in imperative sentences to give commands.
    • Dynamic verbs are more dynamic, showing activity and change.

Stative Verbs (state-of-being):

  1. Definition:
    • Stative verbs, also known as state verbs, describe a state or condition that is generally not characterized by action.
    • They express thoughts, emotions, relationships, senses, or states of being.
  2. Examples:
    • be, seem, know, like, understand
    • She is a teacher.
    • They know the answer.
  3. Characteristics:
    • Stative verbs typically describe a state of being, a mental state, or a possession.
    • They are not generally used in progressive or continuous tenses.
    • Stative verbs are often used with adverbs like “always,” “never,” or “usually.”
    • They don’t lend themselves to imperative constructions as easily as dynamic verbs.

Key Differences:

  • Dynamic verbs describe actions and processes that are dynamic, observable, and often involve change.
  • Stative verbs describe states, conditions, thoughts, or emotions that are static, not necessarily involve action or change.

Examples illustrating the difference:

  • Dynamic verb: She plays the piano. (action)
  • Stative verb: She knows how to play the piano. (state of knowledge, not an action)

Understanding the distinction between dynamic and stative verbs helps in using them appropriately in different contexts.

Finite verb vs Non-finite Verb

Finite verbs and non-finite verbs are terms used to classify verbs based on their role in a sentence and their form. Here’s an explanation of each:

Finite Verbs:

  1. Definition:
    • A finite verb is a verb that is conjugated to show tense, person, and sometimes number. It carries the main meaning in a clause or sentence.
    • It indicates the action or state and agrees with the subject in terms of person and number.
  2. Characteristics:
    • Changes form according to the tense (past, present, future) and the subject (I, you, he/she/it, we, they).
    • Can serve as the main verb in a sentence.
    • Examples:
      • I write a letter. (present tense)
      • She played soccer yesterday. (past tense)
  3. Usage:
    • Used to convey the primary action or state in a sentence.

Non-finite Verbs:

  1. Definition:
    • A non-finite verb is a verb that is not conjugated for tense, person, or number. It does not function as the main verb in a sentence.
    • There are three types of non-finite verbs: infinitives, gerunds, and participles.
  2. Types of Non-finite Verbs:
    • Infinitive: The base form of the verb (e.g., to walk, to eat).
      • Example: I like to read.
    • Gerund: The -ing form of the verb used as a noun.
      • Example: Swimming is my favorite activity.
    • Participle: The -ing form (present participle) or past participle of the verb used as an adjective.
      • Example: The broken window needs fixing.
  3. Characteristics:
    • Do not change form based on tense or subject.
    • Often function as nouns, adjectives, or complements.
    • Examples:
      • To read is enjoyable. (infinitive as a subject)
      • She enjoys reading. (gerund as a direct object)
  4. Usage:
    • Used to provide additional information or to modify other parts of a sentence.

Key Differences:

  • Finite verbs show tense, person, and number, and they often serve as the main verb in a sentence.
  • Non-finite verbs do not show tense, person, or number. They function as infinitives, gerunds, or participles and often serve as complements or modifiers.

Understanding the distinction between finite and non-finite verbs is essential for constructing grammatically correct sentences.

Verb Forms

Verb forms refer to the various modifications that a verb can undergo to convey different meanings within a sentence. The three primary forms of verbs are the base form, the past tense form, and the past participle form.

  1. Base Form:
    • The base form of a verb is its simplest, most basic form.
    • Example: run, eat, write
    • It is used in the present tense with singular subjects (e.g., I run) and in the base form of modal verbs (e.g., can run).
  2. S/es form(singular):
    • The singular form of the verb in the present tense is mostly the verb in the singular form. 
    • Examples: catches, chases, likes. 
    • mostly done just by adding an ‘s’ to the base form in the Simple Present Tense
  3. Past Tense Form:
    • The past tense form of a verb is used to indicate an action that has already happened.
    • For regular verbs, the past tense is often formed by adding “-ed” to the base form.
    • Example: ran, ate, wrote
    • For irregular verbs, the past tense form may undergo a unique change.
    • Example: go (base form) → went (past tense)
  4. Past Participle Form:
    • The past participle form of a verb is used in various tenses, such as the present perfect and past perfect.
    • For regular verbs, the past participle is usually formed by adding “-ed” to the base form.
    • Example: have run, have eaten, have written
    • For irregular verbs, the past participle form may differ from both the base form and the past tense form.
    • Example: go (base form) → went (past tense) → gone (past participle)
  5. Gerunds(- ing form):
    • Any verb can be transformed into a gerund by adding ‘ing’ to the base form.
    • Examples: Drinking, Driving, Walking.
    • A gerund can be used as a verb when used with an auxiliary verb to indicate an action that is continuing at a particular period of time.

These three forms are essential for constructing verb tenses and moods in English. Additionally, auxiliary verbs (helping verbs) are often used with these forms to create various tenses and aspects in sentences.

Examples:

  • Present Tense: She runs every day.
  • Past Tense: Yesterday, she ran to catch the bus.
  • Present Perfect: She has written a novel.
  • Past Perfect: By that time, she had eaten dinner.

Understanding verb forms is crucial for effective communication and proper grammar in English.

PastPresentFuture
SimpleI looked at the painting.I look at the painting.I will look at the painting.
Progressive or ContinuousI was looking at the painting.I am looking at the painting.I will be looking at the painting.
PerfectI had looked at the painting.I have looked at the painting.I will have looked at the painting.
Perfect Continuous or
Perfect Progressive 		I had been looking at the painting.I have been looking at the painting.I will have been looking at the painting.

List of V1 V2 V3 V4 V5 Words

Regular Verbs
Base Form (V1)V2Past Simple (V2)Past Participle (V3)S-Form (V4)Present Participle/Gerund (V5)
AddAddedAddedAddsAdding
AccessAccessedAccessedAccessesAccessing
AlertAlertedAlertedAlertsAlertin
AmuseAmusedAmusedAmusesAmusing
AdmireAdmiredAdmiredAdmiresAdmiring
AvoidAvoidedAvoidedAvoidsAvoiding
AskAskedAskedAsksAsking
AppearAppearedAppearedAppearsAppearing
AllowAllowedAllowedAllowsAllowing
ArrangeArrangedArrangedArrangesArranging
AttractAttractedAttractedAttractsAttracting
AnswerAnsweredAnsweredAnswersAnswering
AssertAssertedAssertedAssertsAsserting
AnnoyAnnoyedAnnoyedAnnoysAnnoying
ArgueArguedArguedArguesArguing
AdmitAdmittedAdmittedAdmitsAdmitting
AssistAssistedAssistedAssistsAssisting
AttendAttendedAttendedAttendsAttending
AttachAttachedAttachedAttachesAttaching
AnalyseAnalysedAnalysedAnalysesAnalysing
BakeBakedBakedBakesBaking
BelongBelongedBelongedBelongsBelonging
BegBeggedBeggedBegsBegging
BatBattedBattedBatsBatting
BoilBoiledBoiledBoilsBoiling
BeamBeamedBeamedBeamsBeaming
BlushBlushedBlushedBlushesBlushing
BrushBrushedBrushedBrushesBrushing
BurnBurnedBurnedBurnsBurning
BatheBathedBathedBathesBathing
BlinkBlinkedBlinkedBlinksBlinking
BoltBoltedBoltedBoltsBolting
BranchBranchedBranchedBranchesBranching
BlessBlessedBlessedBlessesBlessing
BoastBoastedBoastedBoastsBoasting
BookBookedBookedBooksBooking
BounceBouncedBouncedBouncesBouncing
BuryBuriedBuriedBuriesBurying
BangBangedBangedBangsBanging
BruiseBruisedBruisedBruisesBruising
BowBowedBowedBowsBowing
BorrowBorrowedBorrowedBorrowsBorrowing
CallCalledCalledCallsCalling
CompleteCompletedCompletedCompletesCompleting
CrushCrushedCrushedCrushesCrushing
CurseCursedCursedCursesCursing
CrouchCrouchedCrouchedCrouchesCrouching
CoverCoveredCoveredCoversCovering
ClaimClaimedClaimedClaimsClaiming
CompareComparedComparedComparesComparing
CarryCarriedCarriedCarriesCarrying
CareCaredCaredCaresCaring
CycleCycledCycledCyclesCycling
CryCriedCriedCriesCrying
ChaseChasedChasedChasesChasing
ColourColouredColouredColoursColouring
CombCombedCombedCombsCombing
CopyCopiedCopiedCopiesCopying
CrumbleCrumbledCrumbledCrumblesCrumbling
CoachCoachedCoachedCoachesCoaching
ChangeChangedChangedChangesChanging
CollectCollectedCollectedCollectsCollecting
CollateCollatedCollatedCollatesCollating
CheerCheeredCheeredCheersCheering
CollaborateCollaboratedCollaboratedCollaboratesCollaborating
CloseClosedClosedClosesClosing
ContinueContinuedContinuedContinuesContinuing
ClipClippedClippedClipsClipping
ChargeChargedChargedChargesCharging
CurlCurledCurledCurlsCurling
ConsiderConsideredConsideredConsidersConsidering
CorrectCorrectedCorrectedCorrectsCorrecting
ConnectConnectedConnectedConnectsConnecting
CommandCommandedCommandedCommandsCommanding
DemandDemandedDemandedDemandsDemanding
DeliverDeliveredDeliveredDeliversDelivering
DelveDelvedDelvedDelvesDelving
DelayDelayedDelayedDelaysDelaying
DecayDecayedDecayedDecaysDecaying
DevelopDevelopedDevelopedDevelopsDeveloping
DragDraggedDraggedDragsDragging
DustDustedDustedDustsDusting
DreamDreamedDreamedDreamsDreaming
DisappearDisappearedDisappearedDisappearsDisappearing
DecorateDecoratedDecoratedDecoratesDecorating
DryDriedDriedDriesDrying
DressDressedDressedDressesDressing
DestroyDestroyedDestroyedDestroysDestroying
DelightDelightedDelightedDelightsDelighting
DeceiveDeceivedDeceivedDeceivesDeceiving
DrainDrainedDrainedDrainsDraining
DivideDividedDividedDividesDividing
DropDroppedDroppedDropsDropping
DependDependedDependedDependsDepending
DiscoverDiscoveredDiscoveredDiscoversDiscovering
DiluteDilutedDilutedDilutesDiluting
DescribeDescribedDescribedDescribesDescribing
DrownDrownedDrownedDrownsDrowning
DoubtDoubtedDoubtedDoubtsDoubting
DripDrippedDrippedDripsDripping
DoubleDoubledDoubledDoublesDoubling
EnterEnteredEnteredEntersEntering
EndEndedEndedEndsEnding
ExitExcitedExcitedExitsExiting
EnjoyEnjoyedEnjoyedEnjoysEnjoying
ExcuseExcusedExcusedExcusesExcusing
ExaltExaltedExaltedExaltsExalting
EducateEducatedEducatedEducatesEducating
EntertainEntertainedEntertainedEntertainsEntertaining
EmbarrassEmbarrassedEmbarrassedEmbarrassesEmbarrassing
ExerciseExercisedExercisedExercisesExercising
ExecuteExecutedExecutedExecutesExecuting
ExpectExpectedExpectedExpectsExpecting
ExcelExcelledExcelledExcelsExcelling
ExpandExpandedExpandedExpandsExpanding
EscapeEscapedEscapedEscapesEscaping
ExplainExplainedExplainedExplainsExplaining
ExtendExtendedExtendedExtendsExtending
ExamineExaminedExaminedExaminesExamining
EmpowerEmpoweredEmpoweredEmpowersEmpowering
EndorseEndorsedEndorsedEndorsesEndorsing
EmptyEmptiedEmptiedEmptiesEmptying
FlyFliedFliedFliesFlying
FryFriedFriedFriesFrying
FlashFlashedFlashedFlashesFlashing
FlushFlushedFlushedFlushesFlushing
FearFearedFearedFearsFearing
FleetFleetedFleetedFleetsFleeting
FloatFloatedFloatedFloatsFloating
FollowFollowedFollowedFollowsFollowing
FrightenFrightenedFrightenedFrightensFrightening
FoldFoldedFoldedFoldsFolding
FireFiredFiredFiresFiring
FreeFreedFreedFreesFreeing
FrameFramedFramedFramesFraming
FixFixedFixedFixesFixing
ForceForcedForcedForcesForcing
FastFastedFastedFastsFasting
FastenFastenedFastenedFastensFastening
FillFilledFilledFillsFilled
FilmFilmedFilmedFilmsFilming
GuessGuessedGuessedGuessesGuessing
GatherGatheredGatheredGathersGathering
GrieveGrievedGrievedGrievesGrieving
GreetGreetedGreetedGreetsGreeting
GuideGuidedGuidedGuidesGuiding
GripGrippedGrippedGripsGripping
GrabGrabbedGrabbedGrabsGrabbing
GreaseGreasedGreasedGreasesGreasing
GrazeGrazedGrazedGrazesGrazing
GloatGloatedGloatedGloatsGloating
GrateGratedGratedGratesGrating
GlowGlowedGlowedGlowsGlowing
GrinGrinnedGrinnedGrinsGrinning
GuaranteeGuaranteedGuaranteedGuaranteesGuaranteeing
GuardGuardedGuardedGuardsGuarding
GovernGovernedGovernedGovernsGoverning
HoverHoveredHoveredHoversHovering
HustleHustledHustledHustlesHustling
HappenHappenedHappenedHappensHappening
HopHoppedHoppedHopsHopping
HealHealedHealedHealsHealing
HopeHopedHopedHopesHoping
HookHookedHookedHooksHooking
HuntHuntedHuntedHuntsHunting
HeatHeatedHeatedHeatsHeating
HurryHurriedHurriedHurriesHurrying
HauntHauntedHauntedHantsHaunting
HugHuggedHuggedHugsHugging
HelpHelpedHelpedHelpsHelping
HeadHeadedHeadedHeadsHeading
HumHummedHummedHumsHumming
HeapHeapedHeapedHeapsHeaping
HarmHarmedHarmedHarmsHarming
HandleHandledHandledHandlesHandling
HateHatedHatedHatesHating
HandHandedHandedHandsHanding
InkInkedInkedInksInking
InterfereInterferedInterferedInterferesInterfering
InformInformedInformedInformsInforming
ImproveImprovedImprovedImprovesImproving
ImproviseImprovisedImprovisedImprovisesImprovising
IgnoreIgnoredIgnoredIgnoresIgnoring
IgniteIgnitedIgnitedIgnitesIgniting
IlluminateIlluminatedIlluminatedIlluminatesIlluminating
InviteInvitedInvitedInvitesInviting
ImagineImaginedImaginedImaginesImagining
ItchItchedItchedItchesItching
IntendIntendedIntendedIntendsIntending
IntroduceIntroducedIntroducedIntroducesIntroducing
InjectInjectedInjectedInjectsInjecting
InterestInterestedInterestedInterestsInteresting
InterruptInterruptedInterruptedInterruptsInterrupting
InstructInstructedInstructedInstructsInstructing
InfectInfectedInfectedInfectsInfecting
InfluenceInfluencedInfluencedInfluencesInfluencing
IncludeIncludedIncludedIncludesIncluding
IncreaseIncreasedIncreasedIncreasesIncreasing
JumpJumpedJumpedJumpsJumping
JamJammedJammedJamsJamming
JuggleJuggledJuggledJugglesJuggling
JogJoggedJoggedJogsJogging
JokeJokedJokedJokesJoking
JoinJoinedJoinedJoinsJoining
JudgeJudgedJudgedJudgesJudging
LinkLinkedLinkedLinksLinking
LimpLimpedLimpedLimpsLimping
LikeLikedLikedLikesLiking
ListenListenedListenedListensListening
LoveLovedLovedLovesLoving
LiveLivedLivedLivesLiving
LookLookedLookedLooksLooking
LockLockedLockedLocksLocking
ListListedListedListsListing
LieLiedLiedLiesLying
LaughLaughedLaughedLaughsLaughing
LabelLabelledLabelledLabelsLabelling
LightenLightenedLightenedLightensLightening
LearnLearnedLearnedLearnsLearning
LaunchLaunchedLaunchedLaunchesLaunching
LastLastedLastedLastsLasting
MasterMasteredMasteredMastersMastering
MentorMentoredMentoredMentorsMentoring
MixMixedMixedMixesMixing
MultiplyMultipliedMultipliedMutipliesMultiplying
MissMissedMissedMissesMissing
MournMournedMournedMournsMourning
MoanMoanedMoanedMoansMoaning
MeasureMeasuredMeasuredMeasuresMeasuring
MeddleMeddledMeddledMeddlesMeddling
MoveMovedMovedMovesMoving
MarkMarkedMarkedMarksMarking
MatchMatchedMatchedMatchesMatching
MemoriseMemorisedMemorisedMemorisesMemorising
ManageManagedManagedManagesManaging
MarryMarriedMarriedMarriesMarrying
MusterMusteredMusteredMustersMustering
NameNamedNamedNamesNaming
NavigateNavigatedNavigatedNavigatesNavigating
NeedNeededNeededNeedsNeeding
NoticeNoticedNoticedNoticesNoticing
NoteNotedNotedNotesNoting
NumberNumberedNumberedNumbersNumbering
NodNoddedNoddedNodsNodding
OpenOpenedOpenedOpensOpening
OccurOccurredOccurredOccursOccurring
OrderOrderedOrderedOrdersOrdering
OptimiseOptimisedOptimisedOptimisesOptimising
OpposeOpposedOpposedOpposesOpposing
ObserveObservedObservedObservesObserving
ObeyObeyedObeyedObeysObeying
OwnOwnedOwnedOwnsOwning
OfferOfferedOfferedOffersOffering
ObtainObtainedObtainedObtainsObtaining
OweOwedOwedOwesOwing
OverflowOverflowedOverflowedOverflowsOverflowing
ObjectObjectedObjectedObjectsObjecting
PreachPreachedPreachedPreachesPreaching
PinchPinchedPinchedPinchesPinching
PickPickedPickedPicksPicking
PloughPloughedPloughedPloughsPloughing
PrayPrayedPrayedPraysPraying
PushPushedPushedPushesPushing
ProveProvedProvedProvesProving
PlantPlantedPlantedPlantsPlanting
PostPostedPostedPostsPosting
ProtectProtectedProtectedProtectsProtecting
ProjectProjectedProjectedProjectsProjecting
PlacePlacedPlacedPlacesPlacing
PreparePreparedPreparedPreparesPreparing
PausePausedPausedPausesPausing
PrintPrintedPrintedPrintsPrinting
PaintPaintedPaintedPaintsPainting
PreferPreferredPreferredPrefersPreferring
PresentPresentedPresentedPresentsPresenting
ProduceProducedProducedProducesProducing
ProvideProvidedProvidedProvidesProviding
QuestionQuestionedQuestionedQuestionsQuestioning
RestRestedRestedRestsResting
RaceRacedRacedRacesRacing
RoastRoastedRoastedRoastsRoasting
RelyReliedReliedReliesRelying
RequestRequestedRequestedRequestsRequesting
RoamRoamedRoamedRoamsRoaming
RecordRecordedRecordedRecordsRecording
RecruitRecruitedRecruitedRecruitsRecruiting
RescueRescuedRescuedRescuesRescuing
RenderRenderedRenderedRendersRendering
ReceiveReceivedReceivedReceivesReceiving
RuleRuledRuledRulesRuling
RemainRemainedRemainedRemainsRemaining
RollRolledRolledRollsRolling
RiskRiskedRiskedRisksRisking
ReplyRepliedRepliedRepliesReplying
RejectRejectedRejectedRejectsRejecting
ReactReactedReactedReactsReacting
RainRainedRainedRainsRaining
RaiseRaisedRaisedRaisesRaising
ReflectReflectedReflectedReflectsReflecting
ReturnReturnedReturnedReturnsReturning
ServeServedServedServesServing
SmileSmiledSmiledSmilesSmiling
SmellSmelledSmelledSmellsSmelling
SufferSufferedSufferedSuffersSuffering
SeparateSeparatedSeparatedSeparatesSeparating
StareStaredStaredStaresStaring
StartStartedStartedStartsStarting
SupplySuppliedSuppliedSuppliesSupplying
SqueezeSqueezedSqueezedSqueezesSqueezing
SpraySprayedSprayedSpraysSpraying
StayStayedStayedStaysStaying
ShelterShelteredShelteredSheltersSheltering
SwitchSwitchedSwitchedSwitchesSwitching
StitchStitchedStitchedStitchesStitching
SparkleSparkledSparkledSparklesSparkling
SurpriseSurprisedSurprisedSurprisesSurprising
SuitSuitedSuitedSuitsSuiting
SubtractSubtractedSubtractedSubtractsSubtracting
SuggestSuggestedSuggestedSuggestsSuggesting
StampStampedStampedStampsStamping
SkipSkippedSkippedSkipsSkipping
StepSteppedSteppedStepsStepping
StopStoppedStoppedStopsStopping
SoundSoundedSoundedSoundsSounding
StoreStoredStoredStoresStoring
SlipSlippedSlippedSlipsSlipping
TalkTalkedTalkedTalksTalking
TrickTrickedTrickedTricksTricking
TreatTreatedTreatedTreatsTreating
TravelTravelledTravelledTravelsTravelling
TypeTypedTypedTypesTyping
TripTrippedTrippedTripsTripping
TwistTwistedTwistedTwistsTwisting
TurnTurnedTurnedTurnsTurning
TryTriedTriedTriesTrying
ThriveThrivedThrivedThrivesThriving
TrustTrustedTrustedTrustsTrusting
TrainTrainedTrainedTrainsTraining
TouchTouchedTouchedTouchesTouching
TasteTastedTastedTastesTasting
ThankThankedThankedThanksThanking
UseUsedUsedUsesUsing
UniteUnitedUnitedUnitesUniting
UnlockUnlockedUnlockedUnlocksUnlocking
UntieUntiedUntiedUntiesUntying
VisitVisitedVisitedVisitsVisiting
VanishVanishedVanishedVanishesVanishing
ValidateValidatedValidatedValidatesValidating
VaccinateVaccinatedVaccinatedVaccinatesVaccinating
VacateVacatedVacatedVacatesVacating
VerifyVerifiedVerifiedVerifiesVerifying
VacateVacatedVacatedVacatesVacating
WaitWaitedWaitedWaitsWaiting
WashWashedWashedWashesWashing
WanderWanderedWanderedWandersWandering
WailWailedWailedWailsWailing
WaitWaitedWaitedWaitsWaiting
WipeWipedWipedWipesWiping
WorkWorkedWorkedWorksWorking
WishWishedWishedWishesWishing
WhistleWhistledWhistledWhistlesWhistling
WelcomeWelcomedWelcomedWelcomesWelcoming
WatchWatchedWatchedWatchesWatching
WaveWavedWavedWavesWaving
WhisperWhisperedWhisperedWhispersWhispering
WaverWaveredWaveredWaversWavering
WrapWrappedWrappedWrapsWrapping
WorryWorriedWorriedWorriesWorrying
WonderWonderedWonderedWondersWondering
YawnYawnedYawnedYawnsYawning
YellYelledYelledYellsYelling
ZoomZoomedZoomedZoomsZooming

Irregular verbs
Base Form (V1Past Simple (V2)Past Participle (V3)S-Form (V4)Present Participle/Gerund (V5)
AriseAroseArisenArisesArising
AwakeAwokeAwakenAwakesAwaking
BeginBeganBegunBeginsBeginning
BendBentBentBendsBending
BeatBeatBeatBeatsBeating
BecomeBecameBecomeBecomesBecoming
BindBoundBoundBindsBinding
BringBroughtBroughtBringsBringing
BuyBoughtBoughtBuysBuying
BlowBlewBlownBlowsBlowing
BuildBuiltBuiltBuildsBuilding
BreakBrokeBrokenBreaksBreaking
BiteBitBittenBitesBiting
CatchCaughtCaughtCatchesCatching
ChooseChoseChosenChoosesChoosing
ComeCameComeComesComing
CutCutCutCutsCutting
CostCostCostCostsCosting
DoDidDoneDoesDoing
DrawDrewDrawnDrawsDrawing
DrinkDrankDrunkDrinksDrinking
DriveDroveDrivenDrivesDriving
DigDugDugDigsDigging
EatAteEatenEatsEating
FeelFeltFeltFeelsFeeling
FallFellFallenFallsFalling
FlyFlewFlownFlysFlying
FightFoughtFoughtFightsFighting
FindFoundFoundFindsFinding
FreezeFrozeFrozenFreezesFreezing
ForgetForgotForgottenForgetsForgetting
ForgiveForgaveForgivenForgivesForgiving
GetGotGottenGetsGetting
GiveGaveGivenGivesGiving
GoWentGoneGoesGoing
GrowGrewGrownGrowsGrowing
HitHitHitHitsHitting
HurtHurtHurtHurtsHurting
HideHidHiddenHidesHiding
HangHungHungHangsHanging
HearHeardHeardHearsHearing
HoldHeldHeldHoldsHolding
KneelKneltKneltKneelsKneeling
KnowKnewKnownKnowsKnowing
KeepKeptKeptKeepsKeeping
LightLitLitLightsLighting
LearnLearntLearntLearnsLearning
LeanLeantLeantLeansLeaning
LeaveLeftLeftLeavesLeaving
LeadLedLedLeadsLeading
LayLaidLaidLaysLaying
LetLetLetLetsLetting
LoseLostLostLosesLosing
MeetMetMetMeetsMeeting
MakeMadeMadeMakesMaking
PutPutPutPutsPutting
PayPaidPaidPaysPaying
RunRanRunRunsRunning
RingRangRungRingsRinging
ReadReadReadReadsReading
RiseRoseRisenRisesRising
RideRodeRiddenRidesRiding
SendSentSentSendsSending
SeeSawSeenSeesSeeing
SetSetSetSetsSetting
StandStoodStoodStandsStanding
SitSatSatSitsSitting
SingSangSungSingsSinging
ShrinkShrankShrunkShrinksShrinking
SinkSankSunkSinksSinking
ShutShutShutShutsShutting
SleepSleptSleptSleepsSleeping
ShootShotShotShootsShooting
SpeakSpokeSpokenSpeaksSpeaking
ShedShedShedShedsShedding
SpendSpentSpentSpendsSpending
SpitSpatSpatSpitsSpitting
SplitSplitSplitSplitsSplitting
StealStoleStolenStealsStealing
StickStuckStuckSticksSticking
StrikeStruckStruckStrikesStriking
SweepSweptSweptSweepsSweeping
SwingSwungSwungSwingsSwinging
ThinkThoughtThoughtThinksThinking
TakeTookTakenTakesTaking
TeachTaughtTaughtTeachesTeaching
ThrowThrewThrownThrowsThrowing
TellToldToldTellsTelling
TearToreTornTearsTearing
UnderstandUnderstoodUnderstoodUnderstandsUnderstanding
WearWoreWornWearsWearing
WakeWokeWokenWakesWaking
WinWonWonWinsWinning
WriteWroteWrittenWritesWriting

Mood

In grammar, mood refers to the quality or manner of a verb’s action or the speaker’s attitude toward the action or state expressed by the verb. English verbs can express three moods: indicative, imperative, and subjunctive.

  1. Indicative Mood:
    • The indicative mood is the most common mood in English.
    • It is used to make factual statements, ask questions, or express opinions.
    • Example:
      • Statement: She writes novels.
      • Question: Does she write novels?
      • Opinion: I believe she writes novels.
  2. Imperative Mood:
    • The imperative mood is used to give commands, make requests, or offer invitations.
    • The subject (you) is often understood and not explicitly stated.
    • Example:
      • Write your essay. (command)
      • Please pass the salt. (request)
      • Come to the party. (invitation)
  3. Subjunctive Mood:
    • The subjunctive mood is used to express hypothetical situations, wishes, recommendations, or suggestions.
    • It often involves the base form of the verb and may not follow the usual rules of conjugation.
    • Example:
      • I wish she were here. (hypothetical)
      • It is essential that he study for the exam. (recommendation)
      • I suggest that he be present. (suggestion)
    • Note: The use of the subjunctive mood has decreased in modern English, and in many cases, it can be interchangeable with the indicative mood. However, it is still used in certain expressions.

Understanding and using the appropriate mood in verbs is crucial for effective communication and expressing different types of statements, commands, and hypothetical scenarios in English.

The following table helps you to understand more about mood

Grammatical moodFunctionExample
IndicativeExpress a fact“Lucy likes chocolate.”
ImperativeExpress a command or a request“Wash the dishes.”
InterrogativeAsk a question“Did you do your classwork?”
ConditionalExpress a condition“If you want to borrow that book, you can.”
SubjunctiveExpress a wish, demand, doubt, or hypothetical situation“If I were rich, I would buy a mansion.”

Aspect

Aspect in grammar refers to the temporal quality or duration of an action expressed by a verb. It helps convey the nature of the action—whether it is ongoing, completed, or repeated. English primarily uses three aspects: simple, progressive (continuous), and perfect.

  1. Simple Aspect:
    • The simple aspect represents actions or states without emphasizing their duration or completion.
    • Example:
      • He writes a letter every day. (habitual action)
      • The sun sets in the west. (general truth)
  2. Progressive (Continuous) Aspect:
    • The progressive aspect indicates actions that are ongoing or in progress at a specific point in time.
    • Formed using a form of the verb “to be” + present participle.
    • Example:
      • She is writing a letter. (ongoing action)
      • I am studying for my exams. (current activity)
  3. Perfect Aspect:
    • The perfect aspect indicates actions that are completed or have a connection to the present.
    • Formed using a form of the verb “to have” + past participle.
    • Example:
      • He has written a letter. (completed action)
      • They have lived here for five years. (connection to the present)
  4. Perfect Progressive Aspect:
    • The perfect progressive aspect combines the perfect and progressive aspects, indicating actions that were ongoing and have been completed.
    • Formed using a form of the verb “to have” + been + present participle.
    • Example:
      • She has been working on the project. (ongoing action with a connection to the present)

It’s important to note that aspect interacts with tense. For example, you can have the past progressive (e.g., “She was writing”), the future perfect (e.g., “They will have arrived”), and other combinations.

Understanding aspect allows speakers and writers to convey more nuanced information about the timing, duration, and completion of actions. It adds depth to the description of events and contributes to the overall meaning of sentences.

Points to Remember

When dealing with verbs in English, there are several important points to remember to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness in your writing or speech. Here are key points related to verbs:

  1. Subject-Verb Agreement:
    • The verb in a sentence must agree with its subject in terms of number and person.
    • Example: He runs every morning. (singular subject) They run every morning. (plural subject)
  2. Verb Tenses:
    • Use appropriate verb tenses to convey the timing of an action or state.
    • Common tenses include present, past, and future, as well as various perfect and progressive forms.
    • Example: I write (present), I wrote (past), I will write (future), I have written (present perfect), I am writing (present progressive).
  3. Irregular Verbs:
    • Be aware of irregular verbs that do not follow the regular pattern of adding “-ed” for past tense and past participle forms.
    • Example: go (base), went (past), gone (past participle)
  4. Modal Verbs:
    • Modal verbs express possibility, necessity, ability, or permission.
    • Common modal verbs include can, could, will, would, shall, should, may, might, and must.
    • Example: She can swim.
  5. Transitive and Intransitive Verbs:
    • Understand the difference between transitive verbs, which require a direct object, and intransitive verbs, which do not.
    • Example: He read a book. (transitive) vs. She slept peacefully. (intransitive)
  6. Participles and Gerunds:
    • Differentiate between participles (verb forms used as adjectives) and gerunds (verb forms used as nouns).
    • Example: The broken window (participle). vs. Reading is enjoyable (gerund).
  7. Infinitives:
    • Recognize and use infinitives, which are the base form of a verb often introduced by the word “to.”
    • Example: I like to swim.
  8. Auxiliary (Helping) Verbs:
    • Auxiliary verbs, also known as helping verbs, are used with main verbs to create various tenses and moods.
    • Example: She has finished her work.
  9. Active and Passive Voice:
    • Understand the difference between active voice (subject performs the action) and passive voice (subject receives the action).
    • Example: Active – She wrote the report. vs. Passive – The report was written by her.
  10. Consistency in Verb Forms:
    • Maintain consistency in verb forms within a sentence or paragraph to ensure clarity and coherence.

By keeping these points in mind, you can enhance your ability to use verbs effectively in English and communicate your ideas more precisely.

In summary

  • Always try to use an active voice in your speech and writing as it is preferred widely and conveys the message quickly and simply. Do not use the passive voice unless it is necessary.
  • When you conjugate verbs to indicate different tense forms, see to it that the subject and the verb agree with each other.
  • Improve your vocabulary. Try to learn the specific verbs for every action instead of modifying other verbs to convey the same. For example, stroll means a leisurely walk, and jabber means talking in a very excited, rapid, and incomprehensible manner, yelp means a short and sharp cry to indicate pain or an alarm.

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सर्वनाम (Pronoun) किसे कहते है? परिभाषा, भेद एवं उदाहरण भगवान शिव के 12 ज्योतिर्लिंग | नाम, स्थान एवं स्तुति मंत्र प्रथम विश्व युद्ध: विनाशकारी महासंग्राम | 1914 – 1918 ई.