What is a Verb?
A verb is one of the most important parts of speech. It is a word that shows action, a state of being, or an occurrence. Without a verb, a sentence is incomplete.
Types of Verbs
Verbs can be categorized into three main types based on their function.
Action Verbs
These verbs show physical or mental action. They describe what the subject is doing.
- He reads a book.
- She thinks about the problem.
- They play football.
Linking Verbs
These verbs connect the subject to more information about it. They do not show action, but a state of being.
- She is happy.
- He seems tired.
- The soup tastes delicious.
Helping (Auxiliary) Verbs
These verbs help the main verb express tense, mood, or voice. They always appear with a main verb.
- She is reading.
- I have finished my work.
- He can swim well.
Transitive Verbs
A transitive verb needs a direct object to receive the action.
Example: He eats an apple. (What does he eat? → an apple)
Intransitive Verbs
An intransitive verb does not need an object to complete its meaning.
Example: He sleeps peacefully.
Verb Forms and Tenses
Verbs change their form to show when an action happens (tense).
| Base (V1) | Past (V2) | Past Participle (V3) | Present Participle (V-ing) | s/es Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| go | went | gone | going | goes |
| eat | ate | eaten | eating | eats |
| write | wrote | written | writing | writes |
Key Takeaway
A verb is the engine of a sentence. It can show action, a state of being, or an occurrence. Understanding the different types and forms of verbs is fundamental to building correct and meaningful sentences in English.