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What Is A Verb?
What Is A Verb?
verb?
When we write sentences or clauses, we need to include a verb. What is a verb? A verb is a word that
we use to refer to actions (what things do) and states of being (how things are). For example, the
words describe, eat, and rotate are verbs. As you are about to see, verbs come in a lot of different types
that don’t all behave the same way. When using proper grammar, it is important that you use verbs
correctly. So, we are going to explore the many different types of verbs that we use and how to
successfully use them to create great, clear sentences.
Types of verbs
We are going to explore 11 different types of verbs. Because every type deserves some attention, we
won’t be going into too much detail on each type. If you want to learn more than what is covered here,
you’re in luck. Listed below are each of the 11 types of verbs we are going to look at and a link to an
article entirely focused on that specific type of verb.
1. Action verbs
2. Stative verbs
3. Transitive verbs
4. Intransitive verbs
5. Linking verbs
6. Helping verbs (also called auxiliary verbs)
7. Modal verbs
8. Regular verbs
9. Irregular verbs
10. Phrasal verbs
11. Infinitives
1. Action verbs
Action verbs, as their name says, are used to refer to actions. These can refer to physical actions that are
performed with bodies or objects, such as jump, hit, or sing, or mental actions that we use our brains to
perform, such as think, consider, or memorize. Most verbs you will find are action verbs.
List of action verbs
run
swim
help
ignore
believe
Examples of action verbs in a sentence
Each of these sentences uses action verbs. You’ll see that each verb is referring to a physical or mental
action.
I work at a factory.
Cats chase mice.
We listened to the woman’s amazing story.
2. Stative verbs
Unlike action verbs, stative verbs refer to conditions or states of being. Generally speaking, we use
stative verbs to describe things like qualities, states of existence, opinions, beliefs, and emotions. When
used in a sentence, stative verbs do not refer to actions. It is important to know that some verbs can be
used as either action or stative verbs depending on their meaning in the sentence. We are less likely to
use stative verbs in the continuous verb tenses.
List of stative verbs
love
want
own
have
resemble
Get to know the stative verb have even better with this examination of has vs. have.
Examples of stative verbs in a sentence
These sentences all use stative verbs. You’ll notice that none of these verbs refer to actions.
Airplanes fly.
The children slept while the adults worked.
The terrified monkeys hid in the trees after they saw the gigantic hungry snake.
5. Linking verbs
Linking verbs are a special type of stative verb whose name gives a big clue as to what they do. Linking
verbs are used to link a subject with a subject complement. A subject complement describes or
identifies the subject of the sentence or clause. Linking verbs can function as intransitive verbs, which do
not take direct objects.
List of words used as linking verbs
be
become
seem
appear
grow
Examples of linking verbs in a sentence
In each of the following sentences, linking verbs are used to link a subject with a subject complement.
be
have
do
can
will
Examples of helping verbs in a sentence
Each of the following sentences uses a helping verb. Take a moment to consider what each sentence is
saying and how a helping verb contributes to the meaning of the sentence.
can
may
might
must
would
Examples of modal verbs in a sentence
The following sentences all use modal verbs to express a certain tone. You’ll see that each sentence
would have a different meaning (or wouldn’t make sense) without the modal verb.
jump becomes jumped
slip becomes slipped
try becomes tried
sleep becomes slept
lend becomes lent
Examples of regular verbs in a sentence
Each of the following sentences use regular verbs in either their past tense form or as a past participle.
ask for
put up with
talk down to
lock up
cut across
Examples of phrasal verbs in a sentence
The following sentences show how we can use phrasal verbs. Sometimes, we can separate out the
words of a phrasal verb and the sentence is still grammatically correct.