Verbs Definition, Forms, Types, Usage, and Examples

Hello, students! Today, we are going to learn about one of the most important parts of English grammar — verbs! Verbs are special words that help us talk about actions, feelings, and states of being. Imagine trying to tell a story without them—it would be impossible! Let’s dive into the magical world of verbs and understand how they work.

What Are Verbs?

A verb is a word that tells us what someone or something is doing, feeling, or being. Every sentence needs a verb to make sense. For example:

• • Action: The cat jumps on the table.
  • Feeling: I love chocolate.
  • State of Being: She is happy.

Without verbs, sentences would not be complete!

Definition of a Verb

Let’s see how dictionaries define verbs:

• • Oxford Dictionary: “A word or group of words that express an action (run), an event (happen), or a state (exist).”
  • Cambridge Dictionary: “A word or phrase that describes an action, condition, or experience.”

In simpler words, verbs are action words or state-of-being words that tell us what’s happening.

Types of Verbs

Now that we know what verbs are, let’s explore the different types. Verbs are like superheroes with different powers—they all have their own special jobs.

1. Action Verbs

These verbs show physical or mental actions.
Examples:

• • Run
  • Jump
  • Write
  • Think

Sentence Example:

• • The dog barks loudly.
  • She writes in her notebook every day.

2. Linking Verbs

These verbs don’t show action but connect the subject to more information about it.
Examples:

• • Is
  • Are
  • Seems
  • Becomes

Sentence Example:

• • The soup smells delicious.
  • He is a good student.

3. Helping Verbs

These verbs “help” the main verb to form tense, mood, or voice.
Examples:

• • Am
  • Is
  • Are
  • Was
  • Were
  • Have
  • Has
  • Do

Sentence Example:

• • She is reading a book.
  • We have finished our homework.

4. Modal Verbs

These verbs show possibility, ability, permission, or necessity.
Examples:

• • Can
  • Will
  • Must
  • Should
  • Might

Sentence Example:

• • You should brush your teeth before bed.
  • We might go to the park later.

5. Phrasal Verbs

These are phrases that work as a single verb and often include a preposition or adverb.
Examples:

• • Turn on
  • Give up
  • Look after

Sentence Example:

• • Please turn off the TV before you leave.

How to Use Verbs in Sentences

Verbs can do many things in sentences. Let’s look at some examples to see how they are used:

1. Express Actions:

• • The baby cries every night.

2. Show Feelings:

• • She loves ice cream.

3. Describe States:

• • He is tired after playing soccer.

Verb Forms

Verbs can change forms depending on tense and subject. Here are the main forms:

1. Base Form (Root Verb):

• • Examples: run, play, read
    

2. Present Tense:

• • She plays soccer.

3. Past Tense: 

• • She played soccer yesterday.

4. Present Participle (-ing form): 

• • She is playing soccer now.

5. Past Participle: 

• • She has played soccer before.

Important Notes About Verbs

Subject-Verb Agreement:

Always make sure the verb matches the subject in number and tense.

• • • • Correct: She runs every day.
      • Incorrect: She run every day.

Active vs. Passive Voice:

Try to use active voice for clearer sentences.

• • • • Active: The chef cooked the meal.
      • Passive: The meal was cooked by the chef.

Practice Time!

Let’s see if you can identify the verbs in these sentences:

1. The boy jumps over the fence.

2. I am learning how to swim.

3. She might visit us tomorrow.

4. We love playing games.

5. They looked happy in the photo.

Answers

1. Jumps – Action verb

2. Am learning – Helping verb + Main verb

3. Might visit – Modal verb + Main verb

4. Love – Action verb

5. Looked – Linking verb

Frequently Asked Questions About Verbs

Q1: What is a verb?
A verb is a word that shows action, feeling, or state of being.

Q2: What are some examples of verbs?
Examples include: run, is, believe, can, jump, read, seem.

Q3: Why are verbs important?
Verbs help us talk about what someone is doing, feeling, or experiencing. Without verbs, sentences wouldn’t make sense!

Q4: How many types of verbs are there?
There are many types, including action verbs, linking verbs, helping verbs, modal verbs, and phrasal verbs.