Parsing of Verbs

Parsing verbs is a crucial skill in comprehending grammar and sentence structure. It involves breaking down a verb to analyse its grammatical elements, including tense, mood, voice, person, and number. By parsing verbs, learners can gain a deeper understanding of how verbs function within a sentence.

What Is Parsing of Verbs?

Parsing of verbs refers to the process of identifying and describing the grammatical components of a verb in a sentence. It is a detailed analysis that helps understand the role of the verb and its relationship with other parts of the sentence.

Key Components Analysed in Parsing:

1. Tense: Indicates the time of action (past, present, future).

2. Voice: Identifies whether the subject performs or receives the action (active or passive).

3. Mood: Shows the attitude of the speaker (indicative, imperative, or subjunctive).

4. Person: Specifies who is performing the action (first, second, or third person).

5. Number: Denotes whether the subject is singular or plural.

Steps to Parse a Verb

1. Identify the Verb in the Sentence:

• • Locate the main verb or verb phrase.

2. Determine the Tense:

• • Analyse whether the action is in the past, present, or future.

3. Check the Voice:

• • Decide if the verb is in the active or passive voice.

4. Examine the Mood:

• • Determine if the verb is indicative (statement of fact), imperative (command), or subjunctive (hypothetical or wish).

5. Note the Person and Number:

• • Identify the subject of the verb and determine if it is singular or plural and in the first, second, or third person.

6. Include Auxiliary Verbs:

• • If the verb phrase includes auxiliary verbs (e.g., “is,” “have,” “will”), include them in the analysis.

Examples of Parsing Verbs

Example 1:

Sentence: “She writes a letter.”

• • • • Verb: Writes
      • Tense: Present
      • Voice: Active
      • Mood: Indicative
      • Person: Third
      • Number: Singular

Example 2:

Sentence: “The book was read by him.”

• • • • Verb: Was read
      • Tense: Past
      • Voice: Passive
      • Mood: Indicative
      • Person: Third
      • Number: Singular

Example 3:

Sentence: “If I were a bird, I would fly.”

• • • • Verb (were):
        • Tense: Past
        • Voice: Active
        • Mood: Subjunctive
        • Person: First
        • Number: Singular
      • Verb (would fly):
        • Tense: Future (conditional)
        • Voice: Active
        • Mood: Subjunctive
        • Person: First
        • Number: Singular

Example 4:

Sentence: “Do your homework.”

• • • • Verb: Do
      • Tense: Present
      • Voice: Active
      • Mood: Imperative
      • Person: Second
      • Number: Singular or Plural (depends on context)

Why Is Parsing Important?

• • Improves Grammar Understanding: Parsing helps in understanding complex sentence structures and the use of verbs.
  • Enhances Writing Skills: By analysing verbs, learners can write grammatically accurate sentences.
  • Assists in Learning Other Languages: The skill of parsing translates well to studying the grammar of different languages.

Practice Exercise

Parse the verbs in the following sentences:

1. You’ve been to Paris, __________?

2. He isn’t going to the meeting, __________?

3. Let’s finish this project, __________?

4. They should complete their homework, __________?

5. The dog didn’t bark last night, __________?

Answers:

1. Are playing:

• • Tense: Present Continuous
  • Voice: Active
  • Mood: Indicative
  • Person: Third
  • Number: Plural

2. Has completed:

• • Tense: Present Perfect
  • Voice: Active
  • Mood: Indicative
  • Person: Third
  • Number: Singular

3. Will be baked:

• • Tense: Future
  • Voice: Passive
  • Mood: Indicative
  • Person: Third
  • Number: Singular

4. Might succeed:

• • Tense: Future (modal)
  • Voice: Active
  • Mood: Subjunctive
  • Person: Second
  • Number: Singular or Plural (depends on context)

5. Close:

• • Tense: Present
  • Voice: Active
  • Mood: Imperative
  • Person: Second
  • Number: Singular or Plural (depends on context)

Frequently Asked Questions on Parsing of Verbs

Q1: What does parsing a verb mean?
Parsing a verb means breaking it down to analyse its grammatical features, such as tense, mood, voice, person, and number.

Q2: Why is parsing verbs important?
Parsing verbs helps improve understanding of grammar, aids in writing correctly, and is useful for learning additional languages.

Q3: What are the main components of parsing a verb?
The main components are tense, voice, mood, person, and number.

Q4: Can parsing be applied to auxiliary verbs?
Yes, auxiliary verbs are included when parsing verb phrases, as they determine tense, voice, and mood.

Q5: How do you parse a verb in a passive sentence?
In a passive sentence, identify the auxiliary verb “be” and the past participle of the main verb. For example: “The work was done” = Was done (Past, Passive, Indicative, Third-person, Singular).