Verbs:
Verbs are the Action Words of English.
When we speak or write, we use many types of words to build sentences. Among them, ‘verbs’ are the most powerful, because they show ‘action, state, or occurrence’.
Without verbs, a sentence feels incomplete—like a story without movement.
What is a Verb?
A ‘verb’ is a word that tells us-
‘what someone or something does’ (action)
or
‘what someone or something is’ (state of being).
See the difference-
Example of action: He runs fast.
Example of state: Raju is happy.
1. Action Verbs
These verbs show physical or mental actions.
e.g.
1) The dog barked loudly.
2) She thinks carefully before answering.
2. Linking Verbs
These verbs connect the subject with more information, often describing a state or condition. Common linking verbs: is, am, are, was, were, seem, become
e.g.
1) The sky is blue.
2) He was sad.
3. Helping (Auxiliary) Verbs
These verbs support the main verb and add meaning like time, mood, or possibility. They include – am, is, are, was, were etc.
e.g.
1)She is studying right now.
2) They have completed the work.
4. Modal Verbs
A special type of helping verb that shows ability, possibility, necessity, or permission.
Examples: can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would
e.g.
1) You must finish your homework.
2) He can swim well.
Verbs and Tenses:
Verbs change form to show time (tense).
Present: I play cricket.
Past: I played cricket.
Future: I will play cricket.
Tenses help us understand when an action happens.
Why Are Verbs Important?
1) They make sentences complete. (Birds fly.)
2) They bring energy and meaning to language.
3) They help us communicate time, possibility, and emotions.
Quick Activity
Try completing these sentences with the correct verb:
1. The baby (cries/crying) loudly.
2. She (is/are) my best friend.
3. We (will go/goes) to the park tomorrow.
Answers:
1. cries
2. is
3. will go
Note that-
Verbs are like the heartbeat of English. Whether they’re showing action (run, dance, jump), describing states (is, seem, become), or helping other verbs (can, have, will), they give life to our sentences. The more you understand verbs, the stronger and clearer your communication will be.
👉 Do solve online test based on use of correct verb.
Read More-
List of Verb forms-
Transitive and Intransitive Verbs-
See the following examples-
1) Rahul plays cricket.
2) The men are building a bridge.
3) Birds fly.
4) She was swimming.
Look at the first two sentences. The verbs plays and building need something after them to complete the sentence.
These parts answer the question what?
Rahul plays ……… what?
Answer – cricket
The men are building ……… what?
Answer – a bridge
In these sentences, ‘cricket and a bridge’ are called objects of the verb.
Verbs that require an object to complete them are called transitive verbs.
Look at the third and fourth sentences. The verbs ‘fly’ and ‘is swimming’ do not need anything to complete the sentence.
birds fly……….. what?
Answer – No answer.
Ramu is swimming ………. what?
Answer – No answer.
Verbs that do not need an object to complete them are called intransitive verbs.
e.g.
1) A clock shows the time.
Transitive verb
2) Her sister is cooking instant noodles.
Transitive verb
3) The soldiers fought bravely.
Intransitive verb
4) Radha sings every morning.
Intransitive verb
5) The bell rang.
Transitive verb
6) The pot broke quickly.
Intransitive verb
7) Anil is watering the plants.
Transitive verb
8) He fought well.
Intransitive verb
9) Raju ate a banana.
Transitive verb
10) Ram is painting his house.
Transitive verb
See More-
Very good information