Verbs

What are Verbs?

Verbs are an essential part of speech in English. They are words that express an action, occurrence or state of being. It is the main component that conveys what the subject of a sentence is doing or experiencing.

Types of Verbs

Verbs are broadly categorised between principal verbs and auxiliary verbs. Let's understand it further:

1. Principal Verbs

Principal verbs refer to the main verbs in a sentence, which express the action or state of being. It can stand alone in a sentence or be accompanied by auxiliary (helping) verbs.

Here are some key points about principal verbs:

→ It convey the primary action or state of being in a sentence.
→ It can function as the main verb in a sentence without the need for auxiliary verbs.
→ In complex sentences or verb tenses, it may be accompanied by auxiliary verbs.
→ It can be either action verbs or linking verbs.
→ It undergoes conjugation to match the subject of the sentence in terms of number (singular/plural) and person (first/second/third).

Examples:

→ The situation was exacerbated when the storm hit the coastal town.
→ Despite facing numerous challenges, she persevered in her quest for excellence.
→ The organisation disseminated crucial information to its members through various channels.
→ The inflammatory remarks instigated a heated debate among the participants.
→ Through vaccination programs, the government aimed to eradicate the spread of infectious diseases.
→ The new technology catalysed a revolution in the field of communication.
→ A sense of tranquillity emanated from the serene landscape, calming everyone present.

2. Auxiliary Verbs

Auxiliary verbs also known as helping verbs, are verbs that are used with the main verb in a sentence to create different tenses, moods and voices or to add emphasis. They help the main verb by providing additional information about the action or state of being.

Here are some key points about auxiliary verbs:

1. Be (am, is, are, was, were, being, been): This is used to form continuous tenses like present continuous, past continuous) and passive voice.

Examples:

→ She is studying for her exams. (present continuous)
→ The book was read by many students. (past passive)

2. Have (has, have, had): This auxiliary verb is used to form perfect tenses (e.g., present perfect, past perfect) and can also be used in the formation of the present perfect continuous and past perfect continuous tenses.

Examples:

→ I have finished my homework. (present perfect)
→ She had already eaten when I arrived. (past perfect)

3. Do (do, does, did): This auxiliary verb is used to form negative sentences, questions, and emphatic statements in the present simple and past simple tenses.

Examples:

→ They do not like spicy food. (negative)
→ Did you enjoy the movie? (question)
→ I do believe you are right. (emphatic)

Examples:

→ Technology has evolved rapidly in the past 5 years.
→ Hikers have been trekking through the rugged terrain.
→ The detective is investigating the mysterious case and will not rest until the truth has been uncovered.
→ The ambitious athletes must train rigorously if they are to compete at the national level.
→ They will have completed their extensive research project on environmental sustainability.

Modal Auxiliary Verbs

Modal auxiliary verbs are a type of auxiliary verb that expresses the attitude or necessity of the action or state described by the main verb in a sentence. They add information to the main verb and help convey the mood, possibility, ability, permission, obligation or necessity of the action.

Transitive and Intransitive Verbs

The Following below-mentioned table explains transitive and intransitive verbs thoroughly:

More Examples:

→ The scientist conducted several experiments to test the hypothesis. (Transitive Verb)
→ After the performance, the audience applauded loudly. (Intransitive Verb)
→ The chef prepared a delicious three-course meal for the guests. (Transitive Verb)
→ The artist painted a stunning portrait of the mysterious woman. (Transitive Verb)
→ The Sun set behind the mountains, casting a beautiful orange glow. ( (Intransitive Verb)
→ The river flowed swiftly through the narrow gorge. (Intransitive Verb)

Subject Verb Agreement

Subject-verb agreement is a grammatical concept that ensures that the verb in a sentence agrees with the subject in terms of number (singular or plural).

Here are some key points about subject-verb agreement:

1. Singular Subjects and Singular Verbs: When the subject of a sentence is singular, the verb should also be singular.

2. Plural Subjects and Plural Verbs: When the subject of a sentence is plural, the verb should also be plural.

3. Singular Indefinite Pronouns: Some indefinite pronouns (e.g., anyone, someone, everybody) are singular and require singular verbs.

4. Plural Indefinite Pronouns: Other indefinite pronouns (e.g., both, many, several) are plural and require plural verbs.

5. Compound Subjects: When subjects are joined by "and," the verb is usually plural.

6. Compound Subjects with "or" or "nor": If the subjects joined by "or" or "nor" are singular, the verb is singular. If one of them is plural, use a plural verb.

7. Collective Nouns: A collective noun (team, family, committee) can take a singular or plural verb depending on whether the group is acting as a single unit or as an individual.

8. Expressions of Quantity: Expressions of quantity, such as "a lot," "a majority," and "some," are singular or plural depending on what follows them.