Verbs

What are Verbs?

Verbs are an essential part of speech that convey actions, states or occurrences. In simple terms, verbs are words that describe what someone or something is doing.

Verbs are broadly as principal verbs and auxiliary verbs:

Principal Verbs

The main verb, also called the principal verb refers to the important verbs that generally show the action or state of being of the subject.

Look at the following sentences:

→ The skilled pilot had been navigating the turbulent skies for hours.
→ The artist's latest masterpiece appears to be a reflection of her innermost emotions and experiences.

In the above sentences "navigating" and "appears" are the main verbs.

More Examples:

→ Although Mary studied diligently, she could not grasp the advanced concepts in physics.
→ Athletes celebrated their victories with joyous cheers after winning the match.
→ The determined scientist persevered in her quest for groundbreaking discoveries.
→ The family huddled together as the storm raged outside finding solace in each other's company.
→ Mark enrolled in a prestigious cooking class, hoping to master the art of gourmet cuisine.
→ Emily has nurtured a passion for painting, dedicating countless hours to perfecting her artistic techniques.

Primary Auxiliary Verbs

Primary auxiliary verbs, also known as helping verbs, are a category of verbs that are used to accompany the main verb in a sentence. They help to express various tenses, moods, voices, and aspects of the main verb.

The primary auxiliary verbs are shown in the table below:

Examples:

→ The workers have been constructing the bridge for several months.
→ By the time we arrived, they had already finished the meeting.
→ By next year, they will have completed their research project.
→ She is studying for her exams at the moment.
→ While I was reading, they were playing chess in the other room.
→ This time next week, we will be celebrating our anniversary.
→ If I had been there, I would have helped you.
→ I wish he had called me before making that decision.
→ She will act as if she will have achieved all her goals by then.

Modal Verbs

Modal verbs are a type of auxiliary (helping) verbs that are used to express ability, possibility, necessity, permission, or probability in a sentence.

Some common modal verbs are the following:

1. Can: expresses ability, permission, or possibility. For example, He can conduct intricate experiments and analyse complex data with precision in the laboratory.

2. Could: similar to "can," but often used in the past or to express a more polite request. For example, Emily that could effortlessly decipher the intricate codes encrypted by the cybersecurity system.

3. May: expresses permission or possibility. For example, Sussan may be granted the privilege of participating in the advanced seminar next week.

4. Might: similar to "may," indicating a lower level of probability. For example, The explorer might discover the elusive ancient artefact.

5. Shall: often used in formal or legal contexts to indicate future action. For example, The local community council has decided that each resident shall contribute by participating in the upcoming tree-planting initiative.

6. Should: expresses advice, recommendation, or obligation. For example, Students should advocate for sustainable practices in their community.

7. Will: indicates a future action or expresses willingness. For example, Henry will have acquired the skills necessary to design cars.

8. Would: often used to express a future action in the past or to make a polite request. For example, We would visit not only the ancient castle but also explore the surrounding villages.

9. Must: indicates necessity or a strong recommendation. For example, You must submit your assignment by Friday.

10. Ought to: expresses a duty or moral obligation. For example, You ought to apologise for your mistake.

Transitive and Intransitive Verbs

Transitive verbs are verbs in which the action passes over or transfers from the doer to something or someone, usually called the object.

I (doer) write (transitive verb) an essay (object)

Examples:

→ The government implemented a new policy to eradicate corruption from the public sector.
→ The professor used various examples to illuminate the complex theories discussed in the lecture.
→ The DNA evidence presented in court helped to exonerate the wrongly accused man.
→ The biased media coverage tends to perpetuate stereotypes and misinformation.
→ The new software was designed to facilitate seamless communication within the multinational company.

Intransitive verbs are those in which the action stops with the doer and does not require an object.

He (doer) slept (intransitive verb)

Examples:

→ The orchestra played magnificently.
→ Eloise laughed uproariously.
→ The athlete sprinted effortlessly across the finish line.
→ The spaceship orbited the Earth for weeks.
→ The flames flickered in the fireplace.

Subject Verb Agreement

→ A verb must always agree with its subject in person and number. If the subject is singular, the verb must also be singular. If the subject is plural, the subject must also be plural.

→ If two or more subjects are joined by "and", they require a plural verb.

→ If two subjects are joined by phrases like "in addition to", "as well as", "besides", "along with", etc., the verb agrees with the first subject.

→ If two subjects are joined by words like either-or and neither-nor, the verb agrees with the nearest subject.

→ Uncountable nouns generally take a singular verb.

→ Usually, collective nouns take a singular verb unless it denotes each individual of which it is composed.

→ The words and phrases like 'each, each one, either, neither, every, everyone, everybody, nobody, anyone, etc. are followed by a singular verb.

→ In sentences beginning with 'here and there', the verb should follow the true subject of the sentence.

→ Use a singular verb with distances, periods, sums of money, etc., when considered as a unit.

→ In imaginary sentences, a plural verb is used even with a singular subject.