Verbs are a necessary component of all sentences. Verbs have two important functions: Some verbs put subjects into motion while other verbs help to clarify the subjects in meaningful ways.
The important thing to remember is that every subject in a sentence must have a verb. Otherwise, you will have a written fragment, a major writing error. Here we are going to look at the function of a verb in a sentence.
- My English teacher smiled at the plate of cold meatloaf.
My English teacher= subject
Smiled = verb
Also Read:
Function of a Verb in a Sentence
What is a verb?
Definition: Verb is a word that shows an action, but it also shows state/ possession, presence or absence of a person or thing.
- I teach English at this Academy. (Action)
- They seem happy today. (State)
- The players are on the ground. (Presence)
- The students are not in the classroom. (Absence)
The function of a verb
In fact, a verb signals an action, an occurrence or a state of being. Whether mental, physical, or mechanical, verbs always express activity.
The following examples describe physical action.
- Let’s run to the corner and back.
- I write a letter to my friend.
The following verbs in the sentences are mental verbs related to concepts such as discovering, understanding, thinking, or planning. In general, a mental verb refers to a cognitive state.
- I know the answer.
- She recognized me from across the room.
The state of being verbs in the following sentences are in bold for easy identification.
- I am a student.
- We are circus performers.
Kinds of a verb by form
Literally English verbs have five basic forms:
1. The base form
2. The -S form
3. The -Ing form (the present participle)
4. The -Past form (Past simple)
5. The -Past Participle form
These Forms are used according to the tense of the sentences:
| Base form | -S form | -Ing form | Past tense | Past Participle |
| write | Writes | Writing | Wrote | written |
| Play | Plays | Playing | Played | Played |
| Read | Reads | Reading | Read | Read |
Most verbs have past tense and participle in -ed (worked, played). But many of the most frequent verbs are irregular. These verbs are discussed in the intermediate part.
How to spell -Ing form of the verb?
Kinds of verbs by function
There are different types and classification of verb, some of the most important ones are listed below:
1.Transitive Verbs
2. Intransitive Verbs
3. Dynamic/ Event verbs
4. Stative Verbs
5. Linking/Predicating Verbs
6. Helping Verbs (Auxiliary Verbs)
7. To be Verbs
8. Regular and Irregular Verbs
9. Perception/ Sensation Verbs
10. Modal Verbs
11. Phrasal/ Prepositional Verbs
12. Hypothesis Verbs
Related:
- Contracted Verb Forms in English
- Semi Auxiliary Verbs And Semi Expressions in English
- Common Verbal Phrases in English
5 comments
very nice
Thank you Alobu Innocent Obina.
Hey my name is Hilda i want to learn English
I found this post really enlightening! Understanding the role of verbs in sentence construction has clarified a lot for me. It’s fascinating how they not only indicate action but also convey tense and mood. Thanks for breaking it down so clearly!
This post really helped clarify the role of verbs in sentences! I appreciated the examples you provided; they made it easy to understand how verbs function. It’s fascinating to see how much meaning a single word can convey. Thank you for the insightful explanation!