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
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