A verb is one of the most important parts of speech in English. It is a word that shows action, state, or occurrence. In simple words, a verb tells us what the subject is doing or what is happening in the sentence.
1. Definition of Verb :
A verb is a word that expresses an action (like run, eat, read), a state of being (like is, are, was), or an occurrence (like happen, become).
Example Sentences:
She runs every morning. (Action)
He is tired. (State)
It happened yesterday. (Occurrence)
Without a verb, a sentence is incomplete. Verbs are the heart of a sentence.
2. Types of Verbs :
A. Action Verbs
These verbs show physical or mental action.
Examples:
He reads a book.
She thinks about the problem.
They play football.
Action can be visible (run, jump) or invisible/mental (believe, think, imagine).
B. Linking Verbs
These verbs connect the subject with information about the subject. They do not show action.
Common Linking Verbs:
is, am, are, was, were
become, seem, appear, look, feel
Examples:
She is happy.
He seems tired.
Linking verbs are often forms of the verb “to be.”
C. Helping Verbs / Auxiliary Verbs
These verbs help the main verb to express tense, mood, voice, etc.
Common Helping Verbs:
is, am, are, was, were
have, has, had
do, does, did
will, shall, can, could, may, might, must
Examples:
She is reading a book.
I have finished my work.
He can swim well.
Helping verbs are always used with a main verb.
3. Verb Forms (V1, V2, V3, V-ing, s/es)
Verbs change their form based on tense, person, and number.
| Base Form (V1) | Past (V2) | Past Participle (V3) | Present Participle (V-ing) | s/es Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| go | went | gone | going | goes |
| eat | ate | eaten | eating | eats |
| write | wrote | written | writing | writes |
4. Transitive and Intransitive Verbs
A. Transitive Verb – needs an object
He eats an apple. (What does he eat? → an apple)
B. Intransitive Verb – does not need an object
He sleeps peacefully.
5. Tense and Verb
Verbs help to show the time of the action. There are three main tenses:
Present Tense: I go to school.
Past Tense: I went to school.
Future Tense: I will go to school.
Each tense uses verbs in a different form.
6. Irregular and Regular Verbs
Regular Verbs: Add -ed for past and past participle.
play → played → played
Irregular Verbs: Change forms differently.
go → went → gone
take → took → taken
A verb is the action, condition, or happening in a sentence. It plays a vital role in forming correct, meaningful sentences. Verbs can be action, linking, or helping, and they change based on tense, number, and subject. Understanding verbs is key to mastering English grammar.