Verbs in English Grammar: Types, Functions, and Usage

Verbs are quite significant in English grammar because they’re like the backbone of how we talk and write. They help us show actions, talk about things happening, and express ideas in sentences. If we didn’t have verbs, our sentences would be dull and wouldn’t make much sense. They give life to our sentences by describing actions (like “jumping”) or telling us about situations (like “being happy”).

In this guide about verbs, we’ll explore how they work in English. We’ll learn about different kinds of verbs, what they do, and how they help us communicate. This article aims to help learners at any level understand verbs better.

What is a Verb?

A verb is a word that expresses an action (like “walk,” “talk,” “write”) or a state of being (like “is,” “am,” “were”). They describe what someone or something does or the way they exist. For instance, in the sentence “She runs to the park,” the word “runs” is the verb because it shows the action that “she” (the subject) is doing—moving to the park. In another example, “They are happy,” the word “are” is the verb, indicating a state of being, showing how “they” feel.

Verbs help us understand actions, events, or conditions in sentences, making them a fundamental part of communicating ideas and thoughts in any language.

Types of Verbs

Verbs, significant parts of speech, come in various forms, each playing a unique role in communicating action, states, or additional information. Understanding these different types of verbs can enhance your ability to communicate clearly and express yourself better in English.

A. Action Verbs:

Action verbs are words that describe what someone or something does physically or mentally. They describe actions that can be seen or felt. Action verbs help us visualize specific actions or activities in a sentence.

Examples:

• She runs in the park. (physical action)
• He thinks carefully before answering. (mental action)

100 Action Verbs List

B. Linking Verbs:

Linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence to a word or phrase that tells us more about the subject. They don’t show action but describe a state or condition. Linking verb help us understand more about the subject’s condition or state.

Examples:

• The cake tastes delicious. (describing the cake’s taste)
• She feels tired. (describing her state of being)
• He seems upset. (indicating his emotional state)

20 Common Linking Verbs in English

 C. Helping (Auxiliary) Verbs:

Helping verbs team up with the main verb to form different tenses, moods, or voices in sentences. They allow us to express specific times, conditions, or actions by working alongside the main verb. For instance, in the sentence ‘She can sing,’ the helping verb ‘can’ partners with the main verb ‘sing’ to indicate capability or possibility.”

Examples:

• She is singing. (present continuous tense)
• They have finished their work. (present perfect tense)
• He might come tomorrow. (indicating possibility)

Understanding these types of verbs—action verbs, linking verbs, and helping verbs—helps us recognize how words in sentences work differently to convey actions, conditions, or additional information.

Examples of Verbs in Different Contexts

Verbs, the dynamic elements of language, come alive in diverse settings, reflecting various actions, routines, leisure activities, social interactions, and experiences. Here are some examples of verbs used in everyday life:

1. Morning Routine: Verbs depict everyday actions from waking up to commuting to work, showcasing habitual activities.

• Each morning, he cleans the garden and then waters the plants.
• Every morning, she wakes up early, prepares breakfast, and then commutes to work by train.

2. At Work or School: Verbs illustrate tasks and responsibilities within professional or academic environments, outlining routine actions.

• They study together at the library, collaborate on assignments, and discuss course materials.
• He teaches math at the local school and writes reports in the afternoon.

3. Sports and Recreation: Verbs highlight activities associated with physical exercises or leisurely pursuits.

• She practices yoga in the park and occasionally goes cycling on weekends.
• He plays the piano and paints landscapes in his spare time.

4. Entertainment: Verbs portray activities related to relaxation and enjoyment, such as reading, watching movies, or listening to music.

• She watches movies in the evening and listens to music while cooking.
• He attends music concerts and reads novels in the evenings.

 5. Communication: Verbs capture modes of interaction, including speaking, texting, or conversing with others.

• He participates in group discussions and debates various topics with his friends.
• She often talks to her friends on the phone and sometimes chats with colleagues online.

6. Events and Gatherings: Verbs showcase actions involved in social events, from organizing gatherings to participating in meetings or celebrations.

• She plans family gatherings and organizes community events.
• He volunteers for charity events and attends networking sessions.

7. Travel Experiences: Verbs encapsulate actions associated with exploring new places and experiencing different cultures.

• She frequently visits new places during vacations and explores different cultures when traveling.
• He loves to capture memories with photographs and occasionally shares stories from his journeys.

8. Memorable Experiences: Verbs describe actions connected to creating, cherishing, and reliving significant or cherished memories.

• He reflects on life lessons learned during his travels and inspires others with his stories.
• They often share stories from their trips and sometimes reminisce about their favorite moments.

Tips for Using Verbs Correctly

Using verbs accurately is crucial for clear and effective communication. Here are some helpful tips to ensure their proper usage:

A. Understand Verb Tenses:

Each verb tense represents a different time frame. Knowing when to use past, present, or future tenses is essential for conveying the timing of actions or events accurately.

Example:

• She reads (present) a book every day. Yesterday, she read (past) a novel.

B. Pay Attention to Subject-Verb Agreement:

Make sure that the verb matches the subject in terms of singular or plural form. Use a singular verb when the subject is one thing (singular), and a plural verb when the subject is more than one thing (plural).

Example:

• The cat sleeps (singular subject) peacefully. The dogs bark (plural subject) loudly.

C. Use Active Voice Whenever Possible:

Active voice adds clarity and directness to sentences. It emphasizes the doer of the action rather than the action itself.

Example:

• She painted the picture. (Active voice)
• The picture was painted by her. (Passive voice)

D. Be Specific with Verbs:

Replace weak or vague verbs with more descriptive ones. Specific verbs provide a clearer picture of the action.

Example:

• We went to the new store yesterday. → We visited the new store yesterday.
• We talked about our plans. → We discussed our plans.