Correct Use of Verbs


Introduction

In English grammar, the verb is often regarded as one of the most crucial building blocks. It is one of the fundamental principles that govern a sentence. But are you familiar with the definition of the word "verb"? Do you know what shows the action in a sentence? Yes, it’s the verbs.

Preposition

Now let's learn more about how to use verbs and their proper usage in a sentence through this tutorial, so let's get started!

Verbs and Their Importance

Verbs are words that express activities that may be both external (like running or jumping) and internal (like love or thinking). Without verbs, it is impossible to carry out any action, experience any emotion, or to even be anything at all. As per research, verbs are essential for language development as they enable children to begin constructing sentences at a young age. A verb is necessary for each and every phrase.

In addition, the selection of the verb is responsible for determining a great deal of the grammatical structure of the phrase.

Verbs, which serve as the "heart" of sentences and clauses, reveal what the subject (noun or pronoun) is doing or how they are feeling, even if the subject is just existing.

Furthermore, verbs are the sole sort of word required to complete a sentence. Even nouns, which are words that refer to things, are not required to appear in each and every sentence. Thus, verbs are so important, that the rules governing their usage are more important than those governing the use of other kinds of words.

Verbs in English may be a bit more confusing but through this tutorial, we have made the concept simple with examples for you to have a decent understanding of the subject. Verbs are the words in a phrase that indicates an action, a state of being, or a possession. They may also be used to express ownership of something.

Here are some examples−

Functions of Prepositions are as follows

  • Verb as action

    A verb that describes an action is known as an action verb. Some examples of action verbs include: run, leap, kick, eat, smile, cry, sleep, or think. When you use verbs that indicate activity, the structure of the phrase will be

    Subject >Action Verb >Rest of the Sentence

Example

  • Teena (subject) is playing (action verb) football with the boys. (Rest of the sentence)

  • Maria (subject) went swimming (action verb) with her brother. (Rest of the sentence)

  • Non-action verbs

    Non-action verbs are also referred to as linking verbs since they describe the situation or a state of being. It describes who or what a noun is in present, was in the past, or will be in the future. State of being/non-action verbs/linking verbs in most cases, serve the function of linking or connecting the subject to the words that are the predicates (nouns, pronouns, and adjectives) of the sentence to provide meaning. One thing to remember is that in sentences, linking verbs are often placed before the (Adjectives/Nouns).

    The majority of verbs in English are variations of the verb 'to be' (am, are, is, was, were, will be, being, been).

    Therefore, there are primarily eight different linking verbs that are used on a regular basis.

They are explained below with examples:

Is

When speaking in the present tense, the third-person singular pronouns (he, she, it) must be followed by the verb "is"

  • She is a football player.

  • It is a cat.

Am

In the Present tense, the verb "am" is used with the First-Person Singular, also known as "I."

  • I am a singer

  • I am a government servant.

Are

In the Present Tense, the verb 'are' is used with the First-Person Plural (we), the Second Person Singular and Plural (you), and the Third Person Plural (they).

  • We are best friends.

  • They are policemen.

Was

In the Past Tense, the verb "was" is used with the First-Person Singular (I) and the Third Person Singular (It, she, he).

  • It was a dog.

  • She was an athlete.

Were

When referring to the past, the word "were" is appropriate for both the first-person plural (we) and the third-person plural (they) forms of the sentence.

  • We were very tired.

  • They were running.

Be

In the Future Tense, the verb "Be" may be used with any person (including I, It, You, We, She, He, and They).

On the other hand, we need to insert "will" or "shall" before the verb "be."

  • She will be coming

  • He shall be hungry.

Been

The word "been" refers to a person's current or previous status and is a past participle of the verb "be." It is applicable to every individual (I, She, They, We, You, He, It)

  • I have been to America.

  • They have been practicing for this day

Being

In both the past and the present tense, the verb "being" may be used with any person (including I, We, You, He, She, It, and They). While speaking in the past tense, we should use was or were, but when speaking in the present tense, we should use is or am or are.

  • He was being weird today.

  • I am being silent today.

  • Verb as possession

The verb "to have" is one of the most fundamental building blocks of the English language. Possession verbs are used to convey ownership or the act of acquiring something. Since it is a transitive verb, it is essential that it be followed by an object that is being directly addressed. A noun, a noun group, a pronoun, or a numeral can serve as the direct object of 'have'.

The following verbs are used to express "possession." They show a noun's passive connection and are mostly non-progressive - have, belong, own, possess.

(Note: A transitive verb is a verb that requires an object to receive an action)

Examples

  • I have a pet dog.

  • The car belongs to my father.

  • She has beautiful big black eyes.

  • John owns this company.

  • Sherin is possessed by fear after the accident.o

Conclusion

The tutorial concludes with the hope that the above explanation will help you to have an understanding of verbs and their functioning in a sentence. Also, through practice, you will be able to master English grammatical skills.

Conclusion

FAQs

Qns 1. What are verbs and their importance?

Ans. It is one of the fundamental principles that govern a sentence. Verbs are the words in a phrase that indicates an action, a state of being, or a possession. They may also be used to express ownership of something. It is important because verbs are the sole sort of word required to complete a sentence.

Qns 2. Give examples of action verbs.

Ans. Run, sleep, eat, cook, dance, etc.

Qns 3. What are linking verbs?

Ans. Non-action verbs are also referred to as linking verbs. They serve the function of linking or connecting the subject to the words that are the predicates (nouns, pronouns, and adjectives) of the sentence. One thing to remember is that in sentences, linking verbs are often placed before the (Adjectives/Nouns).

For example: is, was, am, being, are, were, be, been.

Qns 4. What are the possession verbs?

Ans. Possession verbs are used to convey ownership or the act of acquiring something.

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Updated on: 13-Oct-2022

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