daily grammar - verbs

Verbs Action! Action! Action!

What is a verb? A verb is a word that expresses

action or state of being.

Classes of Verbs

Action Verbs Indicate action

Transitive vs. Intransitive • Transitive verbs show action and are always

followed by a direct object to receive the action. Example: Scientist invented the transistor in

1947.

• An intransitive verb is an action that is complete in itself and does not need an object Example: Telecasts for the public began in 1939.

Linking Verbs Verbs that describe a “state of being”

; they LINK the subject to a noun or adjective

These verbs describe how someone or something is (or tastes, feels, looks, and so forth).

Ex: She is pretty. Her hair smells nice.

Auxiliary Verbs Also known as “helping” verbs

These are used to create perfect tenses and the passive voice

Including words like: is, am, are ; did, does, has ; was, were, be ; have, had, should

Verb TensesTenses indicate time.

Simple Tenses Present (something that is happening)

• I dance.

Past (something that has already happened)• I danced.

Future tense (something that will happen)• I will dance.

Perfect Tenses (has, had, have)

Present Perfect • She has danced. I have danced.

Past Perfect • I had danced.

Future Perfect• I will have danced.

Verb Voice

Active Voice The subject is doing the action

Example • Most people send more e-mail than paper

mail.

Passive Voice The subject of the verb is being acted

upon

Example • Chess and other games are played across

the Net.

Verb MoodsThe mood of a verb determines the tone or attitude.

Indicative Mood Used to state a fact or ask a question

Example • Angela intends to continue to work at the

animal shelter.

Imperative Mood Used to give a command

Example• Angela, be ready for difficult cases.

Subjunctive Mood Used to express a condition contrary

to fact or highly doubtful, a wish, a possibility, a suggestion, or a necessity

Examples• If I were you, I would apply for a

scholarship.

• Tiffany wishes she had friends to binge watch Netflix with her.

VerbalsUndercover verbs; they can be used as other parts of

speech.

Gerunds By adding –ing to the end of some

verbs they can be used as nouns

Examples:• Swimming is my favorite pastime. (subject)

• I began swimming at the age of six months. (direct object)

Infinitives These verbs are usually introduced by

“to” and may be used as a noun, adjective, or adverb

Examples:• Many people find it easy to swim. (adv. for adj.)• To swim the English Channel must be a thrill.

(noun).• The urge to swim in tropical waters is more

common. (adj.)

Participles Verbs ending in –ing or –ed that act

as adjectives

Examples:• The workers raking leaves are tired and

hungry.

• The bags full of raked leaves are evidence of their hard work.