VERBS

Verbs are different from most other parts of speech because they change their form.

Verbs must match the PERSON or subject of the sentence and the time of the action or

state of being.

The time part of the form a verb takes is called its TENSE.

Verbs in sentences about things that are happening now are in the PRESENT TENSE.

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VERBS

A verb is an action word. A verb tells what the subject does, is, or what

happens to it.

(Ask: what is subject doing? Answer: a verb.)

Example 1 --"Kayla smiled at the teacher.” smiled - tells what the subject

(Kayla) did

Example 2 --"Sam listens to the teacher.” listens - tells what subject (Sam) is

doing.

Example 3 --"Maria was lost in the woods.” was lost - tells what happens to

subject (Maria).

VERB TENSE

Tense denotes the time of the action indicated by a verb. The time is not always the same as that indicated by

the name of the tense.

VERB TENSE EXAMPLES

Verbs in sentences that are happening now are in the

PRESENT TENSE.

I watch videos after school. Mary watches videos

after school. Mary runs in the park.

PAST TENSE

Past tense expresses action completed at a

definite time in the past.

Examples: He wrote the letter yesterday. She lived

to be 90 years old.

FUTURE TENSE

Future tense expresses action which will take place in the future.It uses the helping verbs will or shall* and the present tense form

of the verb).Examples: He will send the letter tomorrow. I shall wait here

until you return.* Traditionally, shall is used for 1st person and will for 2nd and 3rd

persons.

VERB TENSE

Example of present tense verbs:

Today I dance Jessica dances with Kent. Jessica dances with me. We

all dance together.

Example of past tense verbs: (change from present to past by adding - ed:)

Yesterday I danced. Kent danced with Jessica. Jessica danced with me.

We all danced together.

Changing verbs from present to past - (verbs that don't add -ed):

I run, we run I ran, you ran

he came I came, you came

she did

I did, they did I went, you went he went

I gave, you gave he gave I come, you come she does

IRREGULAR VERBS

Irregular verbs can form their past tense and past participle forms in various way.These forms cause even native speakers problems.The most irregular verb of all is the verb to be.Another irregular verb that is important for its use with other verbs is the verb to have.

PRACTICEChoose the letter that tells the tense of each underlined verb.

1. Buster likes these kitty treats.

a. past b. present c. future

2. I studied for the test for two hours.

a. past b. present c. future

3. The flowers in Mom’s garden grow very tall.

a. past b. present c. future

4. Carlos waved goodbye to Mary.

a. past b. present c. future

5. We will spend the summer at the beach.

a. past b. present c. future