Complete Guide to Verb Usage in English Grammar
What is a Verb?
A verb is a word that shows an action, an occurrence, or a state of being. It is the most essential
part of any sentence.
Role of Verbs in a Sentence:
- Expresses action (run, speak, dance)
- Describes a state (be, seem, appear)
- Forms different tenses (past, present, future)
- Connects the subject with more information (linking verb)
Examples:
- She runs fast. (Action)
- He is tired. (State/Linking)
- They have gone home. (Tense formation)
1. Subject-Verb Agreement
Rule: A verb must agree in number and person with its subject.
Examples:
- He runs every day. (Singular subject = singular verb)
- They run every day. (Plural subject = plural verb)
Common Mistakes:
- He run fast. He runs fast.
- They likes movies. They like movies.
2. Tense Consistency
Rule: Use the same tense throughout a sentence unless there's a clear reason to change.
Correct: She woke up, brushed her teeth, and went to school.
Incorrect: She woke up, brushes her teeth, and went to school.
3. Correct Verb Form Usage
Forms of Verbs:
- Base form: play
- Past form: played
- Past participle: played
- Present participle: playing
- -s form: plays
Examples:
- I play cricket. (base)
- He plays cricket. (-s form)
- She played cricket. (past)
- They have played cricket. (past participle)
- He is playing now. (present participle)
4. Transitive and Intransitive Verbs
Transitive verbs need a direct object.
Intransitive verbs do not need an object.
Examples:
- She bought a dress. (Transitive)
- He slept peacefully. (Intransitive)
Common Mistake:
- He gave. He gave a gift.
5. Linking vs Action Verbs
Linking Verbs: is, am, are, was, were, seem, appear, become
Example: She is happy.
Action Verbs: show physical or mental activity
Example: He writes stories.
Some verbs can be both: She looked tired. (Linking) / She looked at me. (Action)
6. Rules for Modal and Auxiliary Verbs
Modal Verbs: can, could, may, might, shall, should, must, will, would
Rules:
- Always followed by base verb
- No -s, -ed, or -ing
Examples:
- She can sing.
- You must go now.
Common Mistakes:
- He can sings. He can sing.
- She should to go. She should go.
Auxiliary Verbs: Be (is, am, are), Have (has, have), Do (do, does)
Examples:
- She is reading.
- They have finished.
- Do you play chess?
7. Sequence of Tenses
Rule: Tenses must make logical sense in complex sentences.
Examples:
- He said that he was tired. (Past + Past)
- She thinks that he is honest. (Present + Present)
Common Mistake:
- He said he is tired. He said he was tired.
8. Finite vs Non-Finite Verbs
Finite Verbs: show tense and agreement
Examples: She writes daily. / They were eating.
Non-Finite Verbs: no tense or agreement
Types: Infinitive, Gerund, Participle
Examples:
- Infinitive: He wants to go.
- Gerund: Swimming is fun.
- Participle: The written letter, Walking alone
Common Mistake:
- I enjoy to swim. I enjoy swimming.
Summary Table:
- Subject-Verb Agreement
- Tense Consistency
- Correct Verb Form
- Transitive/Intransitive
- Linking vs Action
- Modal Rules
- Auxiliary Verbs
- Sequence of Tenses
- Finite/Non-Finite
Final Tips:
- Identify the main verb.
- Check if helping verbs are needed.
- Match with the subject.
- Maintain tense consistency.
- Use correct forms.
For: Class 612 students, grammar learners, competitive exams (SSC, UPSC, Bank, etc.)
