An introduction to verbs in English
by Viv Quarry (vivquarry.com)
There are five different types of verbs in English.
1. Main verbs, sometimes known as 'full verbs', define actions (go/come/play) and states (like/belong/mean).
In the present simple, main verbs end in 's', 'es' or 'ies' in the third person (with 'he', 'she' or 'it') and the pronunciation of this ending changes.
Main verbs are either regular or irregular in the past simple and past participle (used with perfect tenses and the passive voice).
Regular verbs (like/plan/try) end in 'd', 'ed' or 'ied' (liked/planned/tried). See Viv's spelling worksheet for the spelling of verbs in the present and past.
Most irregular verbs have a different form in the past (come - past = came), or be the same as the present (cut - past = cut). The past participle of an irregular verb may be:
the same as the present (put - past = put - past participle = put)
the same as the past (feel - past and past part. = felt)
different from both (fall - past = fell, past part. = fallen)
The present participle of main verbs (use in continuous tenses) is usually formed by adding 'ing' to the base form of the verb. See Viv's spelling worksheet for more information on how to spell these words.
1.1 Some verbs MUST HAVE A DIRECT OBJECT (+ something/+ somewhere or + somebody). For example, the verb 'like' is not used in affirmatives and negatives without an object. I like it. She likes them. We don't like it here. The technical name for this type of verb is 'transitive verb'. Other verbs like this are: bring, buy, catch, discuss, eat, give, keep, like, make, read, sell, take, and write
1.2 If a verb doesn't need a direct object, it is known as an 'intransitive verb'. run, sleep, arrive, cry, laugh, sit, die, and wait are examples of this type of verb.
For example I didn't run. She sat and laughed.
2. Auxiliary verbs. These verbs (be/do/have/will) combine with a main verb to show time in questions, negatives and the passive voice.
The auxiliary verb 'be' is used in continuous tenses and the passive voice.
Are you working tomorrow? We aren't coming to the party.
It wasn't made in this country.
'do' is used in the present and past simple.
Do you like this book? He doesn't want to go. They didn't make it.
'Have' is the auxiliary verb used in perfect tenses.
Have you seen her? I haven't finished yet. Had they been there before?
'Will' is used in the future simple tense.
Won't you help her? Where will they go?
It is possible to use the same verb as both an auxiliary and a full verb. In the sentence "They didn't do it.", 'didn't is an auxiliary and 'do' a main verb.
With "I haven't had breakfast.", 'had' is the main verb and 'haven't' the auxiliary.
3. Stative verbs do not normally have a continuous form, and are mostly used to express states, emotions and thinking, possession and the senses.
What are you thinking about? (main verb for action)
What do you think of this idea? (stative verb for opinion)
4. Modal verbs, sometimes called 'modal auxiliary verbs' (can/could/may/might/must/shall/should/would). These verbs have a specific function, for example being polite. A modal verb does NOT change in the third person (I can/he can), There is no continuous 'ing' form, and most modal verbs do not have a past form, they can only be followed by (subject pronoun +) infinitive without 'to' (do/go/like).
Can/May/Could I go now? (permission)
He may/might/could be in London. (possibility)
You should/must be careful! (advice)
5. Phrasal verbs are formed by a main verb combining with one or more prepositions or adverbs. They may have a literal meaning e.g. He looked up and saw a helicopter in the sky, or a metaphorical meaning 'He looked up the word in the dictionary.