Definition of VERB
Overview
- Verb: A word that functions as the main word of the predicate of a sentence.
- Expresses an act, occurrence, or state of being.
- Can be used with another verb as an auxiliary.
Types of Verbs
- Transitive verbs: Require an object to complete their meaning.
- Intransitive verbs: Do not require an object.
Forms of Verbs
- Infinitive: Basic form of a verb (e.g., call, love, break, go).
- Participles: Forms used to create several verb tenses and can also be used as adjectives.
- Present Participle: Ends in "-ing" (e.g., calling, loving, breaking, going).
- Past Participle: Usually ends in "-ed" but can have irregular endings (e.g., called, loved, broken, gone).
Verb Tenses
- Verb's past tense often has the same "-ed" form as the past participle.
- Irregular verbs have different past tense and past participle forms (e.g., broke, went).
Grammar and Agreement
- Verbs may take different forms (inflections) to convey grammatical information such as tense, voice, mood, and aspect.
- They agree grammatically with the subject in terms of number and person.
Usage
- Verbs are essential to almost every sentence.
- They are used to show when an action happened, serving as a fundamental part of sentence structure.
Etymology
- Middle English "verbe," from Anglo-French, Latin "verbum" meaning "word, verb."
- First known use in the 14th century.
Examples in Sentences
- Provides real-world examples of usage, demonstrating current contexts and grammatical structures.
Phrases Containing "Verb"
- Action verb: Indicates an action.
- Auxiliary verb: Helps form verb tenses.
- Linking verb: Connects the subject to a subject complement.
- Phrasal verb: A verb paired with one or more particles.
Additional Resources
Note:
These notes provide an overview of the verb definition and usage based on Merriam-Webster’s dictionary entry, capturing key points for understanding and study purposes.