Understanding Verb in English Grammar is one of the most important steps for anyone learning English. Verbs help us express actions, situations, and states of being in a sentence. Without verbs, communication is not possible. This guide explains verbs in a simple and clear way so beginners can learn with confidence.
What Is a Verb in English Grammar?
A Verb in English Grammar is a word that shows an action, a condition, or a state of being. Every complete sentence must have a verb. Verbs tell us what the subject does or what happens to the subject. For example, in the sentence She learns English, the word “learns” is the verb because it shows the action.
Learning what a verb is in English helps beginners understand sentence structure and speak more accurately in daily conversations.
Why Verbs Are Important for Beginners
Verbs are the heart of English sentences. They help us talk about actions, emotions, habits, and events. When beginners understand verbs, they can make correct sentences, ask questions, and talk about the past, present, and future more easily. Mastering verbs also improves speaking, writing, and reading skills step by step.
Types of Verbs in English Grammar
There are many types of verbs in English grammar, and each type has a specific role. Understanding these types makes English much easier to learn.
Action Verbs
Action verbs describe what someone or something does. These verbs show physical or mental actions. Words like run, eat, write, think, and speak are common action verbs. For example, in the sentence They practice English daily, the verb “practice” shows action.
Linking Verbs
Linking verbs do not show action. Instead, they connect the subject with more information about it. These verbs describe a state or condition. Common linking verbs include is, am, are, was, were, seem, and become. In the sentence He is confident, the verb “is” links the subject to his condition.
Helping (Auxiliary) Verbs
Helping verbs support the main verb by showing tense, time, or possibility. They are used to form questions, negatives, and continuous tenses. Examples include is, am, are, was, were, has, have, had, do, and does. In the sentence She is learning English, “is” is the helping verb.
Main Verbs
Main verbs carry the main meaning of a sentence. Even when helping verbs are present, the main verb shows the core action or state. In They have started a course, “started” is the main verb.
Transitive Verbs
Transitive verbs need an object to complete their meaning. The action of the verb passes to an object. For example, She reads a book uses “reads” as a transitive verb, and “a book” is the object.
Intransitive Verbs
Intransitive verbs do not need an object. The sentence feels complete without adding anything else. For example, The baby sleeps is complete because “sleeps” does not require an object.
Regular Verbs
Regular verbs form their past tense by adding -ed to the base form. These verbs follow simple rules, making them easy for beginners. For example, play becomes played, and work becomes worked. In She worked hard, “worked” is a regular verb.
Irregular Verbs
Irregular verbs do not follow the -ed rule. Their past forms change differently and must be memorized. Examples include go–went, eat–ate, and see–saw. In He went home early, “went” is an irregular verb.
Finite Verbs
Finite verbs change according to the subject and tense. They show whether the action happens in the present, past, or future. In She writes daily, the verb “writes” is finite because it agrees with the subject.
Non-Finite Verbs
Non-finite verbs do not change according to subject or tense. These include infinitives, gerunds, and participles. Examples are to write, writing, and written. In She enjoys writing, “writing” is a non-finite verb.
Modal Verbs
Modal verbs express ability, permission, advice, obligation, or possibility. Common modal verbs are can, could, may, might, should, and must. In You should practice daily, the modal verb “should” gives advice.
Phrasal Verbs
Phrasal verbs combine a verb with a preposition or adverb, creating a new meaning. Examples include give up, look after, and take off. In He gave up smoking, “gave up” is a phrasal verb.
Verb Examples for Beginners
Understanding Verb Examples for Beginners makes learning easier. Sentences like She reads, They are studying, and He can speak English show how verbs work naturally in everyday English.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make with Verbs
Many beginners confuse verb tense or forget to match the verb with the subject. For example, saying She go to school instead of She goes to school. Regular practice and understanding verb rules help avoid these mistakes.
How to Practice Verb in English Grammar at Home
To improve verb usage, beginners should read simple English sentences, write short paragraphs daily, and practice speaking aloud. Watching English videos and repeating sentences also helps learners understand how verbs are used naturally.
You can also read our previous guide on How to Learn English at Home Easily to build a strong foundation.
External Learning Resources
For more detailed explanations, you can explore trusted resources like:
- Encyclopaedia Britannica for clear grammar definitions
- British Council for beginner-friendly grammar lessons
These sources provide reliable and professional grammar support.
Learning Verb in English Grammar is essential for beginners who want to speak and write English correctly. Verbs help express actions, feelings, and ideas clearly. By understanding verb types and practicing regularly, learners can improve their English step by step and gain confidence in real communication.
How many types of verbs are there in English?
There are several types of verbs such as action verbs, linking verbs, helping verbs, regular and irregular verbs, modal verbs, and phrasal verbs, each serving a different role in a sentence.
Why should beginners learn verbs first in English?
Beginners should learn verbs first because verbs are essential to building complete sentences. Understanding verbs helps improve speaking, writing, and communication skills naturally.
What is the importance of a Verb in English Grammar?
A Verb in English Grammar is considered the engine of a sentence. Without a verb, you cannot express an action, a state, or an occurrence. For beginners, understanding how to use a Verb in English Grammar is the first step toward building correct sentences and improving overall communication skills.




