If you’re learning English — or just brushing up — you’ve probably heard of verbs. But what exactly are they? And why are they so important?
Let’s break it down in a simple, easy-to-understand way.
🔤 Definition: What Is a Verb?
A verb is a word that shows an action or a state of being.
In other words:
- If someone is doing something → it’s a verb.
- If something is happening → it’s probably a verb.
Verbs are one of the most important parts of speech in the English language — you can’t form a complete sentence without one!
✅ Examples of Verbs
Here are some common verbs:
| Action Verbs | State-of-Being Verbs |
|---|---|
| run | is |
| eat | are |
| jump | was |
| write | were |
| talk | be |
🔹 Example Sentences:
- She runs every morning.
- I am tired.
- They were excited.
- He eats apples.
- We talked all night.
🧠 Types of Verbs
There are different types of verbs that serve different purposes:
1. Action Verbs
These show physical or mental action.
Example: She writes stories.
2. Linking Verbs
They connect the subject to a description or identity.
Example: He is a teacher.
3. Helping Verbs
These “help” the main verb to show time or possibility.
Example: I have eaten lunch.
(“have” helps the verb “eaten”)
🕒 Verb Tenses
Verbs change form to show when something happens:
- Past: walked, was, had
- Present: walk, is, have
- Future: will walk, will be, will have
This helps us express time clearly.
✍️ Example:
- Yesterday, I walked to school.
- Today, I walk again.
- Tomorrow, I will walk.
🚨 Why Verbs Matter
Without verbs, we can’t say:
- What someone is doing
- What happened
- What will happen
- How someone feels
Verbs are the heartbeat of every sentence.
🎯 Quick Verb Quiz!
Can you spot the verb?
- She sings beautifully.
- I am hungry.
- They played soccer.
- He will go tomorrow.
➡️ (Answers: sings, am, played, will go)
🧾 Final Thoughts
So, what is a verb?
It’s more than just a word — it’s the action, the emotion, the being of every sentence you speak or write.
Next time you say something like “I love learning,” remember: the verb is what brings your words to life.
✅ Want to Learn More?
If you’re enjoying learning English or brushing up on grammar, stay tuned for more bite-sized grammar tips — written for real people, not textbooks.