When we get down to the business of putting words together to form a sentence, we need rules and we need elements. The rules are called syntax. The elements are called the parts of speech. The first part of speech that this Web site deals with is … [Read more...]
Verb Structure: the basics
ALL verbs include a LEXICAL (main) verb. Now, we can get into all sorts of discussion about just what a "lexical" verb is, but as noted in other sections, definitions don't do writers much good. Use does. For those of you in search of a … [Read more...]
Verb Parts: Lexical
A lexical verb is the main verb of the sentence. All verbs include a lexical verb. As noted in the discussion of the structure of verbs, we can get into all sorts of discussion about just what a "lexical" verb is, but definitions really don't do … [Read more...]
Verb Parts: Auxiliary
An auxiliary (also called helping) verb serves to give additional meaning to the main or lexical verb following it. If you are doing things correctly, every clause you use has a verb. That clause MUST have a lexical verb and it MAY have one or … [Read more...]
Verb Types: Transitive
First and foremost, a transitive verb is an action verb. Second, it requires a direct object to complete its meaning in the sentence. In other words, the action of the verb is transferred to the object directly. To determine whether a verb is … [Read more...]
Verb Types: Intransitive
An intransitive verb is an action verb, but it does not have a direct object. The action ends or is modified by an adverb or adverb phrase rather than being transferred to some person or object. Typically, an adverb or prepositional phrase modifies … [Read more...]
Verb Types: Linking
A linking verb implies a state of being or condition for the subject, not an action. It links the subject to an equivalent word in the sentence. [In the following examples, the linking verb is bold and the predicate nominative or predicate adjective … [Read more...]
Verb Practice Exercise
Identify the underlined part of speech. Choose an answer for each question. After completing the entire exercise, click on the "Are You Prepared?" button at the bottom of this page to see the answers. 1. The burglar disappeared with the cash. a. … [Read more...]
Verb Practice Exercise Answers
Answers to the practice exercise for identifying verbs. 1. The burglar disappeared with the cash. a. transitive verb b. intransitive verb c. linking verb d. auxiliary verb 2. The director told the actors, "Do your best, and we'll … [Read more...]
Interactive Verb Quiz #1
Identify the underlined verb. … [Read more...]