Use of verbs in meaningful contexts
The words that express some kind of action are known as verbs. It can refer to any physical action, mental action or even a state of existing or being1.
For example:
1. Actions that Involve Bodily Movements: These actions are of a physical nature1.
Fig 4.1: Physical Action Verbs
2. Mental Actions: These actions pertain to thoughts and feelings occurring in your mind1.
Fig 4.2: Mental Action Verbs
Watch the video to understand the difference between the physical and mental action verbs.
(vid. 4.1: Physical Action & Mental Action)
3. State of Being: Some words tell us how things are, rather than what they do. In sentences that feature ‘state of being’ verbs, also known as linking verbs (is, am, are, was, were), the verb itself does not express an action, but rather connects the subject to a state or condition1.
Fig 4.3: State of Being
Watch the video to understand the use of verbs of being.
4.2: State of Being- ‘to be’
Try playing the game given below and check if you can categorise action verbs and linking verbs.
Think of a singer as the main star in a show. Just like a singer needs the help of some musicians in the background to make the performance exciting and complete, main verbs also need a helping verb to create interesting and meaningful sentences. A helping verb is like the musician for main verbs in a sentence, helping them shine and perform their best.
Helping verbs are used alongside the main verbs. They are used to show when an action happened. They also play a role in forming questions and expressing negation2.
Helping verbs are also called auxiliary verbs.
For example:
Fig 4.4: Example 1: Functions of Helping Verbs
Fig 4.5: Example 2: Functions of Helping Verbs
Watch the video to learn more about the usage of various helping verbs in sentences3.
(vid. 4.3: Helping Verbs Help the Main Verbs)
1. The words that express some kind of action are known as verbs.
Examples: jogs, jumps, sings, writes, performs
2. It can refer to any physical action, mental action or even a state of existing or being.
Examples:
She jogs in the park.
He thinks deeply about the problem.
They are happy.
3. Helping verbs are used alongside the main verbs.
Examples:
She is singing a song.
They have finished their homework.
4. They are used to show when an action happened. They also play a role in forming questions and expressing negation.
Examples:
She has visited Paris.
Was he reading this book?
They do not like spicy food.