Verbs – JSS1 English Lesson Note (Third Term)

A verb is a word that shows an action, an occurrence or a state of being. Verbs may express mental, physical or mechanical actions. Every sentence and every question needs a verb. The main groups are physical verbs, mental verbs and state-of-being verbs, and other types are grouped by function.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• explain what a verb is;
• identify physical verbs, mental verbs and state-of-being verbs in sentences;
• distinguish between transitive and intransitive verbs;
• recognise auxiliary, stative, modal, phrasal and irregular verbs and use them in sentences.

What is a verb?

A verb is one of the main parts of a sentence or question in English. A sentence or a question cannot be formed without a verb.

The verb signals an action, an occurrence, or a state of being. Whether the action is mental, physical or mechanical, the verb expresses it.

What are physical verbs?

Physical verbs are action verbs. They describe specific physical actions. If you can make a motion with your body or use a tool to complete an action, the word you use to describe it is most likely a physical verb.

Examples of physical verbs

The physical verbs in the following sentences are in bold.

1. Let’s run to the corner and back.
2. I hear the train coming.
3. Call me when you’re finished with class.

What are mental verbs?

Mental verbs have meanings that are related to concepts such as knowing, understanding, thinking or planning. In general, a mental verb refers to a cognitive state.

Examples of mental verbs

The mental verbs in the following sentences are in bold.

1. I know the answer.
2. She recognised me from across the room.
3. Do you believe everything people tell you?

What are state-of-being verbs?

State-of-being verbs are also known as linking verbs. They describe conditions or situations that exist. They are inactive because no action is being performed. These verbs are usually complemented by adjectives or nouns.

Examples of state-of-being verbs

The state-of-being verbs in the following sentences are in bold.

1. I am a student.
2. We are circus performers.
3. Please be quiet.
4. She is a doctor.

How many types of verbs are there?

In addition to the main categories of physical verbs, mental verbs and state-of-being verbs, there are several other types of verbs. There are more than ten types, grouped by function.

Action verbs

Action verbs express specific actions. They are used any time you want to show action or talk about someone doing something. Examples: dance, sleep. For example: I am dancing.

Transitive verbs

These verbs always have direct objects. This means that someone or something receives the action of the verb.

Examples:

• She gave me my book.
• Bolu killed a snake.

Intransitive verbs

These are verbs that do not have a direct object.

Examples:

• She slept soundly.
• Jesus wept.
• The baby cried.

Auxiliary verbs

Auxiliary verbs are also known as helping verbs. They are used together with a main verb to show the verb’s tense or to form a question or negative.

Examples:

• I will give you my note.
• I am going to the market.
• I shall see you tomorrow.

Stative verbs

Stative verbs cannot be used in the progressive (continuous) form. They can be recognised because they express a state rather than an action. They typically relate to thoughts, emotions, relationships, senses, states of being and measurements. Examples: hear, smell, feel, understand, see.

• I am hearing you (wrong). I can hear you (right).
• Are you understanding me? (wrong) Do you understand me? (right)

Modal verbs

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that are used to express abilities, possibilities, permissions and obligations. Examples: would, need, ought, will, shall.

Example: I will visit you later.

Phrasal verbs

Phrasal verbs are not single words. They are combinations of a verb with a preposition or an adverb, and they take on a different meaning from that of the original verb. Examples: put off, sit up.

Example: You need to sit up academically.

Irregular verbs

Irregular verbs do not follow the regular spelling pattern of the past simple and past participle, because these forms do not end in ‘ed’. Example: sleep, slept, slept.

Example: I slept soundly last night.

Evaluation

1. What is a verb?
2. Name the three main categories of verbs and give one example of each.
3. What is the difference between a transitive verb and an intransitive verb? Give one example of each.
4. Correct this sentence: “Are you understanding me?” Give a reason for your answer.
5. Write the past simple and past participle of the verb “sleep”. What type of verb is it?

Assignment

Reading assignment: Verbs.

References

• English Grammar
• Student Companion