What Is a Verb? Definition and Types With Examples

Have you ever wondered what makes a sentence work? It’s the verb. A verb shows an action or a state. In grammar, verbs are the core of every sentence. They tell us what a person does, feels, or is. This blog will explain what a verb is, its types, and how to use them. If you’ve asked, “What is a verb?”, you will find a clear and simple answer here.

What Is a Verb?

A verb is a word that shows an action, state, or occurrence. It tells us what someone or something does. Without verbs, a sentence cannot express a complete idea.

Example:

• She runs every morning.
• They are happy.
• It rained yesterday.

Verbs help us talk about what’s happening, what happened, or what will happen.

Types of Verbs With Examples

Action Verbs

These verbs show what someone or something does. They can be physical or mental actions.

Examples:

• run
• jump
• think
• write
• smile

In sentences:

• He writes stories.
• They run fast.

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Linking Verbs

Linking verbs connect the subject to more information. They don’t show action but a state or condition.

Examples:

• is
• are
• was
• seem
• become

In sentences:

• She is tired.
• They seem happy.

Helping Verbs (Auxiliary Verbs)

Helping verbs support the main verb. They show tense, mood, or voice.

Examples:

• is
• have
• will
• can
• should

In sentences:

• She is going to school.
• They have finished their work.

Transitive Verbs

These verbs need an object to complete their meaning. The action passes to someone or something.

Examples:

• eat
• carry
• build
• like
• watch

In sentences:

• He ate an apple.
• She likes music.

Intransitive Verbs

These verbs do not need an object. The action stays with the subject.

Examples:

• sleep
• go
• walk
• cry
• arrive

In sentences:

• She slept peacefully.
• He arrived early.

Regular Verbs

Regular verbs form their past tense by adding -ed. They follow simple rules.

Examples:

• walk → walked
• jump → jumped
• play → played

Irregular Verbs

Irregular verbs do not follow the -ed rule. Their past forms change completely.

Examples:

• go → went
• eat → ate
• speak → spoke

Finite Verbs

Finite verbs show tense and agree with the subject. They can stand alone in a sentence.

Examples:

• play
• runs
• talked
• eats
• works

In sentences:

• She plays the piano.
• He worked hard.

Non-Finite Verbs

Non-finite verbs do not show tense. They cannot stand alone as the main verb.

Examples:

• to run
• running
• eaten
• to dance
• dancing

In sentences:

• She loves to run.
• Dancing is fun.

Modal Verbs

Modal verbs show possibility, ability, permission, or necessity. They work with the main verb.

Examples:

• can
• could
• may
• might
• must

In sentences:

• She can sing well.
• You must try this.

Causative Verbs

Causative verbs show that someone makes someone else do something.

Examples:

• make
• let
• have
• get
• help

In sentences:

• I made him laugh.
• She got her car fixed.

Stative Verbs

Stative verbs describe a state, feeling, or opinion. They are not usually used in continuous tenses.

Examples:

• know
• believe
• love
• own
• seem

In sentences:

• I know the answer.
• They own a house.

Conclusion

Verbs are one of the most important parts of speech in English. They show actions, express states, and connect subjects to meaning. From action verbs to helping, modal, and stative verbs, each type plays a key role in sentence structure.

Understanding verbs helps you speak and write clearly. Once you know how verbs work, forming sentences becomes much easier. Whether you’re a student, a writer, or just learning English, strong verb knowledge will always help. Keep practicing with examples, and you’ll master it in no time.

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