Verbs Flashcards
What are the types of verbs?
- finite
- infinitive
- auxiliary
- linking (verb ‘to be’)
- transitive
- intransitive
- indicative
- imperative
- subjunctive
(NB: the last 3 are just classifications and can fall into any of the other types)
Explain finite verbs.
A finite verb can stand on its own and does not need an auxiliary (helping) verb, A finite verb must have a subject, number and tense.
For example: She plays. They argue. The girl plays netball. The girls play netball. Today I play. Yesterday I played.
Explain infinitive verbs
When a verb is proceeded by a ‘to,’ it is known as the infinitive. For example: to play, to eat, to sleep.
The infinitive cannot stand alone and must be preceded by a finite verb. For example: She wants to eat. They start to argue. We tried to study. Dogs love to play.
The infinitive should never be split:
‘I am definitely going to complete my homework tomorrow.’ CORRECT
‘I am going to definitely complete my homework tomorrow.’ INCORRECT
Explain auxiliary verbs
A helping verb. Always precedes a verb (e.g, she has done her work) and regulates the tense of the sentence (e.g, ‘we could see the sun rising’ past tense vs ‘we see the sun rising’ present tense).
Common auxiliary verbs: am/are/be/can/could/had/has/have/is/may/might/must/shall/should/was/were/will/would.
Do not get mixed up between auxiliary and finite verbs:
He is the president of the company. (Finite)
He is hoping to become the president of the company. (Auxiliary + present participle)
Explain the linking verb/verb ‘to be’
Connects a noun with another noun or a noun with an adjective (e.g, ‘the man is a soldier’ (connecting to noun), ‘the man is brave’ (connecting to adjective)). The word that follows the linking verb is NOT the object, and is known as the complement.
Explain transitive verbs
A transitive verb takes a direct object.
For example: ‘I wrote a letter to the editor of the newspaper.’
Explain indicative verbs
A verb used to express a fact or provide information. E.g, I always buy a lottery ticket.
Explain intransitive verbs
An intransitive verb is not followed by direct objects.
For example: ‘I wrote to the editor of the newspaper.’
Explain imperative verbs
A verb used to express instructions or commands. E.g, Bob says, “Don’t waste your money!”
Explain subjunctive verbs/mood
Used when something is unlikely or to express a wish/doubt/uncertainty. E.g, If I were to win the lottery, he would eat his words.
