Different types (kinds) of verbs in English grammar: We all know that verbs are most important part of any sentence. Sometimes even a single verb is capable of producing complete sentence (What is a sentence?). We have studied that what is a verb? Verbs express what your subject is doing and what the state of any subject is.
We can categories types of verbs in the following ways in English grammar. So let’s study different types (kinds) of verbs in English grammar.
Different types (kinds) of verbs in English grammar
There are basically five types (kinds) of verbs in English grammar listed below.
1. Intransitive verb
2.Transitive verb
a. Transitive verb with one object
b. Transitive verb with two objects
c. Transitive verb with object and complement
3.Linking verb
4.Auxiliary verb
1. Intransitive verb
Intransitive verb is the verb which does not need object. In other words, we can say that, it involves subject and verbs. You don’t need to put any object in the sentence to complete it.
For Examples
Jack laughs
He goes
She Sleeps
Ruth weeps
Here we can see that object is not being used with verbs (laughs, goes, Sleeps, weeps) in these sentences.
Also read: 5 problems why learning English is so difficult in India?
2. Transitive verb
Transitive verb is opposite of Intransitive verb. These are the verb in which object is used. It is called Transitive verbs. We can classify transitive verb according to number of objects.
a. Transitive verb with one object
b. Transitive verb with two objects
c. Transitive verb with object and complement
a. Transitive verb with one object
In these Transitive verbs, we have only one object, a subject and a verb.
Example-
Jenny writes a letter.
Adam plays hockey.
She sings a song.
In these sentences, only one Object (A letter, hockey and a song) is used with verb (writes, plays and sings).
b. Transitive verb with two objects
In these Transitive verbs, we have only two objects, a subject and a verb..
Example-
Mr. Mark teaches us math (us, math)
He told me a story. (Me, story)
I asked her a question. (Her, question)
c. Transitive verb with object and complement
In these transitive verbs, we have object with complement. We cannot complete sentence without complement.
Example-
He offered her (object) a necklace.(complement)
She called me (object) a fool.(complement)
Examples of Transitive verb and Intransitive verb.
Transitive verb
The driver stopped the car.
The boys fly their kites.
He broke the glass.
Intransitive verb
The car stopped.
Birds fly.
The glass broke.
3. Linking verb
These are those verbs in which we need a word (complement) to complete the meaning of verb. These are called linking verbs
For example
Mark tastes cakes.
Leena looks happy.
Steve was present.
In these sentences, (taste, looks and was) are the linking verbs. Because to complete these sentences; happy, present and cakes are used.
4. Auxiliary verb
Auxiliary verb is known as helping verb, which helps main verb in making tense, Modal or Voice. There are three common Auxiliary verbs.Be, Do, Have.
Examples
I am reading a book. (Reading is the main verb. Am is the Auxiliary verb.)
He has seen the Taj Mahal at Agra twice.( Seen is the main verb. Has is the Auxiliary verb.)
Forms of Be
Be-is, am, are (present) Be-was, were (past)
Use of Be
Be is used in Present Continuous Tense.
He is telling a lie.
They are making a noise.
Alina is writing an easy.
Be is used in Past Continuous Tense.
He was working hard.
Ruth was taking tea.
Were they sleeping?
We were going home.
Be is used in passive voice.
I am abused by her.(Present Indefinite Tense)
He is punished by the teacher. (Present Indefinite Tense)
A song sung by me. (Past Indefinite Tense)
The brave were rewarded by the king. (Present Indefinite Tense)
(NOTE) If Be (is, am, are, was, were) is used as a main verb, it is called Linking verbs and if they are used as a helping verbs, it is called Auxiliary verbs.
Forms of Have
Have-has, have (present) Have-had (past)
Use of Have
Have is used in principal verb.
She has a book.
I have wrist watch.
She had a ring.
Have is used in Present perfect Tense.
He has taken tea.
You have returned home.
Have is used in Past perfect Tense.
She had told a lie.
We had informed him.
Forms of Do
Do-do, does (present) Do-did (past)
Use of Do
Do is used in principal verb.
I do my duty.
She does her duty.
Do is used in Present Indefinite Tense to making negative and interrogative sentences.
I do not know you.
He does not read a novel.
Do you help the poor?
Do you take exercise?
Do is used in Past Indefinite Tense to making negative and interrogative sentences.
She did not eat food.
I did not abuse him.
Did he not go there?
Did I not offer you my help?
Also read: What is Preposition, rules, uses and types with examples?
5. Modal verbs
We use Modals to show ability, possibility, necessity, permission, advice, duty or obligation, promise, purpose, wish or prayer. Few basic and main modals are shall, will, should, would, can, could, may, might, must, need, ought to, used to.
Examples
Anyone can read this letter. (Possibility)
He could sing well when he was a child. (Ability in Past Tense)
You may use my pen. (Permission)
You must run fast to catch the train. (Necessity)
It was all about the types (kinds) of verbs in English grammar. I hope you enjoyed reading this whole post. If you feel any problem regarding this topic or if you want to add few more points then hit comments button you that we can polish us too.
