Definition of Verb:
A verb is a word that expresses an action, an occurrence, or a state of being. It is one of the four main word classes (along with nouns, adjectives, and adverbs) and is the core of a sentence, indicating what the subject is doing, happening to, or being.
Key Characteristics of Verbs:
- Tense: Verbs can indicate the time of the action (present, past, future)
- Person: Verbs can agree with the subject in person (first, second, third)
- Number: Verbs can agree with the subject in number (singular, plural)
- Mood: Verbs can express the speaker's attitude towards the action (indicative, imperative, subjunctive)
- Voice: Verbs can indicate whether the subject is performing the action or is being acted upon (active, passive)
Examples of Verbs:
- Action verbs: run, jump, talk, eat, write
- Occurrence verbs: happen, occur, take place
- Linking verbs: be, seem, become, appear
Functions of Verbs in Sentences:
- Predicate: Verbs form the predicate of a sentence, which expresses what the subject is doing or happening to.
- Mood modifier: Verbs can modify the mood of a sentence by expressing commands, requests, or suggestions.
- Tense marker: Verbs indicate the time of the action or event.
- Voice indicator: Verbs show whether the subject is actively performing or passively receiving the action.
- Number and person indicator: Verbs agree with the subject in number and person.