English Verbs, Adverbs, and Adjectives: Usage and Examples

Verbs

A verb is one of the main parts of a sentence or question in English.

Linking Verbs

Linking verbs connect the subject of the verb to additional information about the subject. They do not express action. Examples include to be (is, being, are, was, were), to become, and to seem.

My cats are content to nap on the couch. After drinking the old milk, Vladimir turned green.

Action Verbs

Action verbs describe what the subject of the sentence is doing.

Sam and Eric ride the bus to school each morning. Jan wants a horse for her birthday. John reads a chapter in his book each night.

Transitive Verbs

Transitive verbs are action verbs that have an object receiving the action. I baked some cookies. I rode the bicycle. I moved the chair. I stitched a quilt.

Intransitive Verbs

Intransitive verbs are action verbs without an object receiving the action. I laughed. I cried. The book fell. The horse galloped. The sun set.

Auxiliary Verbs

Auxiliary verbs (be, do, have, will) are followed by another verb (the full verb) to form a question, a negative sentence, a compound tense, or the passive voice. Alex must wait a while longer because the muffins are cooling by the window. Alexis is sitting at the kitchen table, anticipating his first bite.

Adverbs

Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, adding more information. Don't go so fast. Actually, I don't know her.

Adjectives

Adjectives describe or modify nouns or pronouns, making writing more specific and interesting. Examples: small, blue, sharp. Adjectives are usually positioned before the noun or pronoun they modify.

• They live in a big, beautiful house.
• Since it's a hot day, Lisa is wearing a sleeveless dress.
• The mountaintops are covered in sparkling snow.
• On her birthday, Brenda received an antique vase filled with fragrant flowers.