Before we explain how to conjugate verbs in English, you need to understand the different forms a verb takes. This helps immeasurably when you conjugate on your own—you just need to use the right form at the right time.
Keep in mind that these forms work mostly for regular verbs; irregular verbs each have their own special forms. If you want to learn more, we have a more detailed guide on verb forms here.
The root form is the basic form of the verb with no changes. Used with subjects like he , she , the singular they , or it , the third-person singular in the present tense just adds an -s to the end of the root form most of the time. For verbs that end in a consonant and -y try , carry , you remove the y and add -ies tries , carries.
If the verb ends in a vowel and -y say , buy , you just add an -s like normal says , buys. Verbs that end in -ch , -sh , -x , -z, or -s add -es to the end instead of just -s. For example, watch becomes watches and kiss becomes kisses. The past tense shows an action that already happened. The present participle is used for the continuous tenses to show ongoing or current action, and in more advanced English can be used for participial phrases.
In most cases you simply add — ing to the end of the root form, although sometimes you have to remove an E first. The past participle is used for the perfect tenses. However, irregular verbs often use unique past participles, so you may have to memorize their forms.
Do you like to swim? Do you enjoy learning? If you want to use a verb as a noun, you can turn it into an infinitive or gerund, the noun forms of verbs. Although technically two words, an infinitive acts as a single word, usually a noun, but sometimes also an adjective or adverb. To forgive is divine. Bring a snack to eat if you get hungry. Alternatively, you can turn the verb into a gerund by adding -ing , identical to the present participle.
A gerund is strictly used as a noun, and occasionally you can use them to create gerund phrases , which act as a single unit to modify the gerund. Running is too difficult. Studying the cosmos is not the same as understanding the cosmos.
Often, they are interchangeable—both infinitives and gerunds can act as subjects and direct objects. Living with a dog changes your outlook on life. To live with a dog changes your outlook on life. However, only gerunds can be the object of a preposition. Moreover, some transitive verbs only use infinitives as a direct object —for example, want. I want to break free. I want breaking free. Although there are others, some common verbs use infinitives. They include the following: choose, decide, hope, plan, prepare, promise, wish.
Use gerunds for situations that are specific, real, or have already happened. In the mornings, I really like to exercise. This morning, I really liked exercising. They need to represent the tense you want, as well as match the subject subject-verb agreement, explained below.
This is called verb conjugation , or changing the verb to fit the sentence. In English, there are four main tenses, each divided into three time periods, totalling twelve tenses. Some other tenses exist, but these are the most common ones. Below, we explain how to conjugate each of the main tenses in the present, past, and future. Keep in mind that irregular verbs may use different forms. No matter what tense you use, your verb has to match the number of the subject.
In other words, singular subjects conjugate verbs differently than plural subjects. They represent individual, one-time actions. Kim feels lousy today. I study every night before bed.
The simple past tense describes a single action that already took place, or a habitual action that no longer occurs. It uses the simple past form explained above. When I was young, I played in the backyard every day. They lost again, and no one was surprised. The simple future tense describes events that have not happened yet, as in planning or preparing.
It uses the root form, but adds the word will in front. You will study verbs until you understand them. Once again, history will repeat itself.
The continuous tense—also known as the progressive tense —is used for mostly ongoing events that are temporary. Remember that stative verbs cannot be used in the continuous tense. Actions about feelings or states of being that happened in the past use the simple past tense.
The present continuous tense is used often, and has many different uses:. Form the present continuous by adding the conjugated simple present form of be before the present participle of your main verb the -ing form. Tony is sleeping at the moment. Everyone is talking about it! The past continuous tense shows ongoing events that happened in the past, specifically ones that have a definitive beginning and end.
It can also be used to show a past event that was interrupted by another past event. Note that the past continuous is only used for events that are completed. Form the past continuous by adding the conjugated simple past form of be before the present participle.
Yes, the present participle. What in the world do linking verbs do if they don't show action? Well, linking verbs tell us about the state or condition of the subject. They link the subject of a sentence with either a noun that renames the subject or an adjective that describes the subject.
Nouns that rename the subject are called predicate nouns. Adjectives that describe the subject are called predicate adjectives. Milk tastes delicious. Clocks are helpful. I am the bus driver! It may help you to think of linking verbs as an equal sign between the subject and a predicate noun or a predicate adjective.
There's one more thing that I want to clarify before you can be crowned an official verbs pro. Here it is:. Many words have the ability to function as different types of verbs.
You will only know what type of verb it is by looking at the sentence to see how it is acting. For example, the verb turned could be a transitive active verb that has a direct object, or it could be a linking verb. Check it out! You read all the way to the bottom of this lesson, and that means that I can now crown you a master of verb knowledge.
Is is always a linking verb? I'll sing you a song about helping verbs! What are phrasal verbs? If you don't want to teach or learn grammar by yourself, click here to see how I can help you. Where have you been all our homeschooling life? You are talented at explaining grammar in a way that my youngest of 8 really gets it!
Thank you! If you want to teach or learn grammar the easy way, follow our step-by-step program which clearly lays everything out and allows you to move at your own pace.
The Get Smart Grammar Program is presented in a logical sequence, so it's not an overwhelming mishmash of information. Just watch the videos and complete your assignments. Before you know it, you'll be a grammar and sentence diagramming pro! Elizabeth O'Brien is the creator of Grammar Revolution. Her lessons are guaranteed to give you more confidence in your communication skills and make you smile. All Rights Reserved. Grammar Revolution. Home Parts of Speech Verbs. Helping verbs always help either an action verb or a linking verb.
Let's look at some examples of verbs! Modal Verbs A modal verb is a kind of auxiliary verb. Example: I may want to talk to you again. They must play their best game to win. She should call him. I will go there. Examples: He has done it himself. I'll watch it myself. I opened the door. The bell rang. She rang the bell. The light is fused. They fused the lights. The whistle blew. Tom blew the whistle. Phrasal Verb An idiomatic phrase consisting of a Verb and another element, most likely an Adverb or a Preposition is called a Phrasal Verb.
Examples: She broke down in tears. Don't look down upon the poor. I'll see to it. Lexical Verb Lexical Verb is the main or principal verb of a sentence which typically takes the major responsibility of a Verb that represents the action of the Noun or Pronoun. Examples: He ran to his father.
I laughed out loud. Rina tried her best. DE-Lexical Verb Delexical Verbs lack importance when it comes to meaning since these Verbs hardly have meanings of their own when used individually.
Examples: He took a shower. I had a cold drink. She made some arrangements. Examples: I need some boxes. You belong to the pomp and power. He smells danger. They remember what happened that day. Keep hitting the ball hard. The dog goes for a walk every afternoon. Non-continuous Verb The Verbs that are usually never used in their continuous forms are called Non-continuous Verbs. Examples: I like to swim. I'm liking to swim. I love to do the chords.
I'm loving to do the chords. He does not hate you. He's hating you. She just feels a bit dizzy, no need to worry. She's just feeling a bit dizzy. Examples: You seem happy. It appears to be just perfect. She looks stunning. He's become rather irritable. Examples: He loves her. She runs too fast. Ron sells fish. Participle A participle is a Verb form where they retain some of the characteristics and functions of both Verbs and adopt those of the Adjectives.
Cycling is a well-rounded exercise. Past Participle I have taken a hint. Have you given it enough thought? Having stepped out of my comfort zone, I saw a whole new world. Gerund The Verbs having -ing endings that function like Nouns in sentences are called Gerunds. Examples: Smoking is injurious to health. Walking is good for health. I love swimming. Examples: I wanted to help you out.
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