Right Form of Verbs: Important Rules with Practical Examples

Verbs are essential parts of speech in English. They express actions, states, or occurrences. Using the correct form of verbs is crucial for clear communication.

Here are some important rules regarding the right form of verbs, along with practical examples.

1. Subject-Verb Agreement

The verb must agree with the subject in number (singular or plural).

Examples:

• Singular: The cat runs fast.
• Plural: The cats run fast.

2. Tenses

Verbs change form based on the time of action (past, present, or future). Here are the three main tenses:

Present Tense

• Simple Present: I eat breakfast every day.
• Present Continuous: I am eating breakfast right now.

Past Tense

• Simple Past: I ate breakfast yesterday.
• Past Continuous: I was eating breakfast when you called.

Future Tense

• Simple Future: I will eat breakfast tomorrow.
• Future Continuous: I will be eating breakfast at 8 AM.

3. Irregular Verbs

Some verbs do not follow regular patterns when changing forms. These are called irregular verbs.

Examples:

• Go → Went → Gone
  • Present: I go to school.
  • Past: I went to school yesterday.
  • Perfect: I have gone to school.

4. Modal Verbs

Modal verbs (can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would) express ability, possibility, permission, or obligation. They are followed by the base form of the main verb.

Examples:

• Ability: She can swim very well.
• Possibility: It might rain tomorrow.
• Obligation: You must finish your homework.

5. Active and Passive Voice

In active voice, the subject performs the action. In passive voice, the subject receives the action.

Examples:

• Active: The chef cooked dinner.
• Passive: Dinner was cooked by the chef.

6. Infinitives and Gerunds

Infinitives (to + verb) and gerunds (verb + ing) can function as nouns in a sentence.

Examples:

• Infinitive: To run is fun.
• Gerund: Running is fun.

Practical Examples in Sentences

1. Subject-Verb Agreement:
   • The dog barks loudly. (singular)
   • The dogs bark loudly. (plural)
2. Tenses:
   • Present: She plays soccer every weekend.
   • Past: She played soccer last weekend.
   • Future: She will play soccer next weekend.
3. Irregular Verbs:
   • Begin → Began → Begun
     • Present: They begin their work at 9 AM.
     • Past: They began their work at 9 AM yesterday.
     • Perfect: They have begun their work already.
4. Modal Verbs:
   • You should study for the exam.
   • He can help you with your homework.
5. Active and Passive Voice:
   • Active: The teacher explained the lesson.
   • Passive: The lesson was explained by the teacher.
6. Infinitives and Gerunds:
   • Infinitive: To travel is my dream.
   • Gerund: Traveling is my dream.

Using the right form of verbs is essential for effective communication in English.

By understanding subject-verb agreement, tenses, irregular verbs, modal verbs, active and passive voice, and infinitives versus gerunds, you can improve your writing and speaking skills significantly.

Practice these rules with examples to become more confident in using verbs correctly!