What is a verb?
Sentences are formed when a subject is selected and then something is asserted (i.e., predicated) about that subject. The headword of the predicate is the verb. It defines either the actions or processes undertaken by the subject (what is being done) or it describes the ‘state’ of the subject - what we call the ‘state of being’.
- The scientists launched the rocket yesterday. (Action)
- I am happy OR I will be satisfied with that. (State of being)
Verbs are the heavy lifters in sentences. They provide an enormous amount of information: voice, tense, aspect, number, mood, modality. These concepts are briefly introduced below and dealt with in greater detail in individual units. Not surprisingly, the section on verbs is the largest in English Toolkit!