VERBS Lesson 11

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Lesson 11 VERBS 

1.Verbs and Types of Verbs

2.Different Ways of Saying – 2

a)What is your job?

b)Which class are you in?

3.Conversation Example

4.Exercises

 

Lesson 11

VERBS

1. VERBS AND TYPES OF VERBS

 

WHAT IS A VERB?

A Verb is a word or a group of words that indicates action or a state of being or condition. A verb tells us about what the subject does, and are related to many factors like the subject, person, number, tense, mood, voice, condition, state etc.

Examples:

1. Jenny sleeps in the afternoons.
2. Shila is goingto school.
3. Alex does not liketo eat burgers.
4. Anna isa very pretty girl.

 

BASIC FORMS OF VERBS

There are six basic forms of verbs. These forms are as follows:

BASIC FORMS OF VERBS	EXAMPLE SENTENCES
Present Tense	She goes to school.
Infinitive	She loves to go to school.
Past Tense	She went to school.
Past Participle	She has gone to school.
Present Participle	She is going to school.
Gerund	She loves going to school.

 

DIFFERENT TYPES OF VERBS

1. Finite Verbs
2. Non-finite Verbs
3. Action Verbs
   1. Transitive Verbs
   2. Intransitive Verbs
4. Linking Verbs
5. Auxiliary Verbs
6. Modal Verbs

 

1.FINITE VERBS

It is a verb that has a subject. It is also called the main verb. It shows the tense (past / present / future.. etc) or number (singular subject or a plural..)

Examples:

 

a) We eat

We  –  Subject, or Doer of the action

eat  –  Describes the Action performed by the Subject

 

b) The kids are playing

kids   –  Subject, or Doer of the action

playing  –  Describes the Action performed by the Subject

 

2. INFINITE VERBS

A non-finite verb has no subject, tense or number. The only non-finite verb forms are the infinitive (indicated by to), the gerund or the participle.

Infinitives   –  verbs preceded by to

Gerunds  –  verbs ending in -ing but behave like a noun

Present Participles  –  verbs ending in -ing but behave like an adjective

Past Participles  –  verbs ending in -ed, -en, -t but behave like an adjective

Examples:

1. It is dangerous to burn things in closed rooms.

(Infinitive where verb is preceded by to)

2. Burning buildings are dangerous.

(Present Participle where -ing ending verb behaves like adjective)

3. Burnt food is not tasty.

(Past participle where -t ending verb behaves like an adjective)

4. Burning causes pollution.

(Gerund where -ing ending verb behaves like a noun)

 

3. ACTION VERBS

Action verbs indicate the action that the subject performs. These verbs can make the listener or reader feel the emotions, see the scenes more vibrantly and precisely. Some examples are sing, play, laugh, dance, eat, push, pull etc.

Action verbs can be transitive or intransitive.

 

 1.TRANSITIVE VERBS

A transitive verb should have a direct object. It certainly needs something/ someone to be acted upon.

Examples:

1. I crushed the paper. (The verb crush needs an object to be crushed.)
2. She is readingthe newspaper.
3. Shyam is taking her to the hospital.
4. Dad watched the game.

 

 2.INTRANSITIVE VERBS 

Intransitive verbs do not act upon anything. They may be followed by an adjective, adverb, preposition, or another part of speech.

Examples:

1. She smiled
2. I wakeup at 5am.

 

4. LINKING VERBS

A linking verb adds more details about the main subject in a sentence. The verb  connects the subject and the complement — that is, the words that follow the linking verb. It does not show any action but it just links them together.

In general, linking verbs are called Be verbs, which are – am, is, are, was, were. But, there are some other verbs which can work as linking verbs such as act, feel, remain, appear, become, seem, smell, sound, grow, look, prove, stay, taste, and turn.

Some of these linking verbs can also play the role of the action verbs. Try replacing them with forms of the be verbs, to find out if they are action verbs or linking verbs. If the changed sentence makes the same meaning, then that verb is certainly a linking verb.

Examples:

1. She appearsbeautiful in this dress. (She is beautiful in this dress.)
2. The house seemed (The house was dirty.)
3. You look  (You are sad.)
4. I feel happy for you. (I am happy for you.)
5. The cakes seem (The cakes are delicious)

 

 5. AUXILIARY VERBS

Auxiliary verbs are also known as Helping verbs. An auxiliary verb says more about the main verb by helping to show time, tense, and possibility. The auxiliary verbs are – be, have and do.

These are used in the continuous, i.e., progressive and perfect tenses.

When linking verbs work as main verbs in the sentence, the auxiliaries help main verbs in the sentence.

Do and Does are auxiliary verbs that is used to ask questions, to express negation, to provide emphasis, and more.

Examples:

a	Preetha is watching a cartoon.	f	We are dancing near the stage.
b	I have tasted Chinese food.	g	She has spoken to the Principal.
c	Do you drink tea?	h	Don’t waste your time.
d	Does your mom go to work?	i	Doesn’t she have a sister?
e	Do submit your assignments.	j	We do like that house very much.

 

6. MODAL VERBS

A modal verb is a kind of auxiliary verb. It comes along or even assists the main verb to indicate a possibility, ability, permission, expectation, and obligation.

The modal verbs are can, could, must, may, might, ought to, shall, should, will, would.

Examples:

a	It may rain.	e	He might not complete it by today.
b	We shall go there tomorrow.	f	She should go to the doctor.
c	I will not go out today.	g	Would you please help me?
d	They must play in the play area only.	h	You ought to clean up your own mess.

 

FILL IN – WITH SUITABLE VERBS:

1. Priya _______ at school yesterday.
2. Raj _______ me the flowers.
3. She _______ to the party yesterday.
4. He always _______ going to parties.
5. I am _______ them.
6. I _______ her at the airport.
7. Is she _______ at me?
8. They _______ me some water bottles.
9. He _______ hard, but always fails.
10. I will _______ you home in my car.
11. My dad will _______ her up from school.
12. Do you _______ cigarettes?
13. Please _______ the police now.
14. Is he _______ the kids with him?
15. She _______ to the market by herself.
16. I will _______ some flowers for my mom.
17. Please _______ after the patient well.
18. Are we _______ to the beach now?

 

2. DIFFERENT WAYS OF SAYING – 2

 

1.WHAT IS YOUR JOB?

This is another one of those small-talk questions we ask people when we speak to them for the first time. So let’s look at different ways of asking and answering this question.

 

DIFFERENT WAYS OF ASKING:

1. What do you do? (most commonly used)
2. What do you do for a living? (more commonly used)
3. What do you do exactly?
4. What kind of work do you do?
5. What sort of work do you do?
6. What line of work are you in?
7. What are you doing these days?
8. What are you up to these days?
9. What is your job? (less commonly used)

 

DIFFERENT WAYS OF ANSWERING:

1. I’m a Doctor. I work at a Government Hospital in Chennai.
2. I’m a customer service executive for Flipkart.
3. I’m a business man, having my own restaurant in Madurai.
4. I am an amateur photographer.
5. I am a 2^nd year student of Decibel College, at Trichy.
6. WHICH CLASS ARE YOU IN?

While interacting with young kids or teenagers for the first time, we tend to ask them about the school or the year they are studying.

For easy understanding, we will discuss this topic under three sub-headings.

 

1.FOR SCHOOL STUDENTS

We use words like class or standard to make enquiries regarding school students. In some countries like the US, they are referred to as grades.

 

DIFFERENT WAYS OF ASKING:

1. What class are you (in)?
2. Which class are you in?/ In which class are you studying?
3. What standard are you (in)?
4. Which standard are you in?/ In which standard are you studying?
5. Which/ What grade are you (in)?

 

DIFFERENT WAYS OF ANSWERING:

1. I’m in 3^rd
2. I’m in 3^rd class or Class 3.
3. I’m in 3^rd grade or Grade 3.
4. I’m in Class 3 of Decibel Vidyalaya, at Trichy.

 Note: Remember that the words mentioned in brackets are optional. In other words, the sentence is correct with/ without those words.

For example, both questions – What class are you? and What class are you in? are correct.

 

2. FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

Although College Students is the general term for all students trying to earn a college degree, those pursuing their first college degrees are more specifically referred to as Undergraduate Students or Undergrads. This terminology is more prevalent in the US. Similarly, institutions offering Advanced/ Postgraduate degrees are referred to as Graduate Schools or Grad Schools.

When someone asks us what we are studying, they are interested in knowing our education details. This may include:

1. the Degree we are studying  (like B.Com, B.E. etc.)
2. the Subject we’ve chosen to major in (like Physics, Architecture)
3. the Year we are in
4. the College (and Location) we’re studying in

You can provide this information in a single sentence or in multiple sentences.

 

DIFFERENT WAYS OF ASKING:

1. What (degree) are you studying?
2. What degree are you pursuing?
3. What year are you in?
4. What’s your major? (for Undergrads in AmE*)

 

DIFFERENT WAYS OF ANSWERING:

1. I am studying BSc. Physics in Decibel College, at Trichy.
2. I am pursuing a Bachelor’s (degree) in Physics from Decibel College, at Trichy.
3. I’m in the 2^nd year/ final year.
4. I’m a 2^nd year BSc. Physics student of Decibel College, at Trichy.
5. I’m doing the last year of my Bachelor’s in Physics from Decibel College, at Trichy.
6. I’m a final year undergrad majoring in Physics at Decibel College, Trichy.

Note: AmE* refers to American English

 

3. FOR OTHER ADULTS

If they look older than 22 years of age, they are most likely out of school or college. Remember that in India, School refers to the place where a person receives education for the first 10-12 years, until they complete Class 10 or 12.  After that they usually attend College or University, for their Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees.

So if we ask them – Where did you go to school?, they will provide details of their school education. And if we wish to know about their college education, we need to ask – Where did you go to college?.

On the other hand, in some countries like the US, the word School refers to both, school, as well as college education. So if we ask an American the question – Where did you go to school?, they will reply with where they completed their highest education, i.e., if they attended college, they will provide us their college details, and not school details.

 

DIFFERENT WAYS OF ASKING:

 

1. Where did you go to school?(most commonly used)
2. Where did you go to college?
3. Where did you study?
4. Which school did you go to?
5. Which school did you attend? (more formal)

 

DIFFERENT WAYS OF ANSWERING:

1. I went to Decibel Vidyalaya, at Trichy.
2. I went to Decibel University at Trichy, where I completed my Master’s in Physics.
3. I did my Bachelor’s in Decibel college, at Trichy.
4. I studied BSc. Physics in Decibel college, at Trichy.
5. I attended Decibel Vidyalaya, at Trichy.
6. The school I attended was Decibel Vidyalaya, at Trichy.

 

CONVERSATION EXAMPLE

 

Karthik is still in bed. Radha, his mom wakes him up and needs to get him ready for school. Today is the deadline for his project submission. Radha’s husband, Navin, also has to get ready for work. Let’s see how the morning goes.

 

— CONVERSATION PARTICIPANTS —
NAVIN (Karthik’s Dad)	KARTHIK	RADHA (Karthik’s Mom)

		— Radha wakes Karthik up —
Karthik, wake up! It’s 6 o’clock!
	Give me five more minutes, mom.
No, it’s late already. You have to submit your project today. Please complete it now.
	Ok mom. Give me a minute. I am getting up.
That’s a good boy!

			— Radha goes to her husband Navin —
Navin, aren’t you going to the office today? It’s time.
	Of course, I am. Radha, could you get me some coffee?
Sure, in a minute. And before you go to the bathroom, could you check if Karthik has completed his science project?
	Will do.
Here’s your coffee.
	Thanks. I will check on him now.

		— Navin checks on Karthik —
	Good morning, Karthik. Have you finished your project? Do you need my help?
Good morning, dad. Yes. I completed it. Thanks.
	That’s great. Have you got any other test today?
Not today. But I do have one tomorrow.
	OK. Have your brushed your teeth and had milk?
Oh, yes! I just have to take my bath and get ready.
	Well then. Go, get ready. Did you polish your shoes?
Yes. I did. But could you get me my uniform from that cupboard.
	Sure.
Thanks dad.
	Radha! I can’t find Karthik’s uniform. Where is it?
It is on the ironing table beside the cupboard.
	Yes. I found it.
Navin, it’s 7:30. Get ready, otherwise you both will be late.

		— It’s Breakfast Time —
Karthik! Come and have your breakfast.
	What’s for breakfast, Mom?
I made kichdi. And don’t forget to drink the milk.
	But I don’t like kichdi. I want pasta.
Karthik, kichdi is good for health. You have to finish it.
	I will, but promise me you’ll make pasta tomorrow.
OK. I’ll make some pasta today evening. You can have it when you get back from school.

		— Navin calls —
	Radha! I can’t find my red tie.
Check the drawers. I’m pretty sure I kept it in the first drawer.
	Oh.. Oh yes, I got it. Thanks.
Navin. Hurry up. It’s almost 7:45. Come and have your breakfast.
	Yes. I’ll be there in a minute. I’m ready.

		— Navin and Karthik leave —
Karthik, have you packed your bag?
	Yes, Mom. I’m ready.
Did you take everything required for your Project submission?
	Yes, I did.
What about your pens? You’re always forgetting them!
	Dad gave me a new pen, yesterday. I’m taking it to school.
OK. Keep it safe. Also try to finish your lunch. I will come to pick you up. Okay.
	OK Mom. But please don’t make me wait.
	Radha, please get me the car keys.
Of course. Here, I have it already. I knew you would ask me.
	Oh, thank you for being so mindful.  One more thing – I want you take both of you to a restaurant tonight. So be ready by 8.
	Yay! We are going out for dinner! Where are we going, dad?
It’s getting late. Dad will tell you on your way to school.
	Yes. Let’s get moving now. See you. Bye.
	Okay. Bye, mommy. I’ll be waiting by the school gate.
Alright. Take care. Drive safe. Bye.

 

4 EXERCISES

 

FILL IN – WITH SUITABLE VERBS:

1. I ______ able to understand.
2. My sister ______ dairy products.
3. Can you ______ to me where we are going?
4. She ______ him to leave her alone.
5. ______ you like to go out with me?
6. Tomorrow ______ a holiday.
7. ______ we be excused?
8. My stomach
9. The train ______ at 5:30pm.
10. I ______ for you.
11. The flight’s departure ______ at 8:00am tomorrow.
12. I ______ love to visit you in Goa, but I ______ because I don’t ______ leave balance.
13. You ______ go out late at night.
14. Children ______ to obey their parents.
15. I don’t ______ secrets from my sister.
16. Let’s ______ it a day.
17. Receptionist: Mr. Kumar ­______ right now. ______ I take a message?
18. I ______ a mistake. I ______ sorry. Please ______ me.
19. Please ______ my apologies.
20. I ______ to take your call right now. Please ______ a message.
21. ______ you ever ______ to Manipur?
22. ______ you ______ a secret?
23. I ______ understand.

 

BUILDING A CONVERSATION

This is Ravi.

For each of Ravi’s activities in the pictures displayed, build 2-6 lines of conversation between Ravi and his mom.

 

TOPICS TO DISCUSS

1. Describe your kids daily routine.
2. Describe your spouse’s daily routine.
3. Describe things happening in your office/ house at 8 in the morning.