Types of verbs
Types of verbs
1. Main verb
There are action verbs and linking verbs.
- 1.1 Action verb (zelfstandige werkwoorden)
Action verbs are the main verbs in a sentence. An action verb shows which action or activity the subject does.
Action verbs have a meaning on their own. Therefore, they can be used by themselves in a sentence, you don't need to add a different verb.
Adverbs of manner are often used to give more information about the activity.
Examples:
I read a chapter in my book every evening.
We work hard.
He sleeps til 7 a.m. every day.
- 1.2 Linking verbs (koppelwerkwoorden)
Linking verbs are the main verbs in a sentence. A linking verb links a noun or pronoun (the subject) to a description or state.
Linking verbs have a meaning on their own. Therefore, they can be used by themselves in a sentence, you don't need to add a different verb.
Adjectives are often used to give more information about the subject (noun or pronoun) in the sentence.
Examples:
She looks beautiful.
They seem tired.
He is a lovely person.
We feel angry.
- Exercises on action and linking verbs
2. Auxiliary verbs (hulpwerkwoorden)
Auxiliary verbs are sometimes referred to as 'helping verbs' because they help the main verb in the sentence to convey a message. There are two types of auxiliary verbs, namely the main auxiliary verbs and the modal auxiliary verbs.
- 2.1 Main auxiliary verbs
To be, to have and to do are auxiliary verbs. They are used in combination with a main verb. They help when making the verb tenses and they also help when making negative sentences and questions.
-- 1 TO BE --
- can be used as a linking verb and as an auxiliary verb
- is used to form the present continuous, past continuous and present continuous
- I am walking.
- He was running.
- They have been running for two hours straight.
-- 2 TO HAVE --
- can be used as an action verb and as an auxiliary verb
- is used to form the perfect tenses
- I have played the violin since I was nine years old.
- I have been waiting for hours.
-- 3 TO DO --
- can be used as the main verb in affirmative sentence, negative sentences and questions:
- I do the dishes every day.
- You didn't do anything wrong.
- What are you doing today?
- is used to form negative sentences and questions when there is no other auxiliary verb
- Do you work in a library?
- No, I don't work in a library.
- can be used as short answer to a question
- Do you play football? Yes, I do.
- Does he speak French? No, he doesn't
- can be used as an auxiliary verb in an affirmative sentence to emphasise something.
- I don't speak Spanish, but I do speak French.
- 'I do love her' is stronger than 'I love her.'
-- 4 EXERCISES --
