Verbs

The task of the verb is to give information about the subject of the sentence. Verbs do this by either expressing the action in a sentence, or the state of being of the subject. An action verb usually tells what the subject does. A state of being verb usually tells what the subject is.

Example:

1. Five frogs flopped into the water. (action)

2. The frogs are large, green, and shiny. (state of being)

The verb must be in agreement with the subject noun. If a subject noun is singular, the verb must be in its singular form (usually -s or -es). If the subject noun is plural, the verb must be in its plural form.

These examples illustrate the use of a singular verb with a singular subject.

The child is happy with his work.

The child was happy with his work.

The child will be happy with his work.

These examples illustrate how plural subjects and verbs agree.

These children are happy with their work.

These children were happy with their work

These children will be happy with their work.