Verbs and Verb Types

What this unit covers

The resources here look at verbs from several angles. The mind map Verbs (Types) starts with the basic idea: a verb conveys an action, event or state of being, and it sorts verbs into action, saying, sensing and relating. Others go further, with a flowchart on transitive and intransitive verbs and another on finite and non finite verbs.

Verb groups you can practise

• Modal verbs: the flashcard deck Modal Verbs notes that modals come before the main verb, take no -s, -ing or -ed, and are followed by a bare infinitive. The Modal Verbs mind map groups them by job, such as ability, permission, obligation and advice.
• Phrasal verbs: the Phrasal Verbs mind map explains how a verb plus an adverb or preposition creates a new meaning, with examples like back up and blow up.
• Auxiliary verbs: the flowchart Auxiliary verbs shows be, do, have and will, with forms of be in the present and past.
• Easily confused verbs: MAKE VS.DO sets out when to use each, and a quiz covers consist, contain, include and involve.
• Irregular verbs: several flashcard decks, including Irregular Verb List 2, drill forms such as cling, creep and dig.

Where to start

Begin with a overview map such as Verbs (Types) or the mind map called Verbs, which also touches on auxiliaries, finiteness, aspect and mood. Then pick one group, for example modals, and read its map before trying the Modal verbs quiz.

Using quizzes and maps together

Read a map first to see the pattern, then take a quiz to test it. The confusing-verbs quiz uses gap-fill sentences, so you have to choose the right verb in context. Note the ones you miss, go back to the map, and try again. Flashcards suit irregular forms, which need repeating.

Where it sits

This unit belongs to the strand Grammar: Verbs and Tenses in English language. Teachers can use the quizzes and slide sets as ready-made starters. Choose a topic above and open the first resource that looks useful.