English verbs are the core components of sentence structure and play an important role in expressing meaning. However, to use verbs correctly in each context, you need to understand the usage and meaning of different types of verbs. In particular, in IELTS, flexible use of verbs will help improve your Speaking and Writing scores. In this article, IDP will present in detail the types of verbs in English to help you expand your English vocabulary.
1. What are verbs in English?
Verbs, also known as "V," are words used to describe an action or state of a subject.
Verbs are essential components of English sentences. A sentence may lack a subject or object, but a verb is necessary to convey meaning. Therefore, expanding your verb vocabulary is vital for effective communication.
Example: I practice speaking English every day.
Common positions of verbs in sentences
Position | Example |
After adverbs of frequency (always, often, sometimes, seldom, never) | I always show up on time for meetings. |
After the subject | I walk after every dinner. |
With "to be" plus an adjective | They are eager to start their new project. |
Before the object | Could you pass me the salt please |
2. Classification of Verbs in English
Verbs are categorized based on their function in a sentence. Below are the most common types:
Main Verbs
These verbs express actions performed by people, events, or things. They are divided into two groups:
Intransitive Verbs: These do not require an object. Example: He sleeps soundly.
Transitive Verbs: These require one or more objects to complete the sentence. Example: She reads a book every night.
Common English Verbs
No. | Verb | Pronunciation | Meaning |
1 | call | /kɔːl/ | to call |
2 | come | /kʌm/ | to come |
3 | do | /du/ | to do |
4 | find | /faɪnd/ | to find |
5 | get | /ɡet/ | to get |
6 | give | /ɡɪv/ | to give |
7 | go | /ɡəʊ/ | to go |
8 | hear | /hɪər/ | to hear |
9 | help | /help/ | to help |
10 | keep | /kiːp/ | to keep |
11 | know | /nəʊ/ | to know |
12 | leave | /liːv/ | to leave |
13 | let | /let/ | to let |
14 | like | /laɪk/ | to like |
15 | live | /lɪv/ | to live |
16 | look | /lʊk/ | to look |
17 | make | /meɪk/ | to make |
18 | move | /muːv/ | to move |
19 | play | /pleɪ/ | to play |
20 | put | /pʊt/ | to put |
21 | run | /rʌn/ | to run |
22 | say | /seɪ/ | to say |
23 | see | /siː/ | to see |
24 | show | /ʃəʊ/ | to show |
25 | start | /stɑːt/ | to start |
26 | take | /teɪk/ | to take |
27 | talk | /tɔːk/ | to talk |
28 | tell | /tel/ | to tell |
29 | think | /θɪŋk/ | to think |
30 | try | /traɪ/ | to try |
31 | turn | /tɜːn/ | to turn |
32 | use | /juːz/ | to use |
33 | work | /wɜːk/ | to work |
Auxiliary Verbs
These verbs support main verbs to form negative or interrogative sentences. Common auxiliary verbs include have, be, do, will.
Example: She didn’t go to the party.
Modal Verbs
Modal verbs do not function independently. They are used with main verbs to express ability, necessity, or intention. English also includes "verb plus verb" structures such as "want to go."
Example: You should study hard.
Common Modal Verbs
No. | Modal Verb | Pronunciation | Meaning |
1 | can | /kæn/ | ability |
2 | may | /meɪ/ | permission |
3 | shall | /ʃæl/ | offer |
4 | should | /ʃʊd/ | advice |
5 | will | /wɪl/ | future |
6 | must | /mʌst/ | obligation |
Linking Verbs
Linking verbs connect the subject with a complement, often an adjective, to describe a state or condition.
Example: The soup tastes delicious.
Common Linking Verbs
No. | Verb | Pronunciation | Meaning |
1 | appear | /əˈpɪər/ | to appear |
2 | be | /bi/ | to be |
3 | become | /bɪˈkʌm/ | to become |
4 | feel | /fiːl/ | to feel |
5 | get | /ɡet/ | to become |
6 | look | /lʊk/ | to look |
7 | remain | /rɪˈmeɪn/ | to remain |
8 | seem | /siːm/ | to seem |
9 | smell | /smel/ | to smell |
10 | sound | /saʊnd/ | to sound |
11 | taste | /teɪst/ | to taste |
3. Common English Phrasal Verbs
Phrasal verbs are combinations of verbs with prepositions or adverbs, forming new meanings. These are widely used in everyday communication.
Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
ask for | to request | He decided to ask for help with his project. |
give up | to quit | She chose to give up trying to convince him. |
try on | to wear temporarily | I want to try on this jacket. |
look up | to search | I will look up the restaurant's hours online. |
run away | to escape | The cat ran away when it saw the dog. |
lay down | to rest | You should lie down to take a break. |
get out of | to leave | She tried to get out of bed to play tennis. |
4. How to Remember Verbs and Use Them in IELTS
Here are some effective methods for memorizing and using English verbs:
Connect verbs with daily activities: Link verbs to everyday tasks to recall and apply them easily.
Read English books and articles: Learn verbs in context by reading and listening to authentic English.
Use flashcards: Write new verbs on flashcards for better memorization and revision.
Practice speaking: Regularly use verbs in conversations to reinforce learning.
Discover more vocabulary strategies to find the learning method that suits you best.
5. Verb Practice Exercises with Answers
Exercise 1: Choose the correct answer
She ________ English very well.
A. speaks
B. speaking
C. spoke
D. speak
→ A
Ana usually ________ at five o'clock every morning.
A. wakes off
B. wakes up
C. wakes in
D. wakes on
→ B
I ________ a book when you texted me.
A. read
B. reading
C. was reading
D. have read
→ C
She ________ her wallet last night.
A. is losing
B. lost
C. loses
D. lose
→ B
You ________ wear a jacket; it’s chilly outside.
A. should
B. shall
C. must
D. could
→ A
The plane ________ off before the storm arrived.
A. takes
B. took
C. was taking
D. had taken
→ B
My dad ________ me to finish my homework before dinner.
A. will say
B. said
C. says
D. is saying
→ B
They ________ the new park next week.
A. will launch
B. launched
C. launch
D. have launched
→ A
The coach told the players to ________ their best during the match.
A. play
B. played
C. playing
D. plays
→ A
He ________ his wallet and couldn’t pay for the groceries.
A. misplaced
B. misplaces
C. misplacing
D. has misplaced
→ A
Exercise 2: Find and correct the errors
She is used to play the piano every day. → playing
The student don’t understand the lesson. → doesn’t
They was excited about the trip. → were
I have seen him yesterday. → saw
He want to go shopping later. → wants
Master English Verbs to Succeed in IELTS
Understanding and using English verbs correctly enhances your communication and writing skills. In the IELTS exam, accurate and flexible verb usage can help improve your Speaking and Writing scores significantly.
At IDP, you can register for computer-based IELTS tests at flexible times and locations every week.
When you are ready, do not hesitate to register for the IELTS test with IDP.