 Person – My mother looks a lot like my grandmother, and I look very much

Identifying a Noun
like them.
A noun is a part of speech that denotes a person, animal, place, thing, or idea. The
English word noun has its roots in the Latin word nomen, which means “name.” Every  Animal – The dog barked at the cat.
language has words that are nouns. As you read the following explanations, think about  Animal – Elephants never forget.
some words that might fit into each category.  Animal – Sophie is my favorite horse.

 Person – A term for a person, whether proper name, gender, title, or class, is a  Place – The restaurant is open.
noun.  Place – Let’s go to the beach.
 Animal – A term for an animal, whether proper name, species, gender, or class  Place – Look over there.
is a noun.  Place – Come here.
 Place – A term for a place, whether proper name, physical location, or general  Place – Harvard and Yale are two famous universities.
locale is a noun.  Place – Look! There’s the Eiffel Tower.
 Thing – A term for a thing, whether it exists now, will exist, or existed in the past
is a noun.  Thing – Throw the ball.

 Idea – A term for an idea, be it a real, workable idea or a fantasy that might never  Thing – Please close the door and lock it.

come to fruition is a noun.  Thing – Use words properly to be understood.

 Thing – The lamp sits on a table next to the sofa.
Noun Examples  Thing – Money doesn’t grow on trees.
When we first start to learn the parts of speech, trying to identify different words can  
seem like a challenge. This process gets easier with practice. Here are some noun
examples to help you get started. The nouns in each sentence have been italicized.  Idea – Follow the rules.
 Idea – The theory of relativity is an important concept.
 Person – He is the person to see.  Idea – Love is a wonderful emotion.
 Person – John started to run.
 Person – Plato was an influential Greek philosopher. How Nouns Function
 Person – Sharon admires her grandfather.
 Nouns have several important functions. While it’s impossible to list them all here, we’ll In the following sentences, proper noun examples are compared with common nouns.
go over the most important jobs nouns are tasked with. Notice that the proper nouns are specific and unique, while the common nouns are much
more general in nature.
 Nouns are subjects. Every sentence has a subject, which is a noun that tells us
what that sentence is all about. John swung the baseball bat. 1. Common noun: I want to be a writer.
 Nouns are direct objects. These nouns receive action from verbs. John swung Proper noun: Agatha Christie wrote many books.
the baseball bat.
 Nouns are indirect objects. These nouns receive the direct object. Brad threw 2. Common noun: I’d like to adopt a cat.
John the ball. Proper noun: Cleopatra is the cutest kitten ever.
 Nouns are objects of prepositions. These nouns follow the prepositions in
prepositional phrases. John swung the baseball bat at Greg. 3. Common noun: Would you like a cookie?
 Nouns are predicate nominatives. These nouns follow linking verbs and
Proper noun: I’m craving Oreos.
rename the subject. John is a baseball player.
Nouns are object complements. These nouns complete the direct object. They named
their dog Max. 4. Common noun: Let’s go to the city.
Proper noun: Let’s go to San Francisco.
What is a Proper Noun?
5. Common noun: My teacher starts work before sunup.
Proper nouns have two distinct features: They name specific one-of-a-kind items, and
Proper noun: Mr. Bell seems to understand what students need.
they begin with capital letters, no matter where they occur within a sentence. Here, we’ll
take a closer look at proper nouns, provide proper noun examples, and help you learn
6. Common noun: I think that’s a planet, not a star.
how to use a proper noun the right way.
Proper noun: I can see Jupiter tonight.

Remember that all nouns are words naming people, animals, places, things, and ideas.
7. Common noun: He’s always hanging out with his girlfriend.
Every noun can be further classified as either common or proper. The distinction is very
easy to make once you see some examples and come up with a few of your own. Proper noun: He never goes anywhere without Sarah.

8. Common noun: There are a lot of important documents in the archives.

Proper Noun Examples
 Proper noun: There are many important documents at The Library of Congress. 4. My second grade teacher was Mrs. Gilbert, an old battle-axe.
5. We went to Smith’s Furniture and bought a new couch to replace our old one.
How to Use Proper Nouns 6. Do you think the Dolphins will win the game?

It’s easy to use proper nouns, once you know what they are. Simply place them in your 7. I’m flying first-class on Emirate Airlines.
sentences as you would common nouns, ensuring that you capitalize them. Here are 8. Thomas Jefferson was a president and philosopher.
some examples to help you get started.
9. My best friend moved to Israel to study.
10. When the Titanic sank, the captain went down with the ship.
 Brett had hoped for an easy teacher for his algebra class, but he got Ms. Boggs,
whose unreasonable demands and short temper made the semester unbearable.
→ Teacher is a common noun. Ms. Boggs is a proper noun.
Gerund Phrase
 Gloria had a craving, and not just any cookie would do. She went to the store and
A gerund is a noun formed with a verb ending in ing. Words like swimming, tying,
bought a box of Oreos.
dreaming, eating, fishing, and drinking can all be used as gerunds.
→ Cookie is a common noun. Oreos is a proper noun.
Now that we’ve refreshed your memory, let’s take a look at the gerund phrase. A gerund
phrase always follows these rules:
 We wanted to try a new restaurant, so we went to Taste of Thai.
→ Restaurant is a common noun. Taste of Thai is a proper noun.
 Gerund phrases always start with gerunds
 Gerund phrases always include modifiers and often include other objects

Proper Noun Examples 
A gerund phrase always functions as a noun
Gerund phrases are always subjects, objects, or subject complements in
sentences.
Identify the proper noun in each sentence:

1. The boy threw the ball to his dog, Wilson. Gerund Phrase Examples
2. I’d like you to meet my friend Jeremy. In the following gerund phrase examples, the gerund is highlighted in bold and the entire
3. We’ll be vacationing in Aspen this year. gerund phrase is underlined. A brief explanation of the function of the gerund phrase
follows each example.
 Blowing bubbles on a windy day is a fun activity for children. 4. Jennifer is always baking something in the kitchen.
Blowing bubbles on a windy day is the subject of the verb is. A – baking something, B – Baking something in the kitchen, C – Jennifer is always
baking something
 Piling too much laundry into a washing machine  will cause it to malfunction.
5. Thanks for taking off your shoes before coming in the house.
Piling too much laundry into a washing machine is the subject of the verb will cause.
A – taking off your shoes, B – coming in the house, C- Both A and B
6. Jill is playing the violin with the bow Jerry bought her when they went to Italy.
 Ethan narrowly avoided driving off the cliff.
A – playing the violin, B – playing the violin with the bow Jerry bought her, C – Jill is
Driving off the cliff is the direct object of the verb avoided.
playing the violin

 Eating ice cream on a hot day can be a good way to cool off. 7. The kids were excited about eating birthday cake.
Eating ice cream on a hot day is the subject of the verb can be. A – the kids were excited, B – about eating, C – eating birthday cake
8. He was taking a picture when lightning struck.
 Jessica really enjoys bothering the neighbors with loud music. A – he was taking a picture, B – lightning struck, C – taking a picture
Bothering the neighbors with loud music is the direct object of the verb enjoys.
9. Please stop texting; you’re going to cause an accident.
A – you’re going to cause, B – please stop texting, C – going to cause an accident
Gerund Phrase Exercises
Identify the gerund phrase in each of the following sentences: What is a Compound Noun
Compound nouns are words for people, animals, places, things, or ideas, made up of
1. Eating strawberries without washing them might make you sick.
two or more words. Most compound nouns are made with nouns that have been
A – might make you sick, B – eating strawberries C – Eating strawberries without
modified by adjectives or other nouns.
washing them
In many compound nouns, the first word describes or modifies the second word, giving
2. They were painting their house when it started to rain. us insight into what kind of thing an item is, or providing us with clues about the item’s
A – painting their house, B – they were painting, C – when it started to rain purpose. The second word usually identifies the item.
3. I’ve been thinking about going shopping on Saturday.
A – I’ve been thinking, B – about going shopping, C- going shopping on Saturday Compound nouns are sometimes one word, like toothpaste, haircut, or bedroom. These
are often referred to as closed or solid compound nouns.
Sometimes compound nouns are connected with a hyphen: dry-cleaning, daughter-in- Compound nouns can be made with a verb and a noun:
law, and well-being are some examples of hyphenated compound nouns.
Be sure to add bleach to the washing machine.
Sometimes compound nouns appear as two separate words: full moon, Christmas tree,
and swimming pool are some examples of compound nouns that are formed with two Let’s be sure to stay somewhere with a swimming pool.
separate words. These are often referred to as open or spaced compound nouns.
Compound nouns can be made with a noun and a verb:

Compound Noun Examples

He always gets up before sunrise.
The more you read and write, the more compound noun examples you’ll encounter. The
following sentences are just a few examples of compound nouns. Compound noun I really could use an updated hairstyle.
examples have been italicized for easy identification.
Compound nouns can be made with a verb and a preposition:
Compound nouns can be made with two nouns:
Checkout is at noon.
Let’s just wait at this bus stop.
Please remember to schedule your dog’s annual check-up.
I love watching fireflies on warm summer nights.
Compound nouns can be made with a noun and a prepositional phrase:
While you’re at the store, please pick up some toothpaste, a six-pack of ginger ale, and
some egg rolls. My mother-in-law is the kindest person I know.

Compound nouns can be made with an adjective and a noun: Compound nouns can be made with a preposition and a noun:

Let’s watch the full moon come up over the mountain. Do you believe in past lives?

Please erase the blackboard for me. This city is vibrant, so it’s hard to believe it has a thriving criminal underworld.

Compound nouns can be made with a noun and an adjective:

We need a truckful of mulch for the garden. 11. I’d love to learn to pilot an ____________(A–boat, B – airplane, C – submarine)
12. One reason donuts are fattening is that they’re fried in cooking _____. (A – oil, B
Compound Nouns Exercises – sugar, C –pans)
13. Sherrie is upset because she lost an ______________. (A – input, B – earring, C
Choose the word that makes each of these nouns into a compound noun.
– friendship)
1. Fund __________ (A – driver, B – seat, C – raiser) 14. We put a ____________ in the garden to chase birds away.(A – runway, B –
2. News __________ (A– paper, B – story, C – travels) sunshade, C –scarecrow)

3. Sun ____________ (A– day, B – glasses, C – heat) 15. 15.I’ve got to pick up a package at the post ___________. (A – man, B – office,
C – book)
4. Child ___________ (A – hood, B – ren, C – play)
Answer Key: 6 – B, 7 – B, 8 – A, 9 – C, 10 – B, 11 – B, 12 – A, 13 – B, 14 – C, 15 – B
5. Door ___________ (A– frame, B – handle, C – way)
Answer Key: 1 – C, 2 – A, 3 – B, 4 – A, 5 – C
What is a Collective Noun
Fill in the blanks to complete each compound noun, or with the one-word compound You might not know it, but you encounter collective nouns in everyday speech. Collective
noun that fits best. nouns are words for single things that are made up of more than one person, animal,
place, thing, or idea. You can’t have a team without individual members; even so, we
6. Prevent a heart _________ by eating properly and getting enough exercise. (A – discuss a team as a single entity.
stroke, B –attack, C – murmur)
7. Do you prefer peppermint or cinnamon flavored _____________? (A– cookies, B Collective Noun Examples
– toothpaste, C – applesauce)
Remember that nouns are words naming people, animals, places, and things. Collective
8. The full ___________ looked enormous as it rose over the horizon. (A – moon, B
nouns are in a class all their own. Once you’ve read these examples, you’ll find it much
– sun, C –sunset)
easier to recognize collective nouns when you see them.
9. I’m going to the barber for a _____________. (A – trim, B – new style, C –
haircut)  Our class took a field trip to the natural history museum.
10. They’re digging a new swimming ____________ in the park. (A – suit, B – pool,  The herd of bison ran across the prairie, leaving a massive dust cloud in its
C – game) wake.
 We waited anxiously for the jury to come to a verdict.  Gang – Usually used to describe a group of criminals; also used to describe a
 This year’s basketball team includes three players who are over six feet tall. group of workers, particularly sailors or dock workers
 Napoleon’s army was finally defeated at Waterloo.  Mob – Normally used to describe an angry or unruly group of people; also used
 The town council has approved plans to create a new park. to describe a group of kangaroos
 He comes from a huge family: he’s the oldest of eleven kids.  Staff – A group of people who work in the same place
 The rock group has been on tour for months.  Crew – Usually used to denote a group of workers; also used to describe aircraft
 Everyone in the audience applauded loudly when Elvis appeared on stage. and ships personnel
 Choir – A large, organized group of singers
List of Common Collective Nouns  Orchestra – A large, organized group of instrumentalists, led by a conductor
 Panel – A group of experts
This list of common collective nouns contains words that describe groups of animals,  Board – A group of people, usually professionals, who take on an advisory role
people, or things. These words are sometimes interchangeable, and English writers and  Troupe – A group of actors or acrobats; also used to describe a group of
speakers often use them to describe different things. For example, the word swarm is monkeys
usually used to discuss a group of insects such as ants, flies or bees, but many writers  Bunch – Usually a group of smallish objects such as grapes, flowers, keys, or
use it to talk about a very busy crowd of people. Once you are familiar with these words, bananas
you’ll notice that they are used in a variety of situations.  Pile – An untidy collection of items such as rubbish
 Heap – A mounded collection of items; used interchangeably with “pile”
 Herd– A group of herbivore animals
 Set – A tidy group of matched objects such as dishes; also used to describe
 Pack– A group of canine animals such as wolves or dogs; also used to describe
rules or a social group of people
playing cards and packages containing multiple objects
 Stack – A group of items neatly laid one on top of another; i.e., a stack of books
 Flock– A group of birds; also used to discuss small hooved animals such as
 Series – Used to discuss movies, books, or events that follow one after another,
sheep or goats
i.e. Star Trek or Harry Potter
 Swarm– A group of insects
 Shower – Usually used to describe rain, although it can be used to describe gifts
 Shoal– A group of fish
or compliments
 Group – A very general term used to describe people, places, things, and
 Fall – Often used to discuss weather, such as rain, snow or hail
animals
 Crowd – Usually used to describe a group of people
What happens if you can’t decide whether a collective noun is singular or plural?  Every morning, the herd follows its leader to the watering hole for a drink.
→ Herd is a singular collective noun. Follows is a singular verb, and the word its is a
You can use different words to compose your sentence to be sure there is no agreement
singular pronoun. All the animals in the herd arrive at the watering hole at the same time.
error. For example, you can insert the word “members” after a collective noun or use a
different word such as “players” instead of “team” or “zebras” instead of “herd” or  Today, Ms. Kennedy’s class takes its SOL test.
“students” instead of “class.” Reread what you have written to be sure it sounds natural, → Class is a singular collective noun. Takes is a singular verb, and the word its is a
and give yourself some time to practice. Soon enough you’ll be able to use plural verbs singular pronoun. All the students in Ms. Kennedy’s class are taking the same test at the
without worrying whether you have made mistakes. same time.

How to Use Collective Nouns  The committee agrees that people are misusing their cell phones, so its verdict is
that phones must not be used during working hours.
People who are new to writing often encounter some trouble with sentence agreement
→ Committee is a singular collective noun. Agrees is a singular verb, and the word its is
when using collective nouns. This is understandable, because a collective noun can be
a singular pronoun. All the members of the committee are thinking alike.
singular or plural, depending on a sentence’s context. How do you know if a collective
noun is singular? How can you tell if it’s plural? What pronouns and verbs are best for Now imagine three teenagers in the living room. Are they all doing the same thing at
pairing with the collective noun you’ve chosen? once? Not likely! One is watching TV intently. Another is reading a book and listening to
music. The third has one eye on the TV and the other on his computer. There is a single
Here’s a simple trick you can use to decide how to use collective nouns in sentences:
group of teenagers, but the members of the group are doing different things.
Imagine a herd of zebras grazing peacefully on the savanna. Suddenly, a lion jumps out
of a clump of tall grass. What do the zebras do? They run away as a single unit as they Members of collective nouns can act the same way, as individuals doing their own thing.
attempt to make a getaway, galloping across the savanna in the same direction. When members of a collective noun act as individuals, that collective noun is plural and
must be paired with plural pronouns and plural verbs. As you read the following
Often, people behave in the same way, engaging in a single activity in unison with
examples, you’ll notice that members of the collective noun are not functioning in unison.
everyone else in their group. When individuals are in a team, a choir, a committee, or
part of any other collective noun, that noun is singular and is paired with singular  After eight hours sitting in the stuffy courtroom, the jury stretch, look at their
pronouns and singular verbs. As you read the examples that follow, notice that each watches, and head to their cars for the commute home.
individual who is part of the collective noun is doing the same action at the same time as
others who are part of that collective noun.
 → Jury is a plural collective noun in this instance. Stretch, look, and head are plural 6. The boat’s crew worked all night to stop the leak.
verbs, and theiris a plural pronoun. The members of the jury are stretching and looking at A – boat’s, B – crew, C – leak
their individual watches before they head to different cars to go to their own homes. 7. The talent show featured several individual performers, along with three bands.
A – show, B – performers, C – bands
 After taking a test, the class start their papers on Shakespeare’s sonnets.
8. Our extended family includes great-grandparents and second cousins.
→ Class is a plural collective noun in this instance. Start is a plural verb, and their is a
A – family, B – great-grandparents, C – cousins
plural pronoun. Although the students are in the same class, they are beginning their
own papers on different sonnets written by Shakespeare. 9. All of the students are attending a school assembly on Friday.
A – students, B – school, C – assembly

Collective Noun Exercises 10. The senate will be voting on three education funding bills tomorrow.
A – senate, B – bills, C – tomorrow
Each of these sentences contains a collective noun. Select the correct answer from the
11. The teachers and administrators held a meeting in the faculty office.
options that follow the sentence:
A – teachers, B – administrators, C – faculty

1. Keys, marbles, and rubber bands were just a few of the things in the pile of 12. The sheep clustered in a tight flock to ward off the cold weather.
objects in his drawer. A – sheep, B – flock, C – weather
A – marbles, B – things, C – pile Answer key: 1 – C, 2 – B, 3 – C, 4 – A, 5 – B, 6 – B, 7 – C, 8 – A, 9 – C, 10 – A, 11
2. The boys decided to join the navy after graduation. – C, 12 –B
A – boys, B – navy, C – graduation
3. After the performance, all the actors joined hands and bowed toward the What are Abstract Nouns
audience.
Abstract nouns are words that name things that are not concrete. Your five physical
A – performance, B – actors, C – audience
senses cannot detect an abstract noun – you can’t see it, smell it, taste it, hear it, or
4. The team celebrated heartily after scoring a winning goal. touch it. In essence, an abstract noun is a quality, a concept, an idea, or maybe even an
A – team, B – winning, C – goal event.
5. Most of the students on the council are also on the honor roll.
A – students, B – council, C, – honor roll Abstract nouns and concrete nouns are usually defined in terms of one another.
Something that is abstract exists only in the mind, while something that is concrete can
be interacted with in a physical way. Qualities, relationships, theories, conditions, and Freedo Happi Brillianc Caree
Fear Culture Curiosity
states of being are some examples of the types of things abstract nouns define. m ness e r

Types of Abstract Nouns

Courag Democra Child
Pain Liberty Hate Deceit
It’s not always easy to determine if a noun is abstract or concrete. Many grammar e cy hood
experts argue over whether certain terms, making things even worse. The line separating
abstract nouns from concrete nouns is often quite blurry. For example, many abstract
noun lists include the word laughter, but others leave it out, as it’s something that can be Pleasu Indiffer Dedicati Friendshi
Luxury Energy Death
re ence on p
heard, seen, and physically felt.

Abstract Noun Examples Satisfa Determi Futur

Misery Joy Failure Interest
ction nation e
The following lists contain different types of abstract nouns. Certain abstract nouns,
especially the ones describing feelings and emotions, easily fit into multiple categories,
as they can be used in different ways. Get to know them, and it’ll be easier for you to
Sensiti Nervou Genero Knowledg Holid
spot an abstract noun when you see one. Grief Faith
vity sness sity e ay

Feelings States Emotions Qualities Concepts Ideas Events

Openn Motivati
Stress Love Honesty Thought Life
ess on
Anxiet Adve
Being Anger Beauty Charity SBeliefs
y nture

Symp Sadne Patienc Opportu Marri

Peace Sacrifice
athy ss e nity age
Confu Despa SCommu Birthd
Chaos Beauty Comfort
sion ir nication ay

Warmt Pessim Sorro Trust Persev Wisdom Past

 h ism w erance • When Sarah jumped into the lake to rescue a drowning cat, her bravery astonished
onlookers.

More Examples
Abstract Nouns Exercises
Although you may not realize it, you experience abstract nouns every day and in many
different types of situations. Once you’ve read these abstract noun examples, you’ll Many abstract nouns are formed from adjectives, though some are formed from verbs or
probably find it very easy to come up with some abstract nouns of your own. nouns. You’ll find one of these words in parenthesis at the end of each sentence. Use it
to form an abstract noun to fill in the blank.
• Love, fear, anger, joy, excitement, and other emotions are abstract nouns.
1. _______________ is something almost everyone appreciates. (kind)
• Courage, bravery, cowardice, and other such states are abstract nouns. 2. The wrestlers exhibited immense ___________________. (strong)
3. As the sun dipped below the horizon, _______________ came over the city.
• Desire, creativity, uncertainty, and other innate feelings are abstract nouns.
(dark)

These are just a few examples of non-concrete words that are sensed. The following 4. It is my _______________ to welcome the mayor. (please)
sentences contain abstract noun examples which have been italicized for easy 5. Our ________________ will last forever. (friend)
identification. Notice that although the ideas expressed are real, they are things you can’t
Answer Key: 1 – Peace 2 – Pilgrimage 3 – Scarcity 4 – Power 5 – Tact
see, touch, taste, smell, or hear.

• I want to see justice served.
Gerund and Infinitive: What’s the Difference?
Knowing the difference between gerund and infinitive can save you from making costly
• I’d like the freedom to travel all over the world. grammar mistakes when writing. In a nutshell, a word formed from a verb acting as a
noun and ending in ing is a gerund. Infinitive phrases – normally referred to as infinitives
• Joe felt a nagging sense of doom.
– are formed with the word to in front of a verb. Both gerunds and infinitives can be
subjects in sentences, and both gerunds and infinitives can serve as the object of a verb.
• Love is a kind of irresistible desire; it’s hard to define.
Now that you know how these two elements can work in similar ways, it’s time to note an • To think
important difference in the gerund/infinitive equation: A gerund can be the object of a
preposition; an infinitive cannot. • To act

Gerund & Infinitive Examples • To walk

Examples of gerunds • To talk

Gerunds are formed with the letters “ing”. For example: • To fish

• Thinking • To care

• Acting • To write

• Walking • To listen

• Talking Both Gerunds and Infinitives can act as the subject of a sentence:

• Fishing Thinking is something that comes naturally.

• Caring To think is something that comes naturally.

• Writing  

• Listening You can use a gerund or an infinitive as the object of a verb:

Examples of infinitives I like fishing.

Infinitives are prefaced with the word “to”. For example: I like to fish.
  Infinitives

Only a gerund can be the object of a preposition. An infinitive cannot: Infinitives are best for use in sentences about actions that are unreal or abstract, or that
will occur in the future.
We are thinking about walking in the woods.
• I’d like you to think about something.

Gerund & Infinitive Usage In this example, I’m asking you to think about something, but the thinking hasn’t
At first glance, it may seem difficult to know when to use an infinitive and when to use a happened yet.
gerund. You will find the following guidelines for gerund/infinitive usage helpful.
• Can we take a walk without you stopping to smoke?
Gerunds
In this example, we’re talking about taking a walk and the smoking hasn’t happened yet.
Gerunds are best for use in sentences about actions that are real or complete, or that
have been completed.
What is a verb?
• I stopped worrying about the future. A verb is one of the main parts of a sentence or question in English.
In fact, you can’t have a sentence or a question without a verb! That’s how important
In this example, the worrying was real and it happened until I stopped. these “action” parts of speech are.

  The verb signals an action, an occurrence, or a state of being. Whether mental, physical,
or mechanical, verbs always express activity.
• We really enjoy climbing mountains.
Physical Verbs – Definition and Examples
In this example, the climbing is real and it’s something we like to do.
Physical verbs are action verbs. They describe specific physical actions. If you can
create a motion with your body or use a tool to complete an action, the word you use to
describe it is most likely a physical verb.
 Physical Verb Examples  I am a student.
 We are circus performers.
The physical verb examples in the following sentences are in bold for easy identification.
 Please is quiet.

 Let’s run to the corner and back.

 I hear the train coming.
Types of Verbs
 Call me when you’re finished with class. How many types of verbs are there? In addition to the main categories of physical verbs,
mental verbs, and state of being verbs, there are several other types of verbs. In fact,
Mental Verbs – Definition and Examples there are more than ten different types of verbs that are grouped by function.
Mental verbs have meanings that are related to concepts such as discovering,
List of all Verb Types
understanding, thinking, or planning. In general, a mental verb refers to a cognitive state.

Action Verbs
Mental Verb Examples
Action verbs express specific actions, and are used any time you want to show action or
The mental verb examples in the following sentences are in bold for easy identification. discuss someone doing something.

 I know the answer. Transitive Verbs

 She recognized me from across the room. Transitive verbs are action verbs that always express doable activities. These verbs
 Do you believe everything people tell you? always have direct objects, meaning someone or something receives the action of the
verb.
States of Being Verbs – Definition and Examples
Intransitive Verbs
Also known as linking verbs, state of being verbs describe conditions or situations that
Intransitive verbs are action verbs that always express doable activities. No direct object
exist. State of being verbs are inactive since no action is being performed. These verbs
follows an intransitive verb.
are usually complemented by adjectives.
Auxiliary Verbs
States of Being Verb Examples
Auxiliary verbs are also known as helping verbs, and are used together with a main verb
to show the verb’s tense or to form a question or negative.
The state of being verbs in the following sentences are in bold for easy identification.
Stative Verbs others don’t need a direct object. Some verbs can be both transitive and intransitive
Stative verbs can be recognized because they express a state rather than an action. depending on their meaning.
They typically relate to thoughts, emotions, relationships, senses, states of being, and
measurements. 1. Transitive Verb – Joe will send the price quote as soon as he can.
2. Intransitive Verb – Many of the students are not well. They coughed throughout
Modal Verbs the lesson.
Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that are used to express abilities, possibilities,
permissions, and obligations.
Transitive Verbs
Phrasal Verbs Transitive verbs always receive a direct object:
Phrasal verbs aren’t single words; instead, they are combinations of words that are used
together to take on a different meaning to that of the original verb. 1. Richard annoys his boss so much that he’ll never get a promotion.
(His boss is the direct object of annoys and a promotion is the direct object of get)
Irregular Verbs 2. Jenna brings Mrs. Smith lunch every day.
Irregular verbs are those that don’t take on the regular spelling patterns of past simple (Mrs. Smith is the direct object of brings. Jenna is the subject.
and past participle verbs.
Here’s a list of some common transitive verbs that must be followed by a direct object:

Action Verbs 

bring
send
Action Verbs are verbs that express action. Ex: run, walk, do, drive.
 owe
 contain
I’ll do my homework when I get home.
 buy
Transitive and Intransitive Verbs  show
 take
Most action verbs are defined as transitive or intransitive. This means that some are  tell
used with a direct object (the person or thing that receives the action of the subject) and  verify
 check
 get  swim
 wash  emigrate
 finalize  smile
 annoy  act
 lay  cry
 lend  immigrate
 offer  lie
 edit  arrive
 make  continue
 phone  die
 go
Intransitive Verbs
1. If Cathy continues to be late for work, the boss will fire her.
Intransitive verbs do not need a direct object in order to complete their meaning. Many (Continues is followed by an infinitive (to be), with no direct object.)
are followed by an adjective, adverb, preposition or verb complement (gerund or
2. The bomb exploded in the city center.
infinitive).
(Exploded is followed by a preposition of place with no direct object.)

Here is a list of common intransitive verbs: Many verbs can be both transitive and intransitive depending on their meanings.

 come Examples
 explode
 laugh 1. Jamie set the documents down on the CEO’s desk.
 sit (Transitive: The documents are the direct object to the verb: set.)
 rise 2. The sun set low over the Pacific Ocean.
 excel (Intransitive: Low is an adverb. Set doesn’t need a direct object.)
 respond
3. Ms. Tyson manages the accounting department.
 run
(Transitive: The accounting department is the direct object to the verb: manage.)
 cough
 4. John has had difficulty managing since his wife’s death.  cost
(Intransitive: Since is a preposition of time. Managing doesn’t need a direct object)  go
Note: Transitive and intransitive verbs can appear in any tense.  pay
 improve
Here is a list of several verbs that can be both transitive and intransitive depending on
their meanings: Exercises – Transitive and Intransitive Verbs
Decide whether the following verbs are transitive, intransitive or both:
 set
 leave
1. The workmen have been painting for hours.
 give
 study 2. When they call from the charity, Mrs. Alpert always gives generously.
 sit 3. Before you send the proposal, make sure you edit it carefully.
 grow 4. That perfume smells nice.
 smell
5. My new car cost me a small fortune.
 dance
 sing 6. Jim owed his landlord $450.

 write 7. Pete emigrated from Australia in 1998.

 teach 8. The customer was tired of waiting, so he got up and left.
 burn
9. Are you sure you want to paint the ceiling too?
 eat
10. Please take the documents over to Mrs. Samuels’ office.
 paint
 drive Answers:
 manage
 stop 1. intransitive

 climb 2. intransitive
 run 3. transitive
 check
4. intransitive
 5. transitive Auxiliary verbs almost always appear together with a main verb, and though there are
6. transitive only a few of them, they are among the most frequently occurring verbs in the English
language.
7. intransitive
8. intransitive
How to Identify an Auxiliary Verb
9. transitive
You probably know that every sentence has at least one verb in it. There are two main
10. transitive
types of verbs. Action verbs are used to depict activities that are doable, and linking

Auxiliary (or Helping) Verbs verbs are used to describe conditions. Both action verbs and linking verbs can
accompany auxiliary verbs including the three main ones: do, be, and have.
Auxiliary (or Helping) verbs are used together with a main verb to show the verb’s tense
or to form a negative or question. The most common auxiliary verbs are have, be, and
Sometimes actions or conditions occur only one time and then they’re over. It’s at times
do.
like these that some of the same verbs that are used as auxiliary verbs are instead used
as action or linking verbs. In this example, we see the word “is”. This is one of the most
1. Does Sam write all his own reports?
common auxiliary verbs, but because it stands alone here, it is not functioning as an
2. The secretaries haven’t written all the letters yet. auxiliary verb.
3. Terry is writing an e-mail to a client at the moment.
Auxiliary verbs, also known as helping verbs, add functional or grammatical meaning to Jerry slammed the car door on his thumb. He is in horrible pain.

the clauses in which they appear. They perform their functions in several different ways:
“Is” is a linking verb in this sentence. Because it stands alone, it is not an auxiliary verb.
 By expressing tense ( providing a time reference, i.e. past, present, or future)
 Grammatical aspect (expresses how verb relates to the flow of time) At other times, an action or condition is ongoing, happening predictably, or occurring in

 Modality (quantifies verbs) relationship to another event or set of events. In these cases, single-word verbs like is

 Voice (describes the relationship between the action expressed by the verb and are not accurately capable of describing what happened, so phrases that include

the participants identified by the verb’s subject, object, etc.) auxiliary verbs are used instead. These can be made up of anywhere from two to four

 Adds emphasis to a sentence words.

 A main verb, also known as a base verb, indicates the kind of action or condition taking  Be
place. An auxiliary or helping verb accompanies the main verb and conveys other In this section, we’ll take a closer look at how these common verbs work, plus you’ll see
nuances that help the reader gain specific insight into the event that is taking place. some examples.

Read the following sentences and explanations to gain greater insight into how auxiliary Have
verbs work.
“Have” is a very important verb that can stand alone in all its tenses, including has, have,
1. Jerry caught his thumb in the car door as coffee spilled from his cup onto his having, had, and hadn’t or had not. It is usually used to denote ownership, and it can
favorite shirt. also be used to discuss ability or describe appearance. “Have” is also a very popular
substitute for the verbs “eat” and “drink.” For example: “Let’s have dinner.”
2. Jerry is always spilling things.
3. Since Jerry is also accident prone, he should have been drinking coffee from a
When used as an auxiliary verb, have is always teamed up with another verb to create a
mug with a lid, which would not have spilled on his favorite shirt.
complete verb phrase, making it easy to differentiate between uses. You can see the
In sentence one, caught and spilled, single-word verbs, describe quick, one-time difference in the sentences below:
actions of both Jerry and his messy coffee. This sentence does not contain an auxiliary
verb.  Jerry has a large coffee stain on his shirt. → Has = action verb
 Jerry has bought a new shirt to replace the one that was ruined earlier. → Has =
Since Jerry often has unfortunate accidents, is spilling communicates the frequency of auxiliary verb; bought is a past participle that competes the verb phrase.
his clumsy actions in sentence two. In sentence three, the auxiliary verbs that make  Jerry should have been more careful! → Have = auxiliary verb; phrase “should
up should have been drinking and would have stained express time relationships as have been” expresses time and evaluates Jerry’s actions.
well as an evaluation of Jerry’s actions.
Do
Three Common Auxiliary Verbs “Do” can be used as an action verb that stands alone in all its tenses, including to
There are just three common auxiliary verbs: do, do, does, done, did and didn’t, doesn’t or did not .

 Have When used as an auxiliary verb, do is always paired up with another verb to create a
 Do complete verb phrase. In some cases, it is used to add emphasis: “I did put the garbage
 out!” Do is often used to form questions and negated clauses. It is also used in elliptical In addition to the three main auxiliary verbs, have, do, and be, there are additional
sentences, where the main verb is understood and is omitted as a result. For auxiliary verbs. These are called modal auxiliary verbs, and they never change form. A
example: “He plays piano well, doesn’t he?” or “They all had dinner, but I didn’t.” complete list of modal auxiliary verbs follows:

 Because he spills things so often, Jerry does more laundry than most people.   Can
Does = action verb  Could
 Jerry didn’t put his coffee in a cup with a lid.  Didn’t = auxiliary verb  May
 Jerry doesn’t always spill things, but it happens a lot.  Doesn’t = auxiliary verb  Might
 Must
Be  Ought to
 Shall
“Be” or “to be” is an important verb that has a multitude of uses in English. It can be used
 Should
as an action verb that stands alone in all its tenses including be, to be, been, am, are,
 Will
is, was, were, wasn’t, was not aren’t, are not, weren’t and were not.
 Would

When used as an auxiliary verb, be is always paired with another verb to create a
complete verb phrase. It can be singular or plural, present or past. Negative sentences
Auxiliary Verb Examples
are formed by adding the word “not”. Here are some examples of auxiliary verbs and verb phrases. In the examples below, the
verb phrase is italicized and the auxiliary verb is in bold.
 Jerry is messy.  Is = action verb
 Although he is always complaining about his accidents, Jerry fails to pay 1. Jessica is taking John to the airport.
attention.  is = auxiliary verb
2. If he doesn’t arrive on time, he’ll have to take a later flight.
 Jerry is going to be doing extra laundry for the rest of his life.  to be = auxiliary
verb 3. Unfortunately, our dinner has been eaten by the dog.
4. I have purchased a new pair of shoes to replace the ones that were lost in my
Modal Auxiliary Verbs luggage.
5. We hope you don’t have an accident on your way to school.
6. She was baking a pie for dessert.
7. Dad has been working hard all day. 9. Where _____________ you going when I saw you last night? (were, was, is, do,
8. The bed was made as soon as I got up. did)

9. Sarah doesn’t ski or roller skate. 10. Tara ________________ called yet; she’s late as usual. (are, were, has, hasn’t,
wouldn’t)
10. Did Matthew bring coffee?
Answers: 1 – were, 2 – has, 3 – did, 4 – didn’t, 5 – is, 6 – doesn’t, 7 – didn’t, 8

Auxiliary Verb Exercises – don’t, 9 – were, 10 – hasn’t

Fill in the blank with the correct auxiliary verb from the choices presented: What are Stative Verbs?
1. What ________________ the kids doing when you last saw them? (was, were, Stative verbs are verbs that express a state rather than an action. They usually relate to
are, did, been) thoughts, emotions, relationships, senses, states of being and measurements. These

2. Carla ________________ always wanted to try skydiving. (was, doesn’t, has, is, verbs are not usually used with ing in progressive (continuous) tenses even though they

have) may take on time expressions such as now and at the moment. We use the simple
tenses for them.
3. Where __________________ you go on your summer vacation? (were, been,
are, did, does)
1. Paul feels rotten today. He has a bad cold.
4. Why do you think she __________ call you like she said she would? (didn’t, is,
2. Do you recognize him? He is a famous rock star.
hasn’t, has been, have)
3. Our client appreciated all the work we did for him
5. Mary _____________ going to be upset when she hears what happened. (will,
don’t, is, didn’t, has)  Incorrect: I’m smelling your wife’s wonderful spaghetti sauce.
6. Jeremy _____________ want to go to the movies; he wants to stay home  Correct: I smell your wife’s wonderful spaghetti sauce.
instead. (doesn’t, isn’t, wasn’t, hasn’t, was not) However, there are some verbs that look like they should be stative, but may appear in

7. I _________________ appreciate his jokes. They weren’t funny. (did, have, the ing form. These verbs differ in meaning to the stative verbs.

been, didn’t, haven’t)

8. I really like fish but I _______________ care for meat. (weren’t, been, don’t, is,
Stative Verb Examples:
was)
 see  cost
 deny
1. I see Michael, but he can’t see me. I’m too far away. (I see him with my eyes.)
 depend on
2. James is seeing Marsha. They’ve been together for a month. (He’s dating her.)  deserve
 detest
hear
 disagree
1. I hear music coming from the Smith’s apartment. Someone must be home now.  dislike
(To experience sound)  doubt
 equal
2. I’m hearing voices. (I’m imagining it)
 feel
have  hate
 have (possession)
1. Jeremy has a Mercedes. (He owns it.)  hear
2. Sara is having lunch with her editor. (She’s eating lunch)  imagine
 include
List of Stative Verbs  involve
 know
 adore  lack
 agree  like
 appear (seem)  loathe
 appreciate  look (seem)
 be (exist)  love
 believe  matter
 belong to  mean
 concern  measure
 consist of  mind
 contain  need
 owe 2. Jim _________ dessert every day. (has, eats, possesses)
 own 3. I _________ good about the race’s outcome. (am, were, feel)
 possess
4. She _________ her mother. (imagines, resembles, walks with)
 promise
5. Do you _________ they will win? (think, involve, promise)
 realize
 recognize 6. They really _________ everything you did for them. (include, appreciate, dislike)
 remember 7. I think the teacher was _________ with my speech. (involved, measured,
 resemble satisfied)
 satisfy
8. Can you _________ the coffee brewing? (feel, smell, dislike)
 see
9. I still _________ a lot of money on my student loans. (deserve, owe, involve)
 seem
 smell 10. You _________ more shoes than anyone else I know! (dislike, suppose, have)
 sound Answers: 1 – know, 2 – has, 3 – feel, 4 – resembles, 5 – think, 6 – appreciate, 7
 suppose – satisfied, 8 – smell, 9 – owe, 10 – have
 surprise
 taste Modal and Modal Phrases (Semi-Modals)
 think (opinion)
 understand A modal is a type of auxiliary (helping) verb that is used to express: ability, possibility,
 want permission or obligation. Modal phrases (or semi-modals) are used to express the same
 weigh things as modals, but are a combination of auxiliary verbs and the preposition to. The
 wish modals and semi-modals in English are:

Stative Verb Exercises 1. Can/could/be able to

2. May/might
Complete each sentence using the stative verb from the parenthesis:
3. Shall/should

1. Do you _________ the answer? (depend on, know, include) 4. Must/have to

5. Will/would
Can, Could, Be Able To 1. I wasn’t able to visit her in the hospital.
2. He hasn’t been able to get in touch with the client yet.
Can, could and be able to are used to express a variety of ideas in English:
Note: Can and could do not take an infinitive (to verb) and do not take the future auxiliary
Ability/Lack of Ability will.

Present and Future:  Incorrect: I can to help you this afternoon.

 Correct: I can help you this afternoon.
can/can’t + base form of the verb
 Correct: I will (I’ll) be able to help you this afternoon.

1. Tom can write poetry very well. Possibility / Impossibility

2. I can help you with that next week.
can / can’t + base form of the verb
3. Lisa can’t speak French.
am / is / are / will be + able to + base form of the verb 1. You can catch that train at 10:43.
am not/ isn’t / aren’t/ won’t be + able to + base form of the verb
2. He can’t see you right now. He’s in surgery.

1. Mike is able to solve complicated math equations could + base form of the verb

2. The support team will be able to help you in about ten minutes.

1. I could fly via Amsterdam if I leave the day before.
3. I won’t be able to visit you next summer.
Ask Permission / Give Permission
Past:

could / couldn’t + base form of the verb Can + Subject + base form of the verb (informal)

1. When I was a child I could climb trees. 1. Can you lend me ten dollars?

was / were + able to + base form of the verb Can + base form of the verb (informal)
wasn’t / weren’t + able to + base form of the verb
hasn’t / haven’t + been able to + base form of the verb 1. You can borrow my car.
Could + subject + base form of the verb (polite)
1. Could I have your number? 4. Can
2. Could I talk to your supervisor please? 5. Will/be able to

Make a suggestion – To make a suggestion use:

May, Might
Could + base form of the verb (informal) Formal Permission / Formal Prohibition

1. You could take the tour of the castle tomorrow. may / may not + base form of the verb

Exercises: Can, Could, Be able to 1. You may start your exam now.

2. You may not wear sandals to work.
Fill in the correct form of can, could or be able to as in the examples.
Polite Request

1. Ben could not help his little brother with his homework yesterday. May + subject + base form of the verb
2. Can I call you later tonight?
1. May I help you?
1. _______ Tony run long distances when he was a boy? Possibility / Negative Possibility
2. ______ you please call a tow truck for me? My car broke down. (polite)
may/ might + base form of the verb
3. The students _______ to buy their textbooks today. The bookstore is all out of
them. 1. We may go out dinner tonight. Do you want to join us?
4. ______ you teach me how to fix my computer? You’re so good at it. 2. Our company might get the order if the client agrees to the price.
5. ______ you ______ reach the customer if you call him at 4:00 his time? may not / might not + base form of the verb
Answers:
1. Adam and Sue may not buy that house. It’s very expensive.
1. Could 2. They might not buy a house at all.
2. Could
3. aren’t able
To Make a Suggestion (when there is no better alternative) 3. May

may as well / might as well + base form of the verb 4. may as well
5. may not
1. You may as well come inside. John will be home soon.
2. We might as well take Friday off. There’s no work to be done anyway. Shall, Should, Ought to
Polite Suggestion To Offer of Assistance or Polite Suggestion (When you are quite sure of a positive
answer)
might + base form of the verb
Shall + subject + base form of the verb
1. You might like to try the salmon fillet. It’s our special today.
1. Shall we go for a walk?
Exercises: May / Might Note: Shall is only used with I or we. It is used instead of will only in formal English.

Fill in the correct form of may or might as in the example.

To Offer of Assistance or Polite Suggestion (When you are not sure of a positive
answer)
1. May I sit here?
Should + subject + base form of the verb
1. They ______ finish the project on time. The main engineer is ill.
1. Should I call a doctor?
2. You _____ want to stop by the museum gift shop on your way out.
A Prediction or Expectation that Something Will Happen
3. _____ I have your autograph?
4. He _______ visit the Louvre. He’s in Paris anyway. should/shouldn’t + base form of the verb

5. You ______ park your car here. It’s reserved for guests of the hotel only.
1. The proposal should be finished on time.
Answers:
2. I shouldn’t be late. The train usually arrives on time.

1. might not To Give Advice

2. might should / ought to + base form of the verb

1. You should check that document before you send it out. Must, Have to, Need to, Don’t have to, Needn’t
2. You ought to have your car serviced before the winter.
Necessity or Requirement
To Give Advice (about something you think wrong or unacceptable)
Present and Future:
shouldn’t + base form of the verb
must / have to / need to + base form of the verb
1. James shouldn’t teach him words like those.
1. You must have a passport to cross the border.
Exercises: Should, Shouldn’t, Ought To 2. Elisabeth has to apply for her visa by March 10th.

Fill in should, shouldn’t or ought in the following sentences as in the example. 3. I need to drop by his room to pick up a book.

Past:
1. He shouldn’t encourage such bad behavior.
had to / needed to + base form of the verb
1. You _____ get your teeth cleaned at least once a year.
1. I had to work late last night.
2. The house ______ be ready to move into by next month. It’s almost finished.
2. I needed to drink a few cups of coffee in order to stay awake.
3. Ron ________ to improve his attitude. If he doesn’t, he might get fired.
Note: have to and need to are often used in the same context, but many times, need to
4. ________ I get your jacket? It’s cold in here.
is used to express something that is less urgent, something in which you have a choice.
5. You ________ put your feet on the table. It’s not polite.
Answers: Almost 100% Certain

1. should must + base form of the verb

2. should
1. Thomas has lived in Paris for years. His French must be very good.
3. ought
To Persuade
4. shall
5. shouldn’t must / have to + base form of the verb
1. You must try this wine. It’s excellent. 1. Shira doesn’t have to drive to the airport. She’s going by taxi.
2. You have to visit us while you’re in town. 2. You must speak politely to the customers.

Prohibited or Forbidden
1. You ______ tell Anna about the party tomorrow night. It’s a surprise! (must not,
need to, doesn’t have to)
must not / mustn’t + base form of the verb
2. Tina _______ register for her classes on Monday, otherwise she won’t get a
1. You must not drive over the speed limit. place in them. (doesn’t have to, mustn’t, has to)

2. You mustn’t leave medicines where children can get to them. 3. You ________ send that fax. I’ve already sent it. (must, will have to, don’t have
to)
Lack of Necessity
4. A dog ______ get special training in order to be a guide dog. (must, need to,

don’t /doesn’t /didn’t + have to + base form of the verb don’t have to)
5. Jeremy _______ get up early tomorrow. His class was cancelled. (mustn’t,
1. You don’t have to park the car. The hotel valet will do it for you. doesn’t have to, don’t need to)
2. Tim doesn’t have to go to school today. It’s a holiday. Answers:
3. You didn’t have to shout. Everyone could hear you.
1. must not
needn’t + base form of the verb
2. has to
1. You needn’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. 3. don’t have to
4. must
Exercises: Must, Have to, Need to, Don’t Have to, 5. doesn’t have to
Needn’t
Fill in the blanks with one of these modals:
Modals: Will / Would
must, must not, have to, has to, don’t have to, doesn’t have to, needn’t as in the will / won’t + base form of the verb
examples.
There may be more than one correct answer. 1. John will pick you up at 7:00am.
2. Beth won’t be happy with the results of the exam. 5. I can assure you sir, the order ______ be shipped out tonight.

Polite Request or Statement Answers:

Will / Would + base form of the verb 1. would

2. won’t
1. Will you please take the trash out?
3. would
2. Would you mind if I sat here?
4. wouldn’t
3. I’d (I would) like to sign up for your workshop.
5. will
Habitual Past Action
Exercises – All Modals
Would/Wouldn’t + base form of the verb
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the following modals:
1. When I was a child, I would spend hours playing with my train set. can, could, be able to, may, might, shall, should, must, have to, don’t have to, need to
– You may have to make the modals negative according to the context of the sentence.
2. Peter wouldn’t eat broccoli when he was a kid. He loves it now.
– There may be more than one possibility.

Exercises: will, would 1. He has to take his car to be serviced. The brakes are squeaking.
Fill in the blanks with one of the following words: will, won’t, would, wouldn’t. 2. Would you please save me a seat at the dinner event.

1. Will you please help me lift this box? 1. If you are sick, you ________ go to work. You’ll infect everyone there.
2. Drivers _______ stop at red lights.
1. I ______ like to order the onion soup please.
3. You _______ finish the proposal today. You can finish it tomorrow.
2. The manager _______ be pleased to hear that a customer slipped on the wet
4. She ______ hear much better with her new hearing aids.
floor.
5. ______ I order us a bottle of wine?
3. _______ it be okay if I slept here tonight?
6. Sam ______ pick his daughter up from school. She’s taking the bus home.
4. When Igor lived in Russia, he ________ call his mother as often as he does now.
7. You _____________ smoke here. It’s a smoke-free building. When we use phrasal verbs, we use them like normal verbs in a sentence, regardless if
8. You ________ eat so many sweets. They are bad for you. it’s a regular or irregular verb.

9. _________ you mind walking a little faster? We’re going to be late.

1. Ella tore up the letter after she read it.
10. I’m sorry. I _______ help you. I don’t know how to do it.
2. Their car broke down two miles out of town.
Answers:
3. Did the manager deal with that customer’s complaint.

1. shouldn’t More phrasal verb examples:

2. must
1. Be sure to put on a life jacket before getting into the boat.
3. don’t have to
2. We left out the trash for pickup.
4. can
3. It’s time to get on the plane.
5. shall
4. What will she think up next?
6. needn’t
5. I’m having some trouble working out the solution to this equation.
7. mustn’t
6. We’re going to have to put off our vacation until next year.
8. shouldn’t
7. Stand up when speaking in class, please.
9. would
8. We’ll have to wake up early if we want breakfast.
10. can’t
9. Take off your shoes before you walk on the carpet.
10. My dog likes to break out of his kennel to chase squirrels.
What are Phrasal Verbs?
Click here for an extensive list of phrasal verbs
A phrasal verb is a combination of words (a verb + a preposition or verb +adverb) that
when used together, usually take on a different meaning to that of the original verb. Phrasal Verb Exercises
Phrasal Verb Examples Choose the correct phrasal verb from the parenthesis at the end of the sentence.

1. break down, check in, tear up

1. Someone broke into my car last night and stole the stereo. (broke down/broke 1. look down on
into) 2. get on with
2. Will you be able to get by this month with the little you have?(get off / get by) 3. hand in
4. put off
1. His father always taught him not to _____ those people with less. (look up to /
look down on) 5. ran into

2. Stop complaining and _____ your work! (get on with / get over) 6. showing off

3. The boss wants you to _____ your figures for this month to him. (hand out / hand 7. give in
in) 8. drop in
4. We’re going to have to _____ our trip to Spain until September. (put up/ put off) 9. come across
5. I _____ Amir today at the supermarket. It was great to see him. (ran out of / ran 10. show up
into) 11. lift up
6. I’m so tired of Sophie _____ her engagement ring all the time. (showing off, 12. blown over
showing up)
13. took off
7. The police would not _____ to the kidnapper’s demands. (give up/ give in)
14. get into
8. I thought I would _____ for a cup of coffee. Is that okay? (drop off/ drop in)
9. Have you ever _____ such an unusual piece of art? (come forward/come across) Verb Tenses
10. It’s important to _____ on time. (show up / show off)
Present Simple
11. _____ your feet when walking; you don’t want to trip! (uplift / lift up)
12. The tree was _____ by the wind. (blown up / blown over) 1. Positive: Most kids like milk.

13. He _____ his hat to show me his new haircut. (took off / took up) 2. Negative: I do not like milk unless it’s chocolate.

14. I just can’t seem to _____ this book. (get off / get into ) 3. Yes/No Questions: Do you like milk?

Answers: 4. Wh-Questions: When do we board the train for Paris?

5. Tag Questions: You like scuba diving, don’t you?
resent Progressive (Continuous) 1. Be Going To:We are going to the movies tonight.
2. Shall:You will help your grandmother later.
1. Positive:You are learning to use perfect English.
Future Progressive (Continuous)
2. Negative:You are not sleeping now.
3. Yes/No Questions:Are you eating?
1. Present Simple and Present Progressive with Future Meaning: Sam will be
4. Wh-Questions:What are you watching? coming home any minute.
5. Tag Questions:You aren’t eating liverwurst, are you?

Past Simple
Perfect Tenses
The perfect tenses describe actions that have already been completed or that began in
1. Positive:I visited my grandmother yesterday.
the past and are relevant to the present or that will have happened at a particular time in
2. Negative:We didn’t watch the movie on Saturday. the future. They are also referred to as the perfective aspect.
3. Yes/No Questions:Did you have spaghetti for dinner last night?
Present Perfect Simple
4. Wh-Questions:Why didn’t you wash the car yesterday?
5. Tag Questions:You went to Paris last year, didn’t you? 1. Positive:They have been to Paris.

Past Progressive (Continuous) 2. Negative:You haven’t gone overseas.

3. Yes/No Questions:Have you been to London?
1. Positive:We were watching TV when the power went out.
4. Wh-Questions:Why are we here?
2. Negative:You were not listening to the teacher’s instructions yesterday.
5. Tag Questions:You haven’t been to Zurich, have you?
3. Yes/No Questions:Were you skateboarding when you broke your leg?
Present Perfect Progressive (Continuous)
4. Wh-Questions:What were you doing when you heard the news?

Future 1. Positive:They have been swimming for more than an hour.

2. Negative:You haven’t waited thirty minutes yet.
Future Simple
3. Yes/No Questions:Have you been waiting long?
4. Wh-Questions:What time did you begin waiting?
5. Tag Questions:You haven’t been waiting long, have you? What Are Irregular Verbs?
Past Perfect Simple
Irregular verbs are verbs that don’t take on the regular –d, -ed, or -ied spelling patterns
of the past simple (V2) or past participle (V3). Many of the irregular V2 and V3 forms are
1. Positive:He had studied French before traveling to Paris.
the same, such as: cut – cut, had – had, let – let, hurt – hurt, fed- fed, sold-sold
2. Negative: She hadn’t studied French before last semester.
3. Yes/No Questions:Had you studied French before you traveled to Paris? Irregular Verb Examples
4. Wh-Questions:Why hadn’t you studied French when you knew you’d be
Irregular verbs are also known as strong verbs. Here are nine that are used more often
traveling to Paris soon?
than the rest. These nine irregular verb examples also happen to be among the most
5. Tag Questions:You hadn’t visited the U.S. before your trip in 2010, had you? commonly used words in the English language. They are:
Past Perfect Progressive (Continuous)
 Go
1. Positive:We had been waiting for more than three hours when the train finally  Get
arrived.  Say
 See
2. Negative:We had not been waiting for more than thirty minutes when her plane
 Think
landed.
 Make
3. Yes/No Questions:Had you been waiting for longer than three hours?
 Take
4. Wh-Questions:Why had you been waiting for the last two hours?  Come
 Know
Future Perfect Simple / Future Perfect Progressive
The following list of examples show how irregular verbs are used in sentences. Some
1. Future Perfect Simple:You will have perfected your French by the time you sentences contain more than one example.
come back from Paris.
1. Go get your brother. It’s time to eat dinner.
2. Future Perfect Progressive:We will be waiting for him when his plan arrives
tonight. → In this example, all three irregular verbs (go, get, and eat) are in base form.

2. I want to build a sand castle like the one we built last year.

 → In this example, the irregular verb build is in base form. The irregular verb built is 1. My dog jumped out of the swimming pool and _____________ himself, causing
the past simple form of “build”. When you look at the complete list of examples, you’ll water to spray everywhere. (shake, shook, shaken)
notice that built is also the past participle of the irregular verb “build”. 2. You should have ______________ Trish’s face when she got her surprise. (saw,
had seen, seen)
3. He bet me that I couldn’t run five miles without stopping. I proved him wrong;
3. We _____________ the whole day lounging on the beach. (spend, spent, had
I ran seven miles before I had to catch my breath.
spend)
→ In this example, bet is a past simple form. When you look at the complete list, you
4. Let’s _____________ a hike on Saturday. (take, took, taken)
will see that all three forms of “bet” are the same. Next, in the same sentence, the
irregular verb run is in base form. In the next sentence, ran is the past simple form of 5. My brother Mike ______________ his stinky socks on the coffee table. (leave,
“run” and had is the past simple form of “have.” Meanwhile, catch is base form. left, leaving)
6. This is the ninth time that pitcher has _____________ a foul ball (throw, threw,
4. I awoke to find that a spider had bitten me. Although the wound didn’t bleed, it thrown)
itched terribly.
7. The water balloon _____________ when it hit its target. (burst, busted, broken)
→ In this example, the irregular verb awoke is the past simple form of “awake.”
8. Jesse intentionally ______________ gum in Jeff’s hair. (stick, stuck, sticky)
Bitten is past participle form of “bite” and bleed is base form.
Answers: 1 – shook, 2 – seen, 3 – spent, 4 – take, 5 – left, 6 – thrown, 7- burst, 8
– stuck
5. Let’s drink some of this lemonade. I drank some yesterday and found it
delicious.
→ In this example, the irregular verb drink is in base form. Drank is the past simple Confusing Verbs
form of “drink,” and found is the past simple form of “find.” There are many verbs that sound similar and it’s easy to get confused between them.
Here is a list of some of the most common confusing verb pairs, their meanings and
For more examples, read our complete list of irregular verbs in the English language.
examples of how they should be used in a sentence.

Verb Meaning/ Use The Verb in Context

Irregular Verb Exercises
Fill the blank spaces with the appropriate irregular verb.
borrow To take a loan Can I borrow $20 from you
Verb Meaning/ Use The Verb in Context Verb Meaning/ Use The Verb in Context

please? you would like me to.

2. To request (informal)
2. Can I help you?

lend To give a loan I will lend you $20.

1. To express a possibility 1. I may see you later at the party.
may
2. To request (polite) 2. May I help you?

1. To report someone’s
1. Did she say anything about me? 1. To come into contact
say words
2. How do you say “hello” in with someone 1. He met her for the first time
2. To ask about how to use
Spanish? 2. To be introduced to yesterday.
a language meet
someone 2. I will meet you in front of the
3. To arrange to see main building.
1. To instruct 1. Tell him to stop the car.
tell someone
2. To narrate 2. He’s telling a good joke.

1. To be familiar with 1. I’ve known Sheila for a long

To carry out activities or
do He needs to do his homework. someone time.
tasks
know
2. To understand a fact or 2. He knows a lot about
1. To cause to happen truth geography.
1. Don’t make him angry.
make 2. To create or build
2. Don’t forget to make a list. waste To fail to use something
something 1. Don’t waste your time watching
valuable in an effective way
too much TV.
can 1. To show ability 1. I can contact the company if 2. Don’t waste water! We don’t
Verb Meaning/ Use The Verb in Context Verb Meaning/ Use The Verb in Context

have enough of it. somewhere

To carry away from someone He always takes his brother to

1. I spent a lot of money at the take
or somewhere hockey games.
1. To pay out shop yesterday.
spend To take or claim as one’s They adopted a child from
2. To pass time 2. He spends much of his time at adopt
own Vietnam last year.
the beach.

1. John adapted to the weather in

1. The cat lies in the sun most of
1. To get used to the East quite quickly.
the day. adapt
2. To change 2. That company adapts and
2. The documents are lying on the
resells the ideas of others.
1. To recline or to rest table now.
lie
2. To not tell the truth 3. He lay on his bed in pain last 1. To get up 1. He rises at 5:00 every morning
night. rise
2. To go up 2. Gas prices are steadily rising.
4. He lied to me about the money
he’d spent. The government is raising the
raise to make higher
price of fuel.
1. He lays his keys on the counter
Joshua emigrated from the UK in
every day. emigrate To leave a country
lay To put, place or set down 2001.
2. He laid the mail on the table
when he came in. immigrat She immigrated to Canada in
To move to another country
e 2002.
bring To carry towards someone or He brings me flowers every week.
Exercises – Confusing verbs 5. lying
6. immigrated
Choose the correct word from the parenthesis at the end of the sentence as in the
7. can
example.
8. do
1. As a child, I spent each summer in France with my grandmother. (spent/wasted) 9. affecting
10. waste
1. I have already ____ to the customs in this new country I live in. (adapted /
adopted) Gerunds and infinitives are sometimes referred to as verb complements. They may
function as subjects or objects in a sentence.
2. Ed ______ Suzanne at a single’s party last month. (met / knew)
3. The girls ____ money from their father to buy their mom a gift. (lent / borrowed)
What are Gerunds?
4. My father _______ the American flag on all US holidays. (raises / rises)
A gerund is a verb in its ing (present participle) form that functions as a noun that names
5. He’s ________ down because he doesn’t feel well. (laying / lying) an activity rather than a person or thing. Any action verb can be made into a gerund.
6. Cho left China and _______ to Australia in 1998. (emigrated / immigrated)
Spelling Tip
7. I don’t know how to do it, but I’m sure the service department ________ help
you. (can / may) Verbing (Present Participle)
8. I hope you will _______ your job well. (make / do)
 Add ing to most verbs. Ex. play > playing, cry > crying, bark > barking
9. Anna parties every night. It has started _______ her work. (effecting / affecting)
 For verbs that end in e, remove the e and add ing. Ex: slide > sliding, ride >
10. Please turn off the lights. We don’t like to _____ energy. (spend / waste)
riding
Answers:  For verbs that end in ie, change the ie to y and add ing. Ex: die > dying, tie >
tying
1. adapted  For a verb whose last syllable is written with a consonant-vowel-consonant and
2. met is stressed, double the last letter before adding ing. Ex: beg > begging, begin >
3. borrowed beginning. However: enter > entering(last syllable is not stressed)

4. raises
Gerund Examples What are Infinitives?
Gerunds can appear at the beginning of a sentence when used as a subject: An infinitive is a verb form that acts as other parts of speech in a sentence. It is formed
with to + base form of the verb. Ex: to buy, to work.
1. Jogging is a hobby of mine.
Gerunds can act as an object following the verb: Infinitive Examples
1. Daniel quit smoking a year ago. Infinitives can be used as:

Gerunds can serve as an object after a preposition:

an object following the verb:

1. I look forward to helping you paint the house.

1. Jim always forgets to eat
Note: The same spelling rules that apply to the progressive tenses also apply to gerunds.
a subject at the beginning of a sentence:

Some verbs and verb phrases are directly followed a gerund:

1. To travel around the world requires a lot of time and money.

1. Paul avoids using chemicals on the vegetables he grows. an adverb modifying a verb:

Some verbs can be followed by a gerund or an infinitive without causing a change in

1. You promised to buy me a diamond ring.
meaning:
an adjective modifying a noun:

1. Some people prefer getting up early in the morning.

1. Tara has the ability to succeed.
2. Some people prefer to get up early in the morning
Some verbs are directly followed by an infinitive:
Some verbs can be followed by a gerund or infinitive but with a change in meaning:

1. Do you want to call your family now?

1. He remembered sending the fax. (He remembered the act of send the fax)
Some verbs are directly followed by a noun or pronoun and then by an infinitive:
2. He remembered to send the fax. (He remembered the fax and sent it.)

1. I convinced Catherine to become vegetarian.

2. He advised me to sell all my shares of stock. 9. Please allow me ____________ your Facebook page. (joining / to join)
Some verbs can be followed by an infinitive or a gerund without causing a change in 10. You won’t forget _________milk on your way home, will you? (picking up /to pick
meaning: up)
Answers:
1. Will you continue working after you give birth?
2. Will you continue to work after you give birth? 1. riding
Some verbs can be followed by an infinitive or a gerund but with a change in meaning: 2. inviting
3. to fight
1. He stopped drinking coffee. (He never drank coffee again.)
4. crying
2. He stopped to drink coffee. (He stopped what he was doing and drank some
5. to tie
coffee.)
6. to bake

Exercises – Gerunds and Infinitives 7. complaining

8. concentrating
Choose the correct gerund or infinitive from the parenthesis at the end of the sentence.
9. to join
1. She likes to get up early in the morning. (likes / dislikes) 10. to pick up

1. 1. Alan can’t stand _________ on trains. (riding/ to ride)

Reference Lists – Gerunds and Infinitives
2. Mr. Harris enjoys _________ people out to dinner. (inviting / to invite)
Common verbs and phrases that are followed by a gerund
3. In the old days, gentlemen challenged their rivals _______. (fighting / to fight)
4. As the famous saying goes, there’s no use ______ over spilt milk. (crying / to cry)  admit
5. Jim stopped _________ his shoelace. Wait for him. (tying / to tie)  advise

6. My wife always volunteers ___________ cakes PTA meetings. (baking / to bake)  avoid
 be used to
7. Don’t waste my time ___________ about your salary. (complaining/ to complain)
 can’t help
8. Eva is having trouble _________ on the exam. (concentrating / to concentrate)
 can’t stand  spend time
 consider  stop
 deny  suggest
 discuss  understand
 dislike  waste time
 end up  work at
 enjoy
Common verbs that can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive without
 feel like
causing a change in meaning
 finish
 forget  begin
 get used to  continue
 give up  hate
 go on  intend
 have difficulty  like
 have problems  love
 have trouble  prefer
 imagine  start
 it’s no use
Common verbs that can be followed by a gerund or infinitive but with a change in
 it’s worthwhile
meaning
 keep
 look forward to
 forget
 mention
 remember
 mind
 stop
 miss
 recommend Common verbs that are followed by an infinitive
 remember
 afford
 quit
 agree
 appear Common verbs that are directly followed by a noun or pronoun and then by an
infinitive
 arrange
 ask
 advise
 care
 allow
 decide
 ask
 demand
 cause
 expect
 challenge
 fail
 command
 forget
 convince
 hope
 expect
 learn
 forbid
 manage
 force
 mean
 hire
 offer
 instruct
 plan
 invite
 prepare
 order
 pretend
 pay
 promise
 permit
 refuse
 program
 remember
 remind
 seem
 teach
 stop
 tell
 volunteer
 urge
 wait
 want
 want
 warn
 wish

What is the passive voice?

In general we tend to use the active voice. That is when a subject does an action to an Most writing instructors and editors recommend against using the passive voice, when
object. possible. The reason for this is that when you use the active voice, your writing is clearer
and less complicated.
1. Somebody stole my laptop. (subject = Somebody / action(verb) = stole / object =
my laptop) 1. Active: While Mr. Taylor was driving down Highway 101, a police officer pulled
The passive voice is used when we want to emphasize the action (the verb) and the him over and gave him a speeding ticket.
object of a sentence rather than subject. This means that the subject is either less 2. Passive: While Mr. Taylor was driving down Highway 101, he was pulled over
important than the action itself or that we don’t know who or what the subject is. and given a ticket by a police officer.
If it’s a long sentence and you know who the subject is, it’s best to use the active voice.
1. My laptop was stolen. (The object – now the subject = My laptop / action= was
stolen) The passive is often used to report something or to state a fact.

1. Passive: Napa Valley is known for its excellent wines. 1. Highway 15 was closed yesterday due to a serious road accident.
2. Active: [Many people] know Napa Valley for its excellent wines. 2. A lot of corn is grown in Iowa.

1. Passive: Twenty civilians were killed in the bomb explosion.

Forming the passive voice
2. Active: Someone killed twenty civilians in the bomb explosion.
The passive voice is not a tense in English. Each tense has its own passive voice which
is created by using a form of the auxiliary verb to be + V3 (past participle)
The passive voice in each tense:

The passive agent

Auxiliary verb + sample V3
Tense Examples
When we know who the subject is, we put it at the end with by. We call this an agent. (past participle)

1. Passive: The Mona Lisa was painted by Leonardo Da Vinci. (agent =Leonardo
Da Vinci ) Present simple am, is, are + made Wine is made from grapes.
2. Active: Leonaro Da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa.
 Auxiliary verb + sample V3 Auxiliary verb + sample V3
Tense Examples Tense Examples
(past participle) (past participle)

Many cars are made in Japan. The documents will all be signed by
next week.

The document is being sent right

Present now. A bridge is going to be built within
am, is, are + being + sent
progressive I am being sent to work in the Future (going am, is, are + going to be + the next two years.
London office. to) built New houses are going to be built in
our neighborhood.

John was invited to speak at the

conference. That start-up has been sold for $5
Past simple was, were + invited
We were invited to Daniel and Present million.
has, have + been + sold
Mary’s wedding. perfect The rights to his book have been
sold for $250,000.

The dog was being washed when I

Past got home. The new manager had been hired
was, were + being + washed
progressive Their cars were being washed while before John left the company.
Past perfect had + been + hired
they were in the mall shopping. All the employees had hired before
the store opened.

Future (will) will be + signed The contract will be signed

tomorrow. Future perfect will + have been + finished The car will have been loaded by the
 Auxiliary verb + sample V3 Note: Verbs that have no object (no one to “receive” the action) cannot be put into the
Tense Examples passive, such as, arrive, come, die, exist, go, happen, have, live, occur sleep, etc.
(past participle)

Passive Voice – Exercises

time he gets home.
Fill in the correct passive form of the verb in parentheses.
The crates will have been loaded by
then.
1. After the earthquake, aid was sent to the people of Haiti. (sent)
2. The electricity was cut off because the bill hadn’t been paid. (not pay)

A passport can only be issued at the

1. Penicillin ______ by Alexander Fleming in 1928. (discover)
Modals: embassy.
can, could + be + issued
can/could He said the documents could be 2. Statements ______ from all the witnesses at this moment. (take)
issued within the week. 3. Whales ______ by an international ban on whaling. (must protect)
4. Both weddings _______ by Good Taste. (cater)
5. A Picasso ____ from the Metropolitan Museum of Art.(steal)
A babysitter has to be arranged for
Modal: have have to, has to, had to + be+ this evening. 6. ____ this washing machine ______in Germany? (make)
to arranged Joan’s travel plans have to be 7. Tea _____ in China. (grow)
arranged by December.
8. When we reached the airport, we found that all the flights____ due to the storm.
(cancel)

Criminals must be stopped before 9. The fax _____ until tomorrow morning. (not send)
Modal: must must + be + stopped
they commit crimes. 10. The soundtrack of a movie _____ always _____ after the filming is finished.
(is/add)
Answers:
All of the rules for passive negatives and questions are the same as for the active voice.

1. was discovered
2. are being taken
3. must be protected
4. were catered
5. was stolen
6. Was/made
7. is grown
8. had been cancelled
9. won’t be sent
10. is/added