Phrasal verbs with a verb + preposition

Some phrasal verbs consist of a verb followed by a proposition. However, in the case of a phrasal verb, the verb followed by the preposition forms an expression with an idiomatic meaning. For example, the phrasal verb to come across is an idiomatic expression with the meaning to find. Similarly, the phrasal verb to frown on is an idiomatic expression with the meaning to disapprove of.

Example:

- We came across an old diary while we were cleaning out the attic.

- The workers frown on the practice of smoking in the office.

NOTE: It should be noted that some phrasal verbs consisting of a verb followed by a preposition can be used in the passive voice.

Example:

- The practice of smoking in the office was frowned on by the workers.

- The children were looked after by their aunt.

ç The following are some examples of phrasal verbs which consist of a verb followed by a preposition and each phrasal verb has its meaning.

Phrasal Verb

Meaning

abide by account for ask for bank on bear with border on break into build on burst into call for call on come across come upon confide in count on cut across dawn on deal in deal with decide on dispense with dispose of dwell on enlarge on enter into expand on frown on get at get into get over get through go against go over go through go with grow on guard against hinge on inquire into keep to laugh at launch into leaf through live on look after look into look through part with pick on prey on provide for reason with reckon on rise above run across run into run over see through send for settle for side with sit through stand by stand for stick to stumble across survive on take after tamper with touch on verge on wade through watch over

adhere to explain request depend on be patient with be near, be next to enter by force develop from suddenly enter demand ask, order find accidentally discover share a secret depend on use a short route realize stock, sell handle successfully settle on proceed without get rid of emphasize say more about begin, commence say more about disapprove of reach become involved with recover from survive, finish oppose review examine in detail look good with become more attractive to take precautions depend on investigate adhere to mock, make fun of start turn the pages survive using take care of investigate examine quickly give up reluctantly be unkind to hunt and eat; disturb prepare for try to persuade calculate be superior to find accidentally meet accidentally injured by a vehicle not be deceived by ask to be sent reluctantly accept support in a dispute sit and endure support represent adhere to find accidentally survive using resemble an ancestor interfere with mention approach slowly peruse guard

1) The position of an object of the preposition

The object of preposition usually follows the preposition, whether the object is a noun or a pronoun. In the following examples, the objects are underlined.

Example:

- We have launched into a new project. or

- We have launched into a new it.

NOTE: In these examples, the noun project and the pronoun it are the objects of the preposition into of the phrasal verb to launch into. Both the noun object and pronoun object follow the preposition.

2) The position of an adverb of manner modifying the verb

If a verb is followed by a preposition, an adverb of manner may be placed between the verb and the preposition. In the following examples, the adverbs of manner are underlined.

Example:

- They reasoned patiently with the little girl.

- I leafed quickly through the book.

NOTE: In the first example, the adverb of manner patiently is placed between the verb reasoned and the preposition with of the phrasal verb to reason with. In the second example, the adverb of manner quickly is placed between the verb leafed and the preposition through of the phrasal verb to leaf through.

3) Stress in spoken English

When a verb followed by a preposition occurs at the end of a clause, it is usually the verb which is stressed in spoken English. In the following examples, the words which are stressed are printed in bold type.

Example:

- No one likes to be laughed at.

- I need someone to confide in.

NOTE: In the first example, the verb laughed followed by the preposition at occurs at the end of a clause and the verb laughed is stressed. In the second example, the verb confide followed by the preposition in occurs at the end of a clause, and the verb confide is stressed.

ç It should be noted that, when used in a phrasal verb at the end of a clause, the prepositions after, into, and over are often pronounced with somewhat greater emphasis than the verb. In this case, both the verb and the preposition are stressed.

Example:

- The twins are easy to look after.

- The building would be difficult to break into.

- You’ll never guess whom I ran into.

- I heard that someone was run over.

ç The prepositions above, across, and through are also occasionally emphasized in this way.

Example: The research papers were difficult to wade through.

4) Expressions in which the verb has an object

In the case of some phrasal verbs consisting of a verb followed by a preposition, the verb and the prepositions may each have an object. In the following examples, the objects are underlined.

Example:

- I can make nothing of the situation.

- We talked my sister into agreeing.

NOTE: In the first example, the verb make of the phrasal verb to make of has the object nothing, and the preposition of has the object situation. In the second example, the verb talked of the phrasal verb to talk into has the object sister, and the preposition into has the object agreeing.

ç The following examples of the phrasal verbs consisting of a verb followed by a preposition, where the verb may have an object and each phrasal verb has its meaning.

Phrasal Verb	Meaning
drag into draw into drum into frighten into hold against lay before let into make of read into set against set on talk into trust upon write into	involve unwillingly involve gradually teach by repetition control by fear blame for present to allow to share understand find other meanings make antagonistic order to attack persuade force upon add to in writing

OVERALL SPECIAL VERBS

A phrasal verb is an idiom which consists of a verb followed by a preposition, an adverb or an adverb with a preposition.

Example:

- I ran into an old friend. (verb + preposition)

- We put off washing the dishes. (verb + adverb)

- They all look up to him. (verb + adverb + preposition)

NOTE: Many phrasal verbs are used more often in informal English. In most cases, the ideas expressed by such phrasal verbs may also be expressed by other phrases which are more likely to be used in formal English.

For instance in the table below, the phrasal verbs used in the preceding examples are listed in the left-hand column and other phrases with the same meanings are listed in the right-hand column.

Informal	Formal
to ran into to put off to look up to	to meet unexpectedly to postpone to admire

It should be noted that the use of many phrasal verbs varies among the different dialects of English. For example, in order to express the idea of contacting someone by means of the telephone, the expression to ring someone up is frequently used in British English; whereas the expression to call someone is frequently used in American English.

Because of the differences in dialect, the forms of the verbs and the meaning given may vary from one dictionary to another. In addition, some phrasal verbs have more than one meaning. The meanings provided in this chapter are samples of meanings which are used in North American English only.

MOOD

Verbs can be used to express differences in the intention or mood of the speaker or writer. There are three moods in English: the indicative, imperative, and subjunctive moods. Each one has a specific function.

1) The indicative mood is used when the speaker or writer wishes to make a statement or ask a question.

Example:

- Are you leaving tonight?

- The train is running ten minutes late.

2) The imperative mood is used for commands, requests, or direction.

Example:

- Call Fredericks and cancel that shipment.

- Please return the book when you are finished.

- Turn right at eh corner, then go left.

3) The subjunctive mood uses a different form of the past and present to express matters of urgency, formality, possibility, or speculation.

Example:

ç Urgency: I demanded that she see me immediately. (The indicative mood would use the form sees or can see—for example, I want to know if she can see me immediately.)

ç Formality: He recommended that the zoning law be adopted. (The subjunctive mood uses be adopted rather than the indicative mood is adopted—for example, the vote is 44 to 3, the law is adopted.)

ç Possibility: If I were to sign the invoice, we could not refuse any defective parts. (The phrase If I were to sign expresses a future possibility. It has no reference to the past, even though were is a past tense verb form. Compare this sentence to Because I signed the invoice, we could not refuse any defective parts. In this sentence, the indicative mood describes an action that took place in the past.)

ç Speculation: If he were king, he would decree that football be played every afternoon. (The subjunctive mood expresses something that is not true, a statement contrary to fact. The indicative mood, on the other hand, simply states a fact—for example, If he was ready, why didn’t he come?)

IRREGULAR VERBS

Irregular verbs follow no fixed rules for forming the various past, present, and future tenses. You simply have to memorize them or consult your dictionary. Some of the most commonly used irregular verbs are listed below.

Base Form	Past Simple	Past Participle
be beat become bend break buy cast choose come cut do draw drink drive eat fight find fly get give go grow have hide hit hold hurt keep know leave make meet put read ride ring run say see sell send sing sit sleep speak spend stand steal swim take teach tell think throw understand wear win write	was beat became bent broke bought cast chose came cut did drew drank drove ate fought found flew got gave went grew had hid hit held hurt kept knew left made met put read rode rang ran said saw sold sent sang sat slept spoke spent stood stole swam took taught told thank threw understood wore won wrote	been beaten become bent broken bought cast chosen come cut done drawn drunk driven eaten fought found flown gotten given gone grown had hidden hit held hurt kept known left made met put read ridden rung ran said seen sold sent sung sat slept spoken spent stood stolen swum taken taught told thought thrown understood worn won written

REGULAR VERBS

Regular verbs follow the same pattern when moving from one tense to another and they always refer to the verbs that need ed in the past and past participle form.

Here are some common regular verbs that we often use.

Base Form	Past Simple	Past Participle
add arrive ask attempt believe blush box check collect consider continue count cry decide defend dislike dress dry embarrass enjoy fill finish grant halt hat help hope insist intend judge jump laugh like listen load lock look need offer pack pick please pour promise push remember repeat reply rest return roam seem smile sob start stay stop study suggest travel trust try wait walk want watch whisper whistle wish work	added arrived asked attempted believed blushed boxed checked collected considered continued counted cried decided defended disliked dressed dried embarrassed enjoyed filled finished granted halted hated helped hoped insisted intended judged jumped laughed liked listened loaded locked looked needed offered packed picked pleased poured promised pushed remembered repeated replied rested returned roamed seemed smiled sobbed started stayed stopped studied suggested traveled trusted tried waited walked wanted watched whispered whistled wished worked	added arrived asked attempted believed blushed boxed checked collected considered continued counted cried decided defended disliked dressed dried embarrassed enjoyed filled finished granted halted hated helped hoped insisted intended judged jumped laughed liked listened loaded locked looked needed offered packed picked pleased poured promised pushed remembered repeated replied rested returned roamed seemed smiled sobbed started stayed stopped studied suggested traveled trusted tried waited walked wanted watched whispered whistled wished worked

VERBS + TWO OBJECTS

1) Some verbs are followed by two objects. Usually the first object is a person (or group of people) and the second object is a thing.

Example:

- Can you bring me some milk from the shops? (me = object 1; milk = object 2)

- I made him a cap of coffee. (him = object 1; a cup = object 2)

2) With many verbs that can have two objects, we can reverse the order of the objects if we put for or to before object 1 (this is then called a prepositional object).

Compare:

- They build us a new house. = They build a new house for us.

- Can you give me that bandage? = Can you give that bandage to me?

NOTE: We often use this pattern if we want to focus particular attention on the object after for/to. We also use it if object 1 is a lot longer than object 2.

Example:

- Jasmin taught music to a large number of children at the school. (not Jasmin taught a large number of children at the school music)

- Judith booked theater tickets for all the students who were doing her Shakespeare course. (not Judith booked all the students who were doing her Shakespeare course theater tickets)

3) We use “for + object” with verbs such as book, build, buy, catch, choose, cook, fetch, find, make, order, pour, save…

Example:

- I buy a computer for her.

- All parents build a new modern house for their children.

4) We use “to + object” with verbs such as award, give, hand, lend, offer, owe, pass, show, teach, tell, throw…

Example:

- Can you pass that cell phone to me?

- Teacher offers a reward to students.

NOTE 1: With some other verbs we can use either “to” or “for”, including bring, leave, pay, play, post, read, send, sing, take, write…

Example:

- He played the piece of music to (or for) me.

- Can you sing that song again to (or for) us.

NOTE 2: A few other verbs that are followed by two objects cannot have their objects reverse with for/to. Those verbs like this include allow, ask, cost, deny, forgive, guarantee, permit, refuse…

Example: We all envied him his lifestyle. (but not We all envied his lifestyle for/to him.)

NOTE 3:

- Some verbs can only have a second object if this is a prepositional object with “to”. Those verbs include admit, announce, demonstrate, describe, introduce, mention, point out, prove, report, say, suggest, explain, confess…

Example: The suspect confessed his crime to the police. (not The suspect confessed the police his crime.)

- The other verbs such as collect, mend and raise can only have a second object if this is a prepositional object with “for”.

Example: He raised a lot of money for charity. (not He raised charity a lot of money.)

HAVE/GET AND WANT SOMETHING DONE

1) Have or get something done

We can use get or have followed by an object + past participle when we want to say that somebody arranges for something to be done by someone else.

Example:

- We had/got the car delivered to the airport. (= it was delivered)

- While I was in Singapore I had/got my eyes tested. (= they were tested)

NOTE: Got in this pattern is normally only used in conversation and informal writing. Notice that the word order is important.

Compare:

- We had the car delivered to the airport. (Someone else delivered the car) and

- We had delivered the car to the airport. (= past perfect; we delivered the car)

ç We use have if it is clear that the person referred to in the subject of the sentence is not responsible for or has no control over what happens.

Example:

- I had my appendix removed when I was six.

- They had their car broken into again.

NOTE: However, in informal speech some people use get in sentences like this.

ç We use get when we say that the person referred to in the subject of the sentence does something themselves, causes what happens, perhaps accidentally, or is to blame for it.

Example:

- I’ll get the house cleaned if you cook the dinner. (= I’ll clean the house)

- Sue got her fingers trapped in the bicycle chain. (Sue trapped her fingers)

NOTE: We prefer have if we want to focus on the result of the action rather than the action itself.

Example:

- I’ll have the house cleaned by the time you get home.

- Sue had her fingers trapped in the bike chain for half an hour.

ç We use won’t (or will not) have, not get, if we want to say that we won’t allow something to happen to someone or something.

Example:

- I won’t have him spoken to like that.

- I won’t have my name dragged through the dirt by the press.

2) Want something done

WE use need, prefer, want, and would like followed by an object + past participle to say that we need, prefer, etc. something to be done. Notice that we can include to be before the past participle form with a similar meaning. After need we can use an object + ing-form with the same meaning, but we can’t use to be with an ing-form.

Example:

- Be careful washing those glasses! I don’t want them (to be) broken.

- We needed the house (to be) redecorated. (or …the house redecorated.)

- I’d like my car (to be) serviced, please.

NOTE: We can also use hear, feel, see and watch followed by an object + past participle to talk about hearing, etc. something happen. After fee, the object is often a reflexive pronoun.

Example:

- I haven’t heard the piece played before. and

- I felt myself thrown forward.

Compare:

- I heard her called Toni. (passive meaning; = she was called Toni) and

- I heard Sue call Toni. (active meaning; = Sue called Toni)

Verbs + WH-CLAUSE

1) Some verbs can be followed by a clause beginning with a wh-word (how, what, when, where, which, who, or why). Other verbs like this include arrange, calculate, check, choose, debate, determine, discover, discuss, establish, find out, forget, guess, imagine, know, learn, notice, plan, realize, remember, say, see, talk about, think (about), understand, wonder…

Example:

- That might explain why he’s looking unhappy.

- Let’s consider how we can solve the problem.

- I couldn’t decide which train I ought to catch.

NOTE:

ç These verbs can also be followed by a wh-word (except ‘why’) + to-infinitive.

Example:

- I don’t understand what to do.

- She calculated how much to pay on the back of an envelope.

ç But notice that if we change the subject in the wh-clause we can’t use a to-infinitive.

Example: I can’t imagine what you like about jazz. (but not I can’t imagine what to…)

2) Some verbs must have an object before the wh-clause. Other verbs like this include advise, inform, instruct, teach, warn, remind, tell…

Example:

- She reminded me where I had to leave the papers

- We told Derek and Linda how to get to our new house.

NOTE:

ç The verbs ask and show often have an object before a wh-clause, but not always.

Example: I asked (him) how I could get to the station, and he told me.

ç These verbs can also be followed by an object + wh-word + to-infinitive.

Example:

- She taught me how to play chess.

- I showed him what to look for when he was buying a second-hand car.

ç We can often use the way instead of how.

Example: Have you noticed the way he spins the ball. (or …how he spins the ball.)

3) Whether

ç We can use whether as the wh-word in a wh-clause when we want to indicate that something is possible, but that other things are also possible. Whether has a similar meaning to ‘if’.

Example:

- He couldn’t remember whether he had turned the computer off.

- Can you find out whether she’s coming to the party or not.

ç Whether can be followed by a to-infinitive, but ‘if’ is never used before a to-infinitive. Verbs that are often followed by whether + to-infinitive include choose, consider, debate, decide, determine, discuss, know, wonder…

Example: The have 14 days to decide whether to keep it or send it back.

NOTE: The difference between the pairs of sentences below. The first has a wh-clause with whether and the second has a that-clause.

Example:

- I didn’t know whether the university was shut. (= if the university was shut or not)

- I didn’t know that the university was shut. (suggests that the university was shut)

- We couldn’t see whether he was injured. (= if he was injured or not)

- We couldn’t se that he was injured. (suggests that he was injured)

VERB + OBJECT + TO-INFINITIVE OR GERUND

1) Verb + object + to-infinitive

After the following verbs, we normally use the object before a to-infinitive. These verbs include force, persuade, ask, convince, get, expect, invite, teach, want, suggest, order, tell, assign, remind…

Example:

- They force him to go away.

- I expect you to come to my party.

- She suggests me to learn English.

2) Verb + object + ing-form

Some verbs must have an object before an ing-form. Other verbs like this include catch, discover, feel, hear, leave, notice, observe, see, spot, watch, find, overhear…

Example:

- The police found the man climbing the wall.

- She overheard them talking about the closure of the factory.

NOTE: However, this is not the case when these verbs are in the passive.

Example: The man was found climbing the wall.

3) Verb + (object) + ing-form

Some verbs can have an object or no object before an ing-form. Other verbs like this include detest, dislike, dread, envisage, hate, imagine, like, love, mind (in questions and negatives), miss, recall, regret, resent, risk, start, stop, stand, remember…

Example:

- They can’t stand (him) driving his old car.

- I remember (you) buying that jumper.

4) Verb + object + ing-form/bare infinitive

A few verbs such as feel, hear, notice, observe, overhear, see, and watch can be followed either by an ing-form or a bare infinitive, but the meaning may be slightly different.

COMPARE:

ç Verb + object + ing-form: We use verb + object + ing-form to suggest that the action is repeated or happens over a period of time.

Example: Did you hear those dogs barking most of the night?

ç Verb + object + bare infinitive: We use verb + object + bare infinitive to suggest that the action happens only once.

Example: I noticed him throw a sweet wrapper on the floor, so I asked him to pick it up.

ç Verb + object + ing-form: We use verb + object + ing-form to suggest that we watch, hear, etc. some of the action, but not from start to finish.

Example: I was able to watch them building the new car park from my office window.

ç Verb + object + bare infinitive: We use verb + object + bare infinitive to suggest that we watch, hear, etc. the whole action from its start to its finish.

Example: I watched him climb through the window, and then I called the police.

VERB + TO-INFINITIVE OR GERUND

1) To-infinitive

Some verbs are followed by a to-infinitive but not –ing. These verbs include agree, aim, ask, decline, demand, fail, hesitate, hope, hurry, manage, offer, plan, prepare, refuse, want, wish, afford, appear, arrange, attempt, decide, help, expect, refuse, seem, threaten, pretend…

Example:

- We hope to see you soon.

- I hesitate to ask you questions.

2) Gerund

Some verbs are followed by –ing but not to-infinitive. These verbs include admit, avoid, consider, delay, deny, detest, dread, envisage, feel like, finish, imagine, miss, recall, resent, risk, suggest, postpone, dislike, practice, keep on, enjoy, mind, give up, put off…

Example:

- Many people avoid doing silly mistakes.

- The manager delays importing new products.

3) To-infinitive or Gerund (little difference)

The verbs begin, cease, start, and continue can be followed by either a to-infinitive or an ing-form with little difference in meaning.

Example: Even though it was raining, they continued to play / playing.

NOTE 1: However, with these verbs we normally avoid using two ing-forms together, as a repeated pattern can sound awkward.

Example: I’m starting to learn English. (rather than I’m starting learning English.)

NOTE 2: The verbs advise and encourage are followed by –ing when there is no object and to-infinitive when there is one.

Compare:

- I’d advise taking more exercise. and

- I’d advise you to take more exercise.

4) To-infinitive or Gerund (big difference)

Other verbs can be followed by either a to-infinitive or an ing-form, but there can be a difference in meaning. These verbs include come, go on, mean, regret, remember stop, try…

ç Come + to-infinitive: We use come + to-infinitive to talk about a gradual change.

Example: After some years, they cam to accept her as an equal.

ç Come + ing-form: We use come + ing-form to say that someone moves in the way that is described.

Example: He cam hurrying up the path.

ç Go on + to-infinitive: We use go on + to-infinitive to mean that something is done after something else is finished.

Example: After the interval, Pavarotti went on to sing an aria from Tosca.

ç Go on + ing-form: We use go on + ing-form to say that someone moves in the way that is described.

Example: Although she asked him to stop, he went on tapping his pen on the table.

ç Mean + to-infinitive: We use mean + to-infinitive to say that we intend(ed) to do something.

Example: I meant to phone you last week.

ç Mean + ing-form: We use mean + ing-form to say that something has something else as a result.

Example: If we want to get there by 6:00, that mean getting up before 5:00.

ç Regret + to-infinitive: We use regret + to-infinitive to say that we are about to do something we are not happy about.

Example: I regret to inform you that your application has been unsuccessful.

ç Regret + ing-form: We use regret + ing-form to say we have already done something that we are not happy about.

Example: It’s too late now, but I’ll always regret asking John to do the work.

ç Remember + to-infinitive: We use remember + to-infinitive to mean that remembering comes before the action described.

Example: Remember to take your hat when you go out. (first remember, and then take it)

ç Remember + ing-form: We use remember + ing-form to mean the action comes before remembering.

Example: I remember going to the bank, but nothing after that. (I remember that I went there)

ç Stop + to-infinitive: We use stop + to-infinitive to say why we stop doing something.

Example: She stopped to make a cup of tea.

ç Stop + ing-form: We use stop + ing-form to say what it is that we stop doing.

Example: They stopped laughing when Bill Gates walked into the room.

ç Try + to-infinitive: We use try + to-infinitive to say that we attempt to do something.

Example: I tried to get the table through the door, but it was too big.

ç Try + ing-form: We use try + ing-form to say we test something to see if it improves a situation.

Example: I tried taking some aspirin, but the pain didn’t go away.

VERB + TO-INFINITIVE OR BARE INFINITIVE

1) Verb + object + to-infinitive

After some verbs, we need to include an object before a to-infinitive. There are many verbs like this including allow, believe, cause, command, enable, encourage, entitle, force, invite, order, persuade, show, teach, tell, consider, warn…

Example:

- I considered her to be the best person for the job.

- The police warned everyone to stay inside with their windows closed.

2) Verb + to-infinitive

After some verbs, we can’t include an object before a to-infinitive. Other verbs like this include agree, consent, decide, fail, hope, pretend, start, volunteer, refuse, threatened…

Example:

- The shop refused to accept a cheque.

- He threatened to report their behavior to the principal.

3) Verb + (object) + to-infinitive

After some verbs, an object might or might not be included before a to-infinitive. Other verbs like this include can bear (in negative sentences and in questions), hate, hope, like, love, want, wish, prefer, need…

Compare:

- I prefer to drive. (= I do the driving)

- I prefer you to drive. (= you do the driving)

- We need to complete this report by Friday. (= we complete it)

- We need them to complete this report by Friday. (= they complete it)

NOTE: After help we can use either a to-infinitive or bare infinitive.

Example: I’ll help you (to) arrange the party if you like.

4) Verb + object + to-infinitive

With some verbs in this pattern we have to put the word for immediately after the verb. Other verbs like this include appeal, apply, campaign, long (= want), plan, wait, arrange…

Example:

- We waited for the taxi to come before saying goodbye. (not …waited the taxi to come…)

- They arranged for Jane to stay in London. (not …arranged Jane to stay…)

NOTE: After apply and campaign, the to-infinitive is usually passive.

Example: They applied for the hearing to be postponed.

5) Verb + object + bare infinitive

Some verbs are followed by a bare infinitive after an object. Other verbs like include feel, hear, observe, overhear, see, watch, have, let, notice, make…

Example:

- She noticed him run away form the house. (not …noticed him to run…)

- I make Peter wait outside. (not …make Peter to wait…)

NOTE 1: However, in passive sentences with these verbs, we use a to-infinitive.

Example: He was overheard to say that he hoped John would resign.

NOTE 2: After some of these verbs (feel, hear, notice, observe, overhear, see, watch) we can use either bare infinitive or the ing-form, but usually there is a difference in meaning.

6) Verb + bare infinitive

A few verbs can be followed directly by a bare infinitive in fairly idiomatic phrases, including hear tell, make believe, and let (it) slip.

Example:

- He made believe that he had caught the huge fish himself. (= pretended)

- She let (it) slip that she’s leaving. (= said it unintentionally)

NOTICE also the phrases make do and let go.

Example: Jim borrowed my new bike; I had to make do with my old one. (= it wasn’t the one I wanted)

TYPES OF VERB

DEFINITIN: Verb is the word which is used to tell about the action or movement of person, thing and animal. There are many kinds of verb as follow:

1) Transitive Verb

2) Intransitive Verb

3) Linking Verb

4) Auxiliary Verb

5) Modal Verb

1) Transitive Verb

Transitive Verb is the verb that needs object and usually followed by noun.

These transitive verbs include arrest, avoid, do, enjoy, find, force, get, give, grab, hit, like, pull , report, shock, take, tell, touch, want, warn…

Formula:

Sub + T.V + Obj

Example:

- She takes a book.

- I need a chair.

- They speak English.

2) Intransitive Verb

Intransitive Verb is the verb which does not need object, but it needs adverbial modifier. These intransitive verbs include appear, come, fall, go, happen, matter, sleep, swim, wait…

Formula:

Sub + I.V + (Adv)

Example:

- He cries.

- They dance well.

- She sings beautifully.

3) Linking Verb

Linking Verb refers to verb that needs subjective complement rather than object and that subjective complement describes the subject.

These Linking Verbs include:

be, smell, feel, taste, prove, look, become, appear, stay, remain, get, sound, seem, grow, turn, go…

a) Subjective Complement can be “Adjective”

Example:

- Your face grows red.

- He looks tired.

- Her voice sounds pretty.

b) Subjective Complement can be “Noun or Pronoun”

Example:

- He becomes a district governor.

- The robber is you.

4) Auxiliary Verb

Auxiliary Verbs are used to form question and negative sentence, and they are usually used with main verb to form many different kinds of tenses.

Be is used to form Continuous Tense and Passive Voice.

Example:

- The dog is biting a child.

- A child is bitten by the dog.

Have/Has is used to form Perfect Tense.

Example:

- They have known me for 3 years.

- She has had dinner already.

Do/Does is used to form Question and Negative Sentence in the Present Simple when the sentence doesn’t have a special verb. Moreover, we can also use them to show the emphasis sentence.

Example:

- He doesn’t eat meat.

- Do you love her?

- I do live here. (emphasis form)

Will is used to form Future Tense.

Example:

- People will be difficult to live because of the climate change.

- The environment will become terrible in the a few decades.

5) Modal Verb

Modal Verbs are the verbs that are used to talk about ability, permission, obligation and necessity, obligation and advice, possibility, probability, request, offer, suggestion, habit and promise. Most Modal Verbs can form question and negative sentence by themselves. There are many Modal Verbs as following.

a) Ability

We use “can, could and be able to” to talk about the ability.

Can: is used in the present.

Example: He can play the guitar.

Could: is used in the past.

Example: My sister could speak when she was 15 years old.

Be able to: can be used both in present and past.

Example: Last year I wasn’t able to speak at all, but now I am able to speak smoothly.

b) Permission

We use “can, could, may and might” to ask to a permission.

Example:

- Can I use your pen for a moment?

-Could I ask you a personal question?

- May I make a suggestion?

c) Obligation and necessity

We use “must and have to/ have got to” to express obligation or necessity.

Example:

- I have got a trouble pain in my back, so I must go to the doctor now.

- We have to drive on the left in Britain.

d) Obligation and Advice

We use “should, ought to, had better, and shall” to talk about the obligation and advice.

Should and Ought to is used talk about the obligation and duty, to ask for and give advice and in general, to say what is right or good.

Example:

- You ought to learn to swim.

- I shouldn’t tell a lie.

Had better: is used to express a strong recommendation in a particular situation.

Example: It’s going to be cold tonight, so I had better turn on the heating.

Shall is used when we want to know someone’s opinion, or when we want advice or instruction.

Example:

- I have missed my last bus. What shall I do?

- I’m not sure what to do. Shall I apply for a job or not?

- How long shall I cook this rice?

e) Possibility

We use “may, might and could” to talk about present or future possibility.

Example:

- There is someone at the door. It may be Sara.

- We aren’t sure what we are going to do tomorrow. We might go to the beach.

f) Probability

We use “should and ought to” to say that something is probable at the moment of speaking or in the future.

Example:

- Sally should be at work by now. She’s normally there at this time.

- She ought to pass his driving easily. She hasn’t got much to do.

g) Request

We use “can, could, may, will and would” to ask for something, to ask for permission or to ask someone to do something.

Example:

- Can I ask you a pen?

- Could I ask you some questions?

- May I have some more coffee?

h) Offer

We use “will, shall, could and would” when we are willing to do something for someone.

Example:

- I will lend you some money.

- Shall I open the door for you?

- I can write this letter for you.

- I could help you to lift this box.

- Would you like me to help you?

i) Suggestion

We use “shall, can and could” to ask for and make a suggestion.

Example:

- Shall we stay at home?

- We can watch TV if you like.

- We could go to the cinema.

j) Habit

+ We use “used to” to talk about past habit which are now finished.

Example: Robert used to play football when he was young.

+ We use “will and would” to talk about the actions which are repeated again and again, and we use “will” for present habits and “would” for past habits.

Example:

- Every day Jane will come home from school and ring up the friends she’s just been talking to.

- In those days people would make their own entertainment.

k) Promise

We use “will” to express strong intention in promises and threats.

Example:

- I will be careful with the car, I promise.

- Stop making that noise or I will scream!