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VI. VERBS
The verb is perhaps the most important part of the sentence. A verb asserts something about the subject of the sentence and express actions, events, or states of being. The
verb is the critical element of the predicate of a sentence. When a verb is used
together with an auxiliary, it is called a compound verb. In particular, an auxiliary
can be used with the verb in order to create the many of the tenses available in English.
Dracula bites his victims on the neck. The sick man looks so pale.
Children should obey their parents.
1. TYPES OF VERBS
A. TRANSITIVE AND INTRANSITIVE VERBS
Some verbs require an object to complete their meaning. These verbs are called transitive.
Some students in my class are conducting an experiment research. I received a letter from my uncle.
My mother was preparing dinner in the kitchen when I slept.
Some transitive verbs may take more than one object direct and indirect objects at a time. This kind of verbs is called ditransitive verbs.
The generous man gave some money to the beggar. The father bought his son a new bicycle.
The hostess always serves her guests hot tea.
Verbs that are intransitive do not require objects: The building collapsed.
If you come late, you must stand in front of the classroom. If hungry, a baby usually cries.
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B. ERGATIVE VERBS
Many verbs may be used either transitively or intransitively. This kind of verbs is called Ergative.
The building collapsed. The monster collapsed the building by sitting on it.
The driver stopped the bus. The bus stopped suddenly.
Titanic sank after hitting an iceberg. The storm has sunk the ship.
Some verbs have different form when they are used transitively and intransitively. The woman lied on the floor.
The woman laid her baby on the couch.
The sun rises in the east. You should raise you hand first before asking questions.
Don’t sit on the desk He set the desk in the corner.
C. FACTITIVE VERBS
Verbs which can take an object followed by a complement to describe or identify the object are called factitive verbs. Some factitive verbs in English are
The faculty elected Mr. Irwan the new Academic Dean. His presence made the party merrier.
Her friends call her ‘Juragan’.
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D. LINKING COPULATIVE VERBS
A linking verb, sometimes called copulas, connects a subject and its complement. Linking verbs are often forms of the verb to be, but are sometimes verbs related to
the five senses look, sound, smell, feel, taste and verbs that somehow reflect a state of being appear, seem, become, grow, turn, prove, remain. What follows the
linking verb will be either a noun complement or an adjective complement: Those people are all professors..
This room smells bad. I feel great.
E. AUXILIARY VERBS
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