Understanding grammar rules helps you write clear, correct sentences. In... Show more
English164 views·Updated May 24, 2026·3 pagesUnderstanding Verbs: Types and Subject-Verb Agreement
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Subject-Verb Agreement
Making subjects and verbs agree properly is a key grammar skill. Singular subjects need singular verbs, and plural subjects need plural verbs. The challenge is finding the real subject, especially when other words come between it and the verb.
When phrases or clauses separate a subject from its verb, don't get confused! In "A traffic light in front of steady streams of traffic keeps the movements under control," "traffic light" is singular, so it takes the singular verb "keeps."
Watch out for special cases! Words like "there" or "here" are never the real subject—look for the subject that follows. Also, compound subjects joined by "and" usually take plural verbs, but if they represent one concept (like "peanut butter and jelly"), they may take a singular verb.
Grammar Tip: When locating the subject, ignore prepositional phrases that come between the subject and verb. Cross them out mentally to see the core sentence structure!
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Transitive, Intransitive, and Linking Verbs
Action verbs show what a subject is doing, has done, or will do. These come in two types: transitive and intransitive. A transitive verb transfers action to something or someone and always has a direct object that answers "what?" or "whom?" An intransitive verb expresses action without a direct object—it tells when or why something happens.
Linking verbs connect subjects to information about them rather than showing action. In "Pranav is a shopaholic," "is" doesn't show something Pranav does—it connects him to information about him. Forms of "be" (is, am, are, was, were) are always linking verbs.
Some verbs can be both action and linking verbs depending on how they're used. Words like "tasted," "sounded," and "felt" work both ways. In "Sylvia tasted the soup," "tasted" is an action verb. But in "The soup tasted nice," it's a linking verb (you can replace it with "was").
Quick Test: If you can replace the verb with a form of "be" and the sentence still makes sense, you're dealing with a linking verb!
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Auxiliary Verbs
Auxiliary verbs (also called helping verbs) work with main verbs to show tense, aspect, or voice. They're the helpers that give your sentences more precise meaning about when and how actions happen.
Common auxiliary verbs include forms of "be" (am, is, are, was, were), "have" (has, had), "do" (does, did), and modal auxiliaries like "can," "could," "will," "would," "shall," "should," "may," "might," and "must."
A sentence can contain up to three auxiliary verbs working together with the main verb. For example, in "We will be going to dinner tonight," "will" and "be" are auxiliary verbs helping "going."
Remember This: In questions, the auxiliary verb often separates from the main verb. For example: "Are you coming?" instead of "You are coming."
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English164 views·Updated May 24, 2026·3 pagesUnderstanding Verbs: Types and Subject-Verb Agreement
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Understanding grammar rules helps you write clear, correct sentences. In these notes, we'll explore subject-verb agreement, types of verbs (transitive, intransitive, and linking), and auxiliary verbs—all essential building blocks for effective writing.
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Subject-Verb Agreement
Making subjects and verbs agree properly is a key grammar skill. Singular subjects need singular verbs, and plural subjects need plural verbs. The challenge is finding the real subject, especially when other words come between it and the verb.
When phrases or clauses separate a subject from its verb, don't get confused! In "A traffic light in front of steady streams of traffic keeps the movements under control," "traffic light" is singular, so it takes the singular verb "keeps."
Watch out for special cases! Words like "there" or "here" are never the real subject—look for the subject that follows. Also, compound subjects joined by "and" usually take plural verbs, but if they represent one concept (like "peanut butter and jelly"), they may take a singular verb.
Grammar Tip: When locating the subject, ignore prepositional phrases that come between the subject and verb. Cross them out mentally to see the core sentence structure!
2
of 3Sign up to see the content. It's free!
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Transitive, Intransitive, and Linking Verbs
Action verbs show what a subject is doing, has done, or will do. These come in two types: transitive and intransitive. A transitive verb transfers action to something or someone and always has a direct object that answers "what?" or "whom?" An intransitive verb expresses action without a direct object—it tells when or why something happens.
Linking verbs connect subjects to information about them rather than showing action. In "Pranav is a shopaholic," "is" doesn't show something Pranav does—it connects him to information about him. Forms of "be" (is, am, are, was, were) are always linking verbs.
Some verbs can be both action and linking verbs depending on how they're used. Words like "tasted," "sounded," and "felt" work both ways. In "Sylvia tasted the soup," "tasted" is an action verb. But in "The soup tasted nice," it's a linking verb (you can replace it with "was").
Quick Test: If you can replace the verb with a form of "be" and the sentence still makes sense, you're dealing with a linking verb!
3
of 3Sign up to see the content. It's free!
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Auxiliary Verbs
Auxiliary verbs (also called helping verbs) work with main verbs to show tense, aspect, or voice. They're the helpers that give your sentences more precise meaning about when and how actions happen.
Common auxiliary verbs include forms of "be" (am, is, are, was, were), "have" (has, had), "do" (does, did), and modal auxiliaries like "can," "could," "will," "would," "shall," "should," "may," "might," and "must."
A sentence can contain up to three auxiliary verbs working together with the main verb. For example, in "We will be going to dinner tonight," "will" and "be" are auxiliary verbs helping "going."
Remember This: In questions, the auxiliary verb often separates from the main verb. For example: "Are you coming?" instead of "You are coming."
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Similar Content
Most popular content in English
9Most popular content
9Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5App Store
4.7/5Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan SiOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha KlichAndroid user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
AnnaiOS user