A verb is the core of every sentence. Without a verb, a group of words is only a fragment of a sentence instead of a complete sentence. The function of a verb is to assert something about its subject, that is, to tell what the subject does (did, will do) or that the subject is (was, will be) something. In other words, a verb tells us about the activity or state of a subject/agent.

Examples

• Flag waves. [Action]
• Cars were roaring through town. [Action]
• She is a good dancer. [State]
• He is a poor listener. [State]

Verbs are words that show an action (sing), occurrence (develop), or state of being (exist). Almost every sentence requires a verb.

In other words, a verb may be defined as a word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence, and forming the main part of the predicate of a sentence, such as hear, become, happen.

Examples

• She writes a letter to her friends.
• The dog ran across the yard.
• She yelled when she hit her toe.