Verbs

A verb phrase carries tense and may express action, state, connection, voice, aspect, or mood. Linking verbs connect a subject to a complement. Auxiliaries such as be, have, do, and modals build questions, negatives, tenses, and passives. Transitive verbs take objects; intransitive verbs do not.

Patterns and examples

• The engineer tested the system. (action/transitive)
• The soup tastes fresh. (linking)
• They have been waiting. (auxiliaries plus main verb)

Notice how form and meaning work together. Read examples aloud, identify the controlling word or clause, and compare them with nearby alternatives before applying the pattern in new writing.

Practice sentences

• Underline the complete verb phrase: She might have forgotten.
• Decide whether arrive and build are transitive or intransitive in your sentences.

After answering, explain the rule in your own words and create one original sentence using the same structure.