Verbs

Lexical Verbs physical actions: I slammed the door mental actions: I think that is unfair. states: That seems reasonable physical process verbs are dynamic states and conditions are stative

Example Jane strolls into the park where she relaxes and feels content. strolls = deliberate physical action relaxes = less obviously an action but still a physical process feels = a state of mind  

Infinitive (base form) the form from which all other forms of the verb are derived it always includes the word to (to sing, to skip, to explode, to go etc) remember to be is a verb along with its various forms (is, are, was, were etc)

Remember words can belong to different classes depending on function in the sentence Jane strolls into the park - park is clearly a noun Jane has gone to park her car – now it is a verb

Auxiliary (helping) Verbs added to lexical verbs for various purposes they exist in verb phrases before the lexical verb

Primary Auxiliaries Only 3 of these: have, be, do Phil has written his first book or Liz is looking after the children to show whether action or state of a verb is complete or on-going   Have you spent all your money To construct questions I do want to see you To add emphasis I did not go to school yesterday To construct negatives

Remember The 3 primary auxiliaries can also be used as main / lexical verbs She is tall. I have a new car. He did it.

modal auxiliaries can, could, shall, should, will, would, may, might, must very subtle difference between some auxiliaries a few marginal auxiliaries – have to, need to, ought to – similar to should / must

Function Examples Expressing … expressing degree of certainty I will / shall take a holiday in August Intention I should be able to take a holiday next year Probability I may / might take a holidy in August Possibility degree of obligation   Now I’ve left work, I can / could take a holiday Ability My boss said I can / could/ may / might take a holiday Permission I must / should take a holiday in August obligation making factual statements In the past I would take a holiday every autumn Habit As a student, I could always find time for a holiday Past ability She can holiday in France whenever she likes Present ability

Remember to check it’s a verb – can it change tense?