1. All You Need to Know about Verbs
Terry C. Norris
Fall 2007

2. Kinds of Verbs

3. Defining Terms
Compliment
Complement
Predicate

4. Sentence Elements

5. Kinds of Verbs

6. Other Aspects of Verbs

7. Tense

8. Voice

9. Functions of “to be” and the Past Participle

10. Mood

11. Using the Subjunctive Mood

12. USES OF “WILL” AND “WOULD”
WILL/WOULD
USES OF “WILL” AND “WOULD”
MODAL
FORMS / USES
TENSE
SUBJUNCTIVE MOOD
REQUEST /
PREFERENCE
WILLINGNESS
DETERMINA-
TION
would
Past =
When I was young, we would go swimming every day.
Doubt =
I would help you, but I broke my leg. (Sometimes, the “but” is implied.)
Possibility =
If I had time, I would watch the movie.
Would you help me today?
I would rather have pizza than popcorn.
I would like some milk with lunch.
I would be happy to help you.
will
Future =
I will leave tomorrow at 7:00 A.M.
Will you help me today?
(“Will” is often used this way, but “would” is preferred in this situation.)
I will finish this project by noon whether you help me or not!

13. Phrasal Verbs Definition Examples
Phrasal verbs consist of a verb and a preposition.
Certain verbs take certain prepositions (maybe more than one).
Examples
Set up – Set up the equipment before 3:00.
Tear down – Tear down the equipment by 5:00.
Agree with – He agrees with your evaluation.
Commit to – They are committed to success.
Pay for – He paid for the tickets.
Hang on – Hang on to your reservation; don’t lose it!
Hang out – We are going to hang out with our friends tonight.
Hang up – When the telemarketer called, he hung up fast.
Move in – They moved in to their new house yesterday.
Move out – They are moving out next week.

14. Problems with Phrasal Verbs
Parallelism
If two phrasal verbs are used in sequence, both propositions have to be used as well:
He was amused by and responsive to the request.
“By” can’t be used with responsive, and “to” can’t be used with
amused. Each verb needs its own preposition.
Confused Meaning
If the phrasal verb takes “to,” it must be followed by a participle:
He is committed to completing the project.
The “to” goes with the verb in front of it, not the verb after it,
so it does not form an infinitive.
Also, commitment implies duration, so it needs a participle -
_ing indicates continuing action; infinities show one-time
action, or the general concept of the verb.

15. Verbals