This article covers the following areas –
- 1. Use the base form after modal verbs
- 2. Add -s or -es for 3rd person singular in present simple
- 3. Use -ing form for continuous tenses
- 4. Use past form for simple past tense
- 5. Use past participle with perfect tenses
- 6. Use base form after “To” in infinitives
- 7. Use verb + ing after certain verbs
- 8. Use base form with do/does/did in questions & negatives
- 9. Use correct verb form for subject-verb agreement
- 10. Use the -ing form after prepositions
- Final Thoughts
- Let’s Practice All Rules Now – Mega Quiz
- Frequently Asked Questions
Mastering the right form of verbs is crucial for anyone learning English. It helps you communicate clearly and correctly. In this article, I will share 10 essential rules to get your verbs right, along with examples to make learning easy and fun.
To use the right form of verbs in a sentence, follow these essential rules: use the base form after modal verbs, add -s or -es for third person singular in present simple, use -ing for continuous tenses, and use the past participle for perfect tenses. These rules ensure grammatical accuracy.
Now, we will explore each rule in detail with examples. This will help you understand how to apply them correctly in different sentences, making your English clear and accurate.
1. Use the base form after modal verbs
After modal verbs like can, could, will, would, shall, should, may, might, and must, always use the base form of the verb. This rule ensures the sentence is grammatically correct and clear. Modal verbs express ability, possibility, permission, or necessity, and the verb that follows them remains in its simplest form.
For example, in the sentence “I can swim,” “can” is the modal verb, and “swim” is the base form of the verb. This construction shows the ability to perform the action of swimming. Similarly, in “She might come,” “might” indicates a possibility, and “come” stays in the base form to show the action that may happen.
Other examples include “He will eat dinner,” where “will” is the modal verb showing future intention, and “eat” is the base form of the verb. In “They should study,” “should” expresses a recommendation or advice, and “study” remains in its base form. This pattern helps convey the intended meaning effectively.
Using the base form after modal verbs also applies to negative sentences. For instance, “She cannot dance” uses “cannot” as the modal verb and “dance” in its base form. In questions, the structure remains the same: “Can he play the guitar?” Here, “can” is the modal verb, and “play” is the base form.
It’s important to remember that no matter the tense or context, the verb following a modal verb never changes. Whether talking about present abilities (“I can drive”), past possibilities (“She could attend”), or future intentions (“They will join”), the verb always stays in its base form. This consistency makes learning and using modal verbs straightforward.
Related Quiz > Right Form of Verb – Rule 1
2. Add -s or -es for 3rd person singular in present simple
In the present simple tense, when the subject is he, she, or it, add -s or -es to the base form of the verb. This rule helps the verb agree with the subject, making the sentence grammatically correct. For most verbs, simply add -s to the base form.
For example, in “He runs fast,” “runs” is the base form with an added -s. This sentence shows that he has the ability to run quickly. Similarly, in “She watches TV every day,” “watches” is the verb with -es added, as “watch” ends in -ch, requiring the -es ending.
Verbs that end in -s, -sh, -ch, -x, or -z typically take -es in the third person singular. For instance, “He misses the bus,” uses “misses” because “miss” ends in -s. In “She goes to school,” “goes” follows the rule for verbs ending in -o, which also take -es in this form.
Some verbs have irregular forms in the third person singular. For instance, “He has a dog” uses “has” instead of “have.” Similarly, “She does her homework” uses “does” instead of “do.” Learning these irregular forms is crucial for proper verb usage.
Remember, using the correct verb form ensures your sentences are clear and grammatically accurate. Whether it’s “He likes pizza” or “It rains often,” the third person singular in the present simple tense always follows this rule. Practice these forms to improve your English fluency and accuracy.
Related Quiz > Right Form of Verb – Rule 2
3. Use -ing form for continuous tenses
For continuous tenses, use the -ing form of the verb to indicate ongoing actions. This applies to both present continuous and past continuous tenses, making it easy to show that something is happening or was happening over time.
In the present continuous tense, combine the verb with “am,” “is,” or “are” plus the -ing form. For example, “I am eating” shows an ongoing action. Similarly, “She is reading a book” indicates that she is currently engaged in reading.
For the past continuous tense, use “was” or “were” plus the -ing form of the verb. For instance, “They were playing” suggests that the action of playing was ongoing in the past. Another example is “He was running when it started to rain,” indicating that the running was in progress at a specific past time.
This rule also applies to negative sentences and questions. In the present continuous tense, “I am not eating” shows that the action is not happening now. For questions, “Are you eating?” uses the same structure to inquire about an ongoing action.
Using the -ing form correctly in continuous tenses helps convey the duration and progression of actions clearly. Whether describing what is happening now or what was happening at a certain point in the past, the -ing form is essential. Practicing this form will enhance your ability to express actions accurately and fluently in English.
Related Quiz > Right Form of Verb – Rule 3
4. Use past form for simple past tense
In the simple past tense, use the past form of the verb to indicate actions completed in the past. Regular verbs form the past tense by adding -ed to the base form, while irregular verbs have unique past forms that need to be memorized.
For example, with regular verbs, “I walked to school” uses “walked,” where -ed is added to “walk.” Similarly, “They played soccer” shows “played” as the past form of “play.” This rule applies to most verbs in English, making it straightforward to form the past tense.
Irregular verbs do not follow this pattern and have unique forms. For instance, in “She went to the market,” “went” is the past form of “go.” Another example is “He ate dinner,” where “ate” is the past form of “eat.” Learning these irregular forms is crucial as they do not follow regular conjugation rules.
In negative sentences and questions, use “did” plus the base form of the verb. For example, “I did not walk to school” uses “did not” plus the base form “walk.” In questions, “Did she go to the market?” follows the same structure, using “did” to form the past tense question.
Mastering the past form of verbs, both regular and irregular, is essential for clear communication in English. By practicing these forms, you can accurately describe past events and actions. Whether you’re talking about what happened yesterday or years ago, using the correct past form ensures your sentences are clear and correct.
Related Quiz > Right Form of Verb – Rule 4
5. Use past participle with perfect tenses
For perfect tenses, use the past participle form of the verb along with has, have, or had. This rule applies to present perfect, past perfect, and future perfect tenses, helping to indicate actions completed at different times.
In the present perfect tense, combine “has” or “have” with the past participle. For example, “I have finished my homework” uses “have” plus “finished,” the past participle of “finish.” Similarly, “She has visited the museum” shows “has” plus “visited.”
The past perfect tense uses “had” plus the past participle to indicate an action completed before another past action. For example, “She had seen the movie” uses “had” and “seen,” the past participle of “see.” Another example is “They had left before the party started,” showing that the leaving happened earlier.
In the future perfect tense, use “will have” plus the past participle. For instance, “I will have completed the project by next week” combines “will have” with “completed.” This tense shows that the action will be finished at a specific future time.
Negative sentences and questions in perfect tenses follow similar patterns. For example, “I have not finished my homework” uses “have not” plus the past participle. In questions, “Has she visited the museum?” combines “has” with the past participle for inquiry.
Understanding and using the past participle with perfect tenses accurately describes actions completed at different times. Whether you’re talking about recent accomplishments or actions completed long ago, mastering this rule ensures your sentences are precise and correct.
Related Quiz > Right Form of Verb – Rule 5
6. Use base form after “To” in infinitives
When using an infinitive, always place the base form of the verb after “to.” This structure helps express purposes, intentions, or actions. Infinitives are easy to form and are widely used in English.
For example, in “I want to learn,” “to” is followed by the base form “learn.” This sentence shows the intention or desire to learn something. Similarly, “She needs to study” uses “to” followed by “study,” indicating the necessity of studying.
Infinitives are also used to explain reasons or purposes. For instance, “He went to the store to buy milk” shows the reason for going to the store. Another example is “They are saving money to travel,” where the purpose of saving money is to travel.
In negative sentences, the structure remains the same. For example, “I decided not to go” uses “to go” with “not” inserted before the infinitive. In questions, the infinitive form also stays unchanged: “Do you want to eat now?” uses “to eat” after “want.”
Infinitives can also follow adjectives to describe feelings or situations. For example, “She is happy to help” uses “to help” to explain why she is happy. Another example is “It is important to listen,” where “to listen” highlights what is important.
Using the base form after “to” in infinitives is a simple yet essential rule in English. It helps clearly express actions, intentions, reasons, and more. Practicing this rule will enhance your ability to construct clear and grammatically correct sentences.
Related Quiz > Right Form of Verb – Rule 6
7. Use verb + ing after certain verbs
Certain verbs are followed by the -ing form of another verb, known as the gerund form. This rule applies to verbs like enjoy, avoid, consider, and others. Using the -ing form after these verbs ensures your sentences are grammatically correct.
For example, in “I enjoy reading,” “enjoy” is followed by “reading,” the -ing form of “read.” This sentence shows that reading is an activity I like. Similarly, “They avoid talking” uses “avoid” followed by “talking,” indicating they steer clear of the action of talking.
Other verbs that follow this pattern include “consider,” “finish,” and “suggest.” For instance, “She considers moving” uses “considers” plus “moving,” showing she is thinking about relocating. In “He finished eating,” “finished” is followed by “eating,” indicating the completion of the action.
Using the -ing form also applies to negative sentences. For example, “He avoids not studying” uses “avoids” followed by “not studying,” indicating he makes sure he studies. In questions, the structure remains: “Do you enjoy swimming?” uses “enjoy” with “swimming” to ask about the activity.
It’s important to remember that not all verbs follow this rule. Learning which verbs require the -ing form helps in constructing accurate sentences. Examples include “I suggest trying” and “They keep running,” both of which use the -ing form correctly.
Mastering the use of the -ing form after certain verbs enhances your fluency and accuracy in English. It helps clearly convey actions and preferences, making your communication more effective. Practice using these verbs to improve your English skills.
Related Quiz > Right Form of Verb – Rule 7
8. Use base form with do/does/did in questions & negatives
In questions and negatives, always use the base form of the verb with do, does, or did. This rule ensures your sentences are clear and grammatically correct. It applies to both present and past tenses.
For example, in the question “Do you like pizza?” “do” is followed by the base form “like.” This structure helps inquire about a preference. Similarly, “Does he play soccer?” uses “does” with “play” to ask about an activity he participates in.
In negative sentences, the same rule applies. For instance, “She does not understand” uses “does not” followed by the base form “understand.” This sentence indicates that she lacks comprehension. Another example is “I do not want to go,” where “do not” is followed by “want,” showing a lack of desire.
For past tense questions and negatives, use “did” with the base form of the verb. For example, “Did they finish their homework?” uses “did” followed by “finish” to ask about a completed action. In “He did not see the movie,” “did not” is followed by “see,” indicating he missed watching the film.
This rule also applies to negative questions. For instance, “Didn’t you call him?” uses “did not” in a contracted form followed by “call,” to inquire about an action that was perhaps expected but not performed.
Mastering the use of the base form with do, does, and did in questions and negatives is crucial for clear communication. Whether asking questions or making negative statements, this rule helps ensure your sentences are correct and easy to understand. Practice these forms to improve your English fluency.
Related Quiz > Right Form of Verb – Rule 8
9. Use correct verb form for subject-verb agreement
Ensuring the verb form agrees with the subject in number and person is crucial for proper grammar. This rule, known as subject-verb agreement, means matching singular subjects with singular verbs and plural subjects with plural verbs.
For example, in “He likes ice cream,” “likes” is the correct verb form for the singular subject “he.” This shows that one person enjoys ice cream. Conversely, in “They like ice cream,” “like” matches the plural subject “they,” indicating that multiple people enjoy ice cream.
In the present simple tense, add -s or -es to the verb for third-person singular subjects (he, she, it). For instance, “She walks to school” uses “walks” for the singular subject “she.” In contrast, “We walk to school” uses “walk” for the plural subject “we.”
Subject-verb agreement also applies to auxiliary verbs. For example, “She is running” matches the singular subject “she” with the singular auxiliary verb “is.” Similarly, “They are running” uses the plural auxiliary verb “are” with the plural subject “they.”
This rule is important in all tenses. For past tense, ensure the subject and verb agree, such as “He was happy” and “They were happy.” Both sentences show proper agreement between the subject and the verb.
Proper subject-verb agreement makes sentences clear and grammatically correct. By practicing this rule, you ensure that your writing and speaking are accurate and understandable. Whether dealing with singular or plural subjects, always match the verb form appropriately.
Related Quiz > Right Form of Verb – Rule 9
10. Use the -ing form after prepositions
Use the -ing form of the verb after prepositions like in, on, at, and by. This rule ensures grammatical accuracy and clarity in your sentences. The -ing form, known as the gerund, functions as a noun in these cases.
For example, in “She is good at dancing,” “dancing” follows the preposition “at.” This construction shows her skill in the activity of dancing. Similarly, “They talked about going” uses “going” after “about” to indicate the topic of their discussion.
Related > Preposition of Time: At, On, and In
Other examples include “He is interested in learning new languages,” where “learning” follows the preposition “in.” In “We are excited about traveling,” “traveling” comes after “about,” showing what they are excited about.
This rule also applies to phrases like “by,” “on,” and “for.” For instance, “She succeeded by working hard” uses “working” after “by” to explain how she succeeded. In “He insisted on coming,” “coming” follows “on,” indicating his determination.
Using the -ing form after prepositions is essential for making your sentences sound natural and correct. For example, “I look forward to meeting you” uses “meeting” after “to,” showing anticipation. Similarly, “They are afraid of swimming” uses “swimming” after “of” to express their fear.
Mastering this rule helps you construct clear and grammatically correct sentences. Whether you’re talking about skills, interests, actions, or feelings, using the -ing form after prepositions ensures your English is fluent and precise. Practice this structure to enhance your language skills.
Related Quiz > Right Form of Verb – Rule 10
Final Thoughts
Mastering the right form of verbs is essential for clear communication in English. By following these 10 essential rules, you can ensure that your verbs are always correct.
Remember to use the base form after modal verbs and in infinitives, add -s or -es for third person singular in present simple, and use -ing for continuous tenses.
Also, use the past form for simple past tense, past participle for perfect tenses, and the correct form after certain verbs, in questions and negatives, for subject-verb agreement, and after prepositions. Practice these rules, and you’ll see improvement in your English writing and speaking skills.
Let’s Practice All Rules Now – Mega Quiz
Frequently Asked Questions
The right form of verbs is crucial for correct grammar. It ensures sentences make sense and convey the intended meaning clearly. Using the correct verb form helps in effective communication.
Subject-verb agreement means the verb must match the subject in number and person. For example, “She runs” (singular) vs. “They run” (plural). This rule ensures grammatical correctness in sentences.
Verbs change form to indicate different tenses. For example, “walk” (present), “walked” (past), and “will walk” (future). Using the correct tense helps in indicating the time of action.
Regular verbs form the past tense by adding “-ed” (e.g., “talk” to “talked”). Irregular verbs have unique past forms (e.g., “go” to “went”). Knowing these forms is essential for correct tense usage.
Auxiliary verbs (e.g., “is,” “are,” “has,” “have”) help form different tenses, questions, and negatives. For example, “She is running,” “They have finished.” They support the main verb in a sentence.
Modal verbs (e.g., “can,” “should,” “must”) express abilities, possibilities, permissions, and obligations. For example, “She can swim,” “You must study.” They modify the main verb to add meaning.
Infinitive verbs are the base form with “to” (e.g., “to eat,” “to run”). They are used after certain verbs and adjectives. For example, “I want to learn,” “It is easy to do.” Infinitives express purpose or intent.
Participles are verb forms used as adjectives or to form perfect tenses. Present participles end in “-ing” (e.g., “running”), and past participles often end in “-ed” or “-en” (e.g., “written”). They describe actions or states.
Transitive verbs require a direct object (e.g., “She reads a book”). Intransitive verbs do not need an object (e.g., “He sleeps”). Knowing the difference helps in constructing clear sentences.
Gerunds are verbs ending in “-ing” that function as nouns (e.g., “Swimming is fun”). They can be subjects, objects, or complements in a sentence. Using gerunds correctly adds variety to sentence structure.
I really appreciate the advice in this post. It is so important to use the right verb form in English. Thank you for reminding us!