Explain Principal Parts of Verbs

Overview of verbs

A verb shows the action or state of being of the subject of the sentence. It also indicates the time or tense of the action. Verbs are necessary in a sentence, because you must describe what the subject does or is.

You cannot have a sentence without a verb.

There are six basic verb tenses:

1. simple present
2. simple past
3. simple future
4. present perfect
5. past perfect
6. future perfect.

What are the principal parts of verbs?

When learning about verbs, it is helpful to know the principal parts of the verb. These consist of the following:

1. infinitive: the form of the verb when it shows no tense
2. present participle: used to make the progressive verb form; made by adding "-ing"
3. past: the form of the verb used in the simple past tense
4. past participle: the form of the verb used to make the perfect tenses
5. The principal parts of verbs can be charted.

Examples

Notice:

1. The present and past participles are forms of the verb that can also be used as other parts of speech. (For more information on verbs used as other parts of speech, please consult the lessons on Participial Phrases, Infinitive Phrases, and Gerunds.)

2. The progressive form is very regular in English. You always hear the "-ing" sound at the end of the infinitive form of the verb. There are a couple of spelling rules which govern the spelling of present participles.

If a word ends in one consonant after a short vowel, double the consonant before adding "-ing."
Examples: "hit" becomes "hitting"; "sit" becomes "sitting."

If the infinitive form of the verb ends in "e," drop the "e" before adding "-ing."
                      Examples: "take" becomes "taking"; "write" becomes "writing."