What is a verb?

A verb is a doing or being word. Most verbs show an action, like run, eat or think. Some verbs show a state, like is, are or seem. Every complete sentence needs at least one verb.

Examples

• Action: jump, sing, write.
• 'She runs fast.' The verb is runs.
• Being: 'The sky is blue.' The verb is is.

Quick facts

• A sentence must have a verb to be complete.
• Verbs change with tense to show the past, present or future.