Kinds of verbs
Kinds of verbs refers to the different categories verbs fall into based on the job they do in a sentence. The main kinds are action verbs, linking verbs, auxiliary (helping) verbs and modal verbs, plus the transitive/intransitive distinction. Each kind shows action, state, or supports another verb to build tense, mood or meaning.
Types of kinds of verbs
Action verbs
Express physical or mental activities that a subject performs.
e.g. run, write, believe
Linking verbs
Connect the subject to a word that describes or renames it, showing a state rather than an action.
e.g. be, seem, become
Auxiliary (helping) verbs
Combine with a main verb to form tenses, questions, negatives or the passive voice.
e.g. is running, has finished, did go
Modal verbs
Add meaning such as ability, permission, possibility or obligation to another verb.
e.g. can swim, must leave, might rain
Transitive and intransitive verbs
Classify verbs by whether they take a direct object or not.
e.g. She reads a book (transitive), He arrived late (intransitive)
Rules to remember
- Action verbs need a subject performing an activity; they can be physical (jump) or mental (think).
- Linking verbs are followed by a noun or adjective that renames or describes the subject, never a direct object.
- Auxiliary verbs (be, have, do) never appear alone in a finite clause without a main verb, except in short answers.
- Modal verbs are always followed by the base form of the main verb and never change form for person or tense.
- A transitive verb must have a direct object to complete its meaning; an intransitive verb makes sense without one.
Examples in sentences
| Example | How it works |
|---|---|
| The children played football in the park. | Played is an action verb showing physical activity. |
| This soup tastes delicious. | Tastes is a linking verb connecting the subject to an adjective describing it. |
| She has already submitted her assignment. | Has is an auxiliary verb forming the present perfect tense. |
| You must wear a seatbelt in the car. | Must is a modal verb expressing obligation. |
| He kicked the ball across the field. | Kicked is transitive; 'the ball' is its direct object. |
| The baby slept peacefully all night. | Slept is intransitive; the sentence needs no direct object. |
| They were discussing the report when I arrived. | Were is an auxiliary verb forming the past continuous tense. |
Common mistakes
Incorrect: She seems happily today.
Correct: She seems happy today. (Linking verbs take adjectives, not adverbs.)
Incorrect: He can to swim very well.
Correct: He can swim very well. (Modal verbs are followed by the base form, not 'to' + verb.)
Incorrect: They discussed about the plan.
Correct: They discussed the plan. (Discuss is transitive and takes a direct object with no preposition.)
Why this matters for IELTS
Using different kinds of verbs accurately, especially modals for hedging opinions and auxiliaries for varied tenses, directly boosts your Grammatical Range and Accuracy score in IELTS Writing and Speaking. Mixing action verbs with well-placed linking verbs also makes descriptions of processes, charts and opinions more precise and natural, helping examiners see a wider, more controlled range of structures.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main kinds of verbs in English?
The main kinds are action verbs, linking verbs, auxiliary verbs and modal verbs, along with the transitive/intransitive classification based on whether a direct object is needed.
What is the difference between a linking verb and an action verb?
An action verb shows what the subject does, while a linking verb shows a state and connects the subject to a word describing or renaming it, such as 'be', 'seem' or 'become'.
Can a verb be both transitive and intransitive?
Yes, many verbs like 'read', 'eat' or 'write' can be used both ways depending on whether a direct object is included, for example 'She reads' (intransitive) versus 'She reads novels' (transitive).
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