6.4: Verbs
- Page ID
- 177463
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Every sentence has to have a main verb. It has to be in the correct form and tense.
A. The Verb BE (am, is, are, was, were) is never used with the base form of the main verb.
- A good student
is always studyfor tests and quizzes. (Incorrect) - A good student always studies for tests and quizzes. (Simple Present)
- A good student is studying. (Present Progressive)
- The president
was takeall of the money from the people. (Incorrect) - The president took all of the money from the people. (Simple Past)
- The president was taking all of the money from the people. (Past Progressive)
B. The verb must be in the correct tense to show when the action happened. Time words and phrases give this information as well.
- Last week the president signed the bill into law.
- In fifty years, we will probably not use cash.
- The students were exercising in the gym when the earthquake hit.