1. VERBS Verbs are different from most other parts of speech because they change their form. Verbs must match the PERSON or subject of the sentence and the time of the action or state of being. The time part of the form a verb takes is called its TENSE. Verbs in sentences about things that are happening now are in the PRESENT TENSE..

2. VERBS A verb is an action word. A verb tells what the subject does, is, or what happens to it. (Ask: what is subject doing? Answer: a verb.) Example 1 --"Kayla smiled at the teacher.” smiled - tells what the subject (Kayla) did Example 2 --"Sam listens to the teacher.” listens - tells what subject (Sam) is doing. Example 3 --"Maria was lost in the woods.” was lost - tells what happens to subject (Maria).

3. VERB TENSE Tense denotes the time of the action indicated by a verb. The time is not always the same as that indicated by the name of the tense.

4. VERB TENSE EXAMPLES  Verbs in sentences that are happening now are in the PRESENT TENSE. I watch videos after school. Mary watches videos after school. Mary runs in the park.

5. PAST TENSE  Past tense expresses action completed at a definite time in the past.  Examples: He wrote the letter yesterday. She lived to be 90 years old.

6. FUTURE TENSE Future tense expresses action which will take place in the future. It uses the helping verbs will or shall* and the present tense form of the verb). Examples: He will send the letter tomorrow. I shall wait here until you return. * Traditionally, shall is used for 1 st person and will for 2 nd and 3 rd persons.

7. VERB TENSE  Example of present tense verbs:  Today I dance Jessica dances with Kent. Jessica dances with me. We all dance together.  Example of past tense verbs: (change from present to past by adding - ed:) Yesterday I danced. Kent danced with Jessica.Jessica danced with me. We all danced together.  Changing verbs from present to past - (verbs that don't add -ed): I run, we runI ran, you ran he cameI came, you came she did I did, they didI went, you went he went I gave, you gave he gave I come, you come she does

8. IRREGULAR VERBS  Irregular verbs can form their past tense and past participle forms in various way.  These forms cause even native speakers problems.  The most irregular verb of all is the verb to be.  Another irregular verb that is important for its use with other verbs is the verb to have.

9. PRACTICE  Choose the letter that tells the tense of each underlined verb. 1. Buster likes these kitty treats. a. past b. present c. future 2. I studied for the test for two hours. a. pastb. present c. future 3. The flowers in Mom’s garden grow very tall. a. pastb. present c. future 4. Carlos waved goodbye to Mary. a. pastb. present c. future 5. We will spend the summer at the beach. a. pastb. present c. future