In the previous lessons, we looked at “be verbs”. Now, we will now look at regular verbs. Sometimes they are called “action verbs”. These verbs show what the subject is doing. You need an “action verb” or “be verb” in every sentence.
Do you remember that “be verbs” change depending on the subject?
Well, action verbs also sometimes change depending on the subject.
So, let’s look at the verb “to eat”. Look at how the verb changes depending on the subject.
- I eat.
- You eat.
- We eat.
- Mark eats.
- He eats.
- Tina eats.
- She eats.
- The dog eats.
- It eats.
- Mark and Tina eat.
- They eat.
- The lions eat.
- They eat.
Notice that if the subject is he, she, it, or one person or animal (not I or You), then we add an “–s” to the end of the verb. Sometimes you need to add “-es” or some other ending, but we will talk about that more in the next lesson.
This is not easy for many new English speakers, but if you practice, then it will become easier and more natural. Soon, you will do it without thinking.
Follow this pattern to make simple sentences with verbs.
Subject + verb + (object/place/time)…
You do not need an object, place, or time in every sentence. And you can use one or all three of them.
- She runs in the morning.
- I like pizza.
- They need water.
- He works downtown.
- We eat pizza at our office on Friday evening.
- Jim exercises in the park every Thursday.
Present tense verbs usually show how often something happens. They are used to tell habits and schedules.
- I exercise three days a week.
- She works every day.
- He visits his family twice a month.
You can add a lot of extra information to the end of a present tense sentence, but the beginning of the sentences are the most important and follow the same pattern.
- I read.
- I read a book.
- I read a funny book.
- I read a funny book with my son.
- I read a funny book with my son every night.
- I read a funny book with my son every night before bed.
- I read a funny book with my son every night before bed because I want to spend time with my son.
Example Sentences
- I like pizza.
- I swim in the swimming pool.
- I study in the library every afternoon.
- I talk to my mom twice a month.
- You work very hard.
- You sleep a lot.
- You eat a lot.
- You study too much.
- We play baseball together every Sunday.
- We work most weekends.
- We cook together on Friday.
- We watch TV together on the weekend.
- He helps his son with his homework.
- He works at a construction company.
- He runs in the park.
- Jon talks too much.
- She listens to music with her MP3 player.
- She watches TV on her smartphone.
- She walks along in the park most evenings.
- Erin cooks dinner with her husband.
- It plays in the garden.
- My cat sleeps on the table.
- The dog chases its tail.
- The computer makes a strange noise.
- They watch their children.
- They fix computers together as a part-time job.
- They work out together at the gym.
- The two men study English together every day.
English Conversation 1
A) My son plays computer games a lot.
B) My son does too. I am worried about him. How are his grades?
A) He studies hard and gets good grades, but he stays in the house all weekend.
B) My son does the same thing.
English Conversation 2
A) My wife exercises every day.
B) That’s amazing. What about you?
A) I only exercise once or twice a week. I am so busy. I feel too tired.
B) I know what you mean. I am the same way.
Practice speaking English and improve your English grammar by finishing the sentences below and then practice making your own sentences. It is the best way to learn English and improve your English fluency fast! Also, do not forget to try using it in real life.
Tip: Say the sentences aloud. This will help you practice speaking English and improve your pronunciation and fluency.
I like _______________.
She likes _______________.
You need _______________.
He needs _______________.
I _______________ every morning.
He _______________ at night.
They _______________ in the park.
I _______________ at home.
