209. A verb is a word which can assert something (usually an action) concerning a person, place, or thing ([§ 14]).
Most verbs express action. Some, however, merely express state or condition. Thus,—
- 1. We jumped for joy.
- Rabbits burrow into the sides of hills.
- 2. While memory lasts, I can never forget you.
- This mountain belongs to the Appalachian range.
A verb-phrase is a group of words that is used as a verb ([§ 15]).
- The leaves are turning.
- The money has been found.
210. Certain verbs, when used to make verb-phrases, are called auxiliary (that is, “aiding”) verbs, because they help other verbs to express action or state of some particular kind ([§ 16]).
The auxiliary verbs are is (are, was, were, etc.), may, can, must, might, shall, will, could, would, should, have, had, do, did.
- I am writing.
- We must go.
- You will fall.
- He has forgotten me.
- We had failed.
- I do see him.
The auxiliary verb may be separated from the rest of the verb-phrase by other words.
- I have always liked him.
- I shall soon send for you.
- Robert was completely bewildered.
- He has hardly ever spoken to me.