VERB --PLACE OF A VERB IN A SENTENCE --- EXPLANATION WITH EXAMPLES AND EXERCISES

 VERB -- IMPORTANCE

A VERB carries a very important place in a sentence. A sentence simply cannot be without a verb. If a sentence is to be of one word then it is only verb. 

For example : Go . Stop. 

These are complete sentences in themselves. 

A verb can be of one word or it can be more than one words.

A verb that describes the action done by Subject  or describes the subject.

VERB-- AFTER SUBJECT

It is  placed immediately after Subject in a declarative sentence. 

In a negative sentence, a helping verb and 'not', with a change in verb according to the tense is used. 

Helping verb is used in the beginning of the sentence in an interrogative sentence.

A verb in a sentence with an object is called Transitive verb. For example 

John writes a letter.

Here 'John' is subject and 'letter' is Object. It is a transitive verb.

If there is no object in the sentence verb is called intransitive verb. 

He sleeps. 

It is a intransitive verb. 

These verbs are placed  after Subject. 

VERB --IN THE BEGINNING OF THE SENTENCE.

Sometimes to emphasize a particular  action an adverb is written in the beginning of the sentence. With adverb , the helping verb is also written in the beginning of the sentence. 

For example 

 I had hardly  reached the station when the train left. 

It will be written as

Hardly had I reached the station when the train left.

Verb is also used in the beginning of the sentence to emphasize an action. 

For example 

The days are gone when we played footbal. 

It will be written as 

Gone are the days when we played football.

Main verb will be accompanied by the helping verb.

INTERROGATIVE SENTENCES

In interrogative sentences a helping verb is used in the beginning of the sentence like 

Do you know him?

Will you go there? 

In interrogative sentences with 'wh' a helping verb is used after the word with 'wh' like 

Where do you live?

Why did not you come?

In interrogative sentences where 'what' and 'who' are used as Subject complete verb is used after the word with 'wh' like 

What made you sad?

Who helps the poor?

IMPERATIVE SENTENCES

In imperative sentences a verb is placed in the beginning of the sentence. A subject 'you' is persumed  before that. 

Go out. Means

You go out.

A NOUN AS A VERB

A Noun is also used as a verb. 

For example

He siphoned water.

Siphon is a noun but is used here as a verb.

It is placed immediately after the subject.

EXERCISE

Use the following Nouns as verb in sentences.

Chair, Plant, Face,Spring, Head.

1. The secretary in the absence of the  president chaired the meeting.

2. The boy planted a number of saplings in the garden.

3. He faced the challenge bravely.

4. Visualising the impending danger, the woman sprang into action.

5. A very capable and learned gentleman is heading this institution.

Identify verbs in the following paragraph.

A dove was sitting on the bank of a river singing a song. A crow sitting on a nearby tree was listening to her song. He felt jealous. He called the dove and said," People love you very much because your voice is sweet. But your look is very shabby. I also sing sweet but people donot like me. What is the reason? " The dove politely said ," If you stop finding  faults with others, people will like you too."

 

Choose the appropriate verb in the following blanks.

1. If I ....... (was/were) you, I would not have pocketed this insult.

2. A pair of  shoes he purchased yesterday .........(is/are) missing.

3. Neither of the answers he has submitted .........(is/are) correct.

4. Not only the president but also the secretary ........(was/were) absent in the meeting.

5. The students as well the teacher  .........  (was/were) present in the class.

NOUN -- ITS PLACEMENT IN A SENTENCE

 A sentence comprises Subject and Predicate. 

AS SUBJECT AND OBJECT

A noun(or pronoun) is used as a Subject and an Object in a sentence. Predicate includes a finite verb. 

A noun is a doer in case of Subject and a recipient in case of Object. A Noun does the work in case of Subject and receives the fruit of work in case of Object.

For example

John writes a letter. 

John is Subject. He is doing some work. 

John helps Smith.

'Smith' is receiving help. 

'Smith' is Object here.

AS AN ADJECTIVE

A noun can  modify another noun also. It is called a noun adjunct or attributive noun.

 

Like regular adjectives it does not change forms i.e. it does not take comparative or superlative degrees. Example Mango tree, School Bus, Wall paper, Book worm etc.  

These nouns (used as adjectives) are mostly used in singular form e.g.Table cloth, Bed sheet etc. 

These nouns show the purpose e.g. Office table, Water tank etc.

These show type or category : Army man, Sanitory worker etc.

These can be according to origin London bridge, Wall street etc.

These can be according to material used e.g. Paper napkin, Gold ring etc.

These can be according to time Morning walk, Summer vacation etc.

These are according to possession or relation Group photo, Hair pin etc. 

GERUND

'Artificial nouns' i.e.

Gerunds too are used as adjectives. 

For example Running car, Swimming pool etc. 

A Gerund is used as an adjective  with subject as well as Object. 

For example 

A flying squad reached there. 

'Squad' is doing some work. So it is subject case. 'Flying' a Gerund is modifying it.

He stopped the running water.

'Water' is Object  here and 'running' is modifying it i.e. its Adjective.

DIFFERENCE GERUND AND PRESENT PARTICIPLE

 Besides a Gerund, a Present Participle also qualifies a noun. For example:

A swimming person feels light.

Here person is a noun and Swimming is a Gerund qualifying it. A Gerund is acting as an adjective. Person is doing some work it is subject. It is a doer.

A Swimming pool is under construction.

Here 'pool' is a noun and Swimming qualifies it. It acts as an adjective. Here pool is not a doer. Pool is not Swimming. Its quality is Swimming. A pool that is used for Swimming. So its adjective 'Swimming' is present pariciple.

SUBJECT AND OBJECT AS DOER

In active voice subject is the doer and Object is recipent. But sometimes object is also doer. Both subject and Object are doers. 

John saw Smith.

John is subject the doer.

John saw Smith singing.

Here both subject and Object are doers. 

Here present Participle 'singing' is used.

Similarly 

John allowed Smith to go.

In this case both Subject and Object are doers. Both subject and object are doing work. Here infinitive 'to go' is used. Sometimes 'to' is omitted and bare infinitive is used. 

John allowed Smith go.

Here are some examples of Nouns used as adjectives.

Light house, House boat, Rock salt, Sun light, Ship yard, Stone wall, Cricket ball, Rock garden, Flower pot, Day light, Book binder,Battle field, Cow dung, Sun burn, Bathroom, Honey trap, 

CONVERSION OF A SIMPLE SENTENCE INTO A COMPOUND SENTENCE & VICE VERSA

                                              

A Simple sentence contains  a clause and finite verb. A Compound sentence contains a Principal clause and at least one co-ordinate clause. In order to change a Simple sentence into a Compound sentence a word or a phrase in a simple sentence is expanded into a co-ordinate clause. A conjunction according to the meaning and sense of the sentence is used while making a compound sentence. 

A compound sentence contains an independent clause. It may contain one or more co-ordinate clauses. The main conjunctions used while making a complex sentence are And, But, So, Or, Nor, Otherwise, Else, Not only....but also, Either....or, Niether....nor etc.

EXAMPLES

Despite hard work, he failed.

He worked hard but he failed. 

In the first sentence, the phrase 'Despite hard work' has been changed to a clause 'He worked hard' and a conjunction 'but' has been added. 

Walk fast to reach in time.

Walk fast otherwise you will be late. The infinitive 'to reach' has been expanded to a clause  'you will be late' conjunction is 'otherwise'.

There are more than one co-ordinate clauses also used in the sentence. 

Going around the fair, meeting with her friends, she felt very happy.

She went around the fair, she met with her friends and she felt very happy.

CONVERSION OF A COMPOUND SENTENCE INTO A SIMPLE SENTENCE

Similarly a compound sentence can be changed into a simple sentence. A compound sentence has a Principal clause and one or more co-ordinate clauses. A co- ordinate clause is changed into phrase etc. 

He is hard of hearing so he cannot hear well.

Being hard of hearing he cannot hear well.

A clause 'He is hard of hearing' has been changed to 'Being hard of hearing'.

He is very intelligent and he is hard working also.

Besides being intelligent he is hard working  also.

EXERCISE

 Change the following simple sentences into compound sentences.

1. Being busy in the office I could not attend the function.

2. Besides being an athlete he is a swimmer also.

3. Inspite of trying hard he could not get the job.

4. He must work hard to clear his examination.

5. Mohan was punished for his carelessness.

ANSWERS

1. I was busy in the office so I could not attend the function.

2. He is not only an athlete but also a swimmer.

3. He tried hard but he could not get the job.

4. He must work hard otherwise he will not clear his examination.

5. Mohan was careless so he was punished.

CONVERSION OF A COMPLEX SENTENCE INTO A SIMPLE SENTENCE

 

A sentence generally consists of a Subject, Verb and Object. Sometimes object is missing. But verb is an essential part of the sentence. A sentence cannot be without a verb. Only A verb too can form a complete sentence. Start. This is a complete sentence.

Sentences are usually of three types, Simple, Complex and Compound sentence. 

A simple sentence can be changed into a complex sentence and vice versa without changing its sense and meaning.

A complex sentence can be changed into a simple sentence in the following manners. 

BY USING AN INFINITIVE

A complex sentence can be changed into a simple sentence by replacing a clause of the sentence by an infinitive. 

He wanted that I should teach him.

He wanted me to teach him.

She expected that I should help her.

She expected me to help her.

BY USING A PRESENT PARTICIPLE

A  complex sentence can be changed into a simple sentence by using a Present Participle   in place of a clause in the sentence . 

He fell down when he was crossing the road.

While crossing the road he fell down.

He started doing his job when he was studying.

While studying he started doing his job.

BY USING A PAST PARTICIPLE

A  complex sentence can be changed into a simple sentence by using a Past Participle   in place of a clause in the sentence . 

He heaved a sigh of relief after he received his payment.

Having received his payment he heaved a sigh of relief.

He surrendered after he was defeated in the battle.

Defeated in the battle he surrendered.

BY USING A NOUN

A  complex sentence can be changed into a simple sentence by substituting a noun in place of a clause in the sentence.

He was rewarded as he acted bravely.

He was rewarded for his act of bravery.

The meeting was adjourned as they could not decide anything.

The meeting was adjourned without

 any decision. OR

They adjourned the meeting without taking any decision.

The Principal stressed that the premises should be clean.

The Principal stressed on cleanliness of the premises.

BY USING A GERUND

A  complex sentence can be changed into a simple sentence by substituting a gerund in place of a clause in the sentence.

He started shouting when he  saw fire in the store.

Seeing fire in the store he started shouting.

He cited so many examples while he explained his point of view.

Citing so many examples he explained his point of view.

EXERCISE ONE

1. A person who is hard-working and intelligent never fails.

2. What he said was true.

3. Pay attention to what I say.

4. He has no suggestion that he can offer.

5. I get up when the sun rises.

6. When the cat is away the mice will play.

7. I wish that he should succeed.

8. The person who wears a crown is sure to lie uneasy.

9. As soon as he arrived all stood up.

10. I donot know who wrote this book.

Exercise TWO

1. He was retired from his service when he turned sixty.

2. The driver applied brakes when he saw a child coming towards his vehicle.

3. India turned down the request of America as it was not acceptable.

4. The Minister left for Rajghat after he took the oath.

5. He left India when he was fifteen.

6. The fox started praising the crow when she saw a piece of cheese in its mouth.

7. He was scared when he saw a snake in the garden.

8. The judge adjourned the court after he delivered  his judgement.

9. No one knows who he is.

10. Can you tell me which road leads to the station?

ANSWERS

EXERCISE ONE

1. A hard-wotking and intelligent person never fails.

2. He said truth.

3. Attend to my saying.

4. He has no suggestion to offer.

5. I get up at the sun- rise.

6. In the absence of cat the mice will play.

7. I wish him to succeed.

OR I wish him success.

8. The person wearing a crown is sure to lie uneasy.

9. On his arrival all stood up.

10. I donot know the writer of this book.

EXERCISE TWO

1. On turning sixty he was retired from his service.

2. Seeing the child coming to his vehicle the driver applied brakes.

3. It being not acceptable India turned down the request of America.

4. Taking the oath the minister left for Rajghat.

5. He left India at the age of fifteen.

6. Seeing a piece of cheese in its mouth the fox started praising the crow.

7. He was scared on seeing a snake in the garden.

8. After delivering his judgement the judge adjourned the court.

9. No one knows him.

10. Can you tell me the road leading to the station?

CONVERSION OF SIMPLE SENTENCE INTO COMPLEX SENTENCE

Sentences  are of three types Simple, Complex and Compound sentences.

These forms of sentences are used in the language according to convenience and part of speech to be stressed in a particular situation.

In ordinary language simple sentences as well as other forms of sentences are used. 

The structure of a simple sentence is generally a Subject Verb and Object. Sometimes the object is missing.

Boys fly kites. 'Boys' is subject, 'fly' is a verb and 'kites' object. Sometimes the sentence is without any object. Boys laugh. 'Boys' is Subject and 'laugh' is a verb.

Verb is the main part of the sentence as without a verb a sentence is not possible. Though a verb only can form a sentence. Run. Only one word 'Run' can suffice the purpose of a sentence.

Verbs are Finite and Infinite verbs.

A finite verb changes with person, number and gender of the subject. But an infinite verb does not change with these changes. Infinite verbs are Gerund, Infinitive and Present Participle and Past Participle. 

A finite verb is necessary for forming a sentence. A sentence is generally in active form. For an active form sentence a finite verb is necessary to convert it into a passive form. Sentences can be active or passive according to verb used in them. Sometimes a sentence is in active form but its sense is in passive form.

 For example : 

Boys fly kites in the sky.

(Active form)

Kites are flown in the sky by boys. 

(Passive form)

Kites fly in the sky.

(Active form but sense passive).

CONVERSION FROM SIMPLE INTO COMPLEX FORM

BY CHANGING A GERUND TO A CLAUSE.

A simple sentence contains one clause whereas a complex sentence contains one or more than one clauses. For changing a simple into a complex sentence we have to increase its clauses from one to more than one.

A hunter shot at the flying bird.

This sentence contains one clause. It has one finite verb in it i.e. 'shot'.

The hunter shot at the bird which was flying.

This sentence has two clauses and two finite verbs i.e. 'shot' and 'flying'.

In first sentence 'flying' is non finite verb i.e. Gerund. It has been changed into a clause in the second sentence.

So a simple sentence can be changed into complex one by changing a Gerund used in it.

BY CHANGING A PAST PARTICIPLE INTO A CLAUSE.

A simple sentence can be changed into a complex one by changing a Past Participle used in it to a clause.

The carpenter repaired the broken chair. 

This is a simple sentence and it contains one verb repaired and a Past Participle broken. If the Past Participle broken is changed into a clause it will become a complex sentence.

The carpenter repaired a chair which was broken.

In this sentence there are two finite verbs 'repaired' and 'broken'. It has two clauses so it is a complex sentence. 

BY CHANGING AN INFINITIVE TO A CLAUSE

An infinitive in a sentence can be changed into a clause to make a simple sentnce a complex sentence. 

His mother asked him to go to the market.

His mother asked him that he should go to the market,

Here infinitive to go is changed to a clause that he should go to.

For joining the two clauses together a conjunction that has been used. 

You wanted me to join the party.

You wanted that I should join the party.

BY CHANGING A NOUN TO A CLAUSE

A simple sentence containing a noun can be changed into a complex sentence by making a clause of the noun.

We discussed the matter on his departure.

Here departure is a noun of verb depart. This noun will be changed into a clause. 

We discussed the matter when he departed.

To put both the clauses together a conjunction when is added to the sentence.

The meeting started on the arrival of the president.

The meeting started when the president arrived. 

BY CHANGING A PARTICIPLE TO A CLAUSE

A participle in a sentence can be changed into a clause.

Enraged over his remarks he left the meeting.  OR

He enraged over his remarks left the meeting.

As he was enraged over his remarks he left the meeting.

Because he was enraged over his remarks he left the meeting.

OR

He left the meeting as he was enraged over his remarks.

He left the meeting because he was enraged over his remarks.

BY ADDING A CLAUSE OF OWN

A simple sentence can be changed into a complex one by adding a clause of own.

The man guarding at the gate did not allow him entry.

The man who was guarding at the gate did not allow him entry.

Those living in glass houses should not throw stones at others.

Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones at others.

The man helping me is my teacher.

The man who is helping me is my teacher.

EXERCISE ONE

1. While walking on the road, he found a purse.

2. We should help the needy person.

3. By taking some medicine you will feel better.

4. Feeling sick he did not go to his office yesterday.

5. Drenched in rain I felt cold.

6. He did not want me to share the details.

7. They grew suspicious on his abrupt departure.

8. During my visit to them I enjoyed their company very much.

9. He wanted to communicate with you.

10. On attaining the age of five he went to school.

EXERCISE TWO

1. Taking overripe fruit is injurious to health.

2. He grew old with the passage of time.

3. Barking dogs seldom bite.

4. Fearing his defeat he did not participate in the competition.

5. The machinery  worn out in the second year.

6.Encouraged by good results, he started his new term enthusiastically.

7. Failing to get good marks he could not get admission.

8. He was sitting on a wooden chair.

9. She wanted me to participate in the competetion.

10. I saw him swimming across the river.

ANSWERS

EXERCISE ONE

1. While he was walking on the road, he found a purse.

2. We should help the person who is in need.

3. If you take  some medicine you will feel better.

4. As he was feeling sick, he did not go to his office yesterday.

5. As I was drenched in rain, I felt cold.

6. He did not want 

 that I should share the details.

7. They grew suspicious when he departed abruptly.

8. I enjoyed their company very much when I visited them.

9. He wanted that he should communicate with you.

10. He went to school when he attained the age of five.

EXERCISE TWO

 1. If fruit are taken overripe, these are injurious to health.

2. As  time passed on

 he grew old.

 3. The dogs which bark seldom bite.

4. He did not participate in the competition as he feared his defeat.

5. As the second year was on the machinery worn out.

6. He started his new term enthusiastically

 as he was encouraged by good results.

7. He could not get admission because he failed to get good marks.

8. He was sitting on a chair which is made of wood.

9. She wanted that I participate in the competetion.

10. I saw him while he was swimming across the river.