Identifying verbs
It is not always possible to identify a verb by its form. However, some word-endings (suffixes) can show that the word is probably a verb.
suffix | examples |
-ate | appreciate, celebrate, congratulate |
-en | frighten, soften, widen |
-ify | identify, specify, qualify |
-ise/-ize* | realise, recognise, modernize |
*Both forms are used, but the -iseform is more common in British English and the -izeform is more common in American English.
Typical verb prefixes
Verbs often also have these typical prefixes.
prefix | examples |
ad- | adapt, admit, advance |
de- | deceive, deform, describe |
im-/in- | impose, increase, inform |
per- | perform, persuade, perceive |
re- | recall, receive, reproduce |
However, some words beginning with these prefixes may belong to other word classes (e.g.increase[noun],reception[noun]). A good learner’s dictionary will tell you whether a word is a verb.
Verbs sometimes have the same form as nouns or adjectives.
Verbs related to nouns
Could youhandme the dictionary?
We shouldpositionthe noticeboard where everyone can see it.
I’llemailSally to see if she is free on Thursday.
Verbs related to adjectives
I needed tocalmmy nerves before the interview.
The government hopes toslowthe growth in road traffic over the next five years.
As they get older, most people’s hair starts tothin.
Compound verbs
Compound verbs are two words which combine to make one meaning. The first word is usually a noun, an adjective or a preposition, and the second word is a verb. The words are sometimes written as one word and sometimes joined by hyphens. A good learner’s dictionary will tell you how the compound is normally written:
hand-wash (noun + verb)
highlight (adjective + verb)
overcome (preposition + verb)
Sorry, I wasdaydreaming. What did you say?
Do you have tohand-washthis sweater or can it go in the washing machine?
The airlineupgradedme to business class.
Compound verbs are much less common than compound nouns or compound adjectives.