Parts of Speech
Verbs
Every complete sentence needs a verb — it tells us what happens or what something is.
Why this happens
Verb problems often come from missing auxiliaries, wrong forms for tense or mood, or two verbs competing in one clause. Under time pressure, writers leave out helping verbs (She going home) or use the base form after a modal (He must goes). Matching the verb to time, certainty, and subject is what markers check first in sentence-level accuracy.
See it in a sentence
IncorrectHe don't agree with the conclusion.
CorrectHe doesn't agree with the conclusion.
Teaching note: Third person singular needs doesn't, not don't.
IncorrectShe can speaks three languages fluently.
CorrectShe can speak three languages fluently.
Teaching note: After a modal (can), use the base verb speak, not speaks.
IncorrectThe results was published last week.
CorrectThe results were published last week.
Teaching note: Results is plural, so use were, not was.
More examples
If I was taller, I would reach the shelf. — If I were taller, I would reach the shelf.
Use were in hypothetical if-clauses (subjunctive) in formal writing: If I were, If he were.
The news surprises everyone, even though the stories seem familiar.
News is singular (surprises); stories is plural (seem) — noun number drives verb form.
Let us consider the evidence before we decide.
Imperatives and lets phrases take base verbs: let us consider, not let us considers.
Not only the cost but also the risks worry investors.
With not only... but also, the verb often agrees with the nearer subject (risks worry).
Quick check
The committee have voted to postpone the meeting.
Show the fix
The committee has voted to postpone the meeting — if acting as one unit. Has matches a singular collective subject in formal usage.
Practice this topic in Wrytesmart
Open the grammar workspace to complete interactive exercises for verbs. You will spot errors, fill blanks, and transform sentences — always with teaching notes that explain the principle, not just the correction.
Master verbs in context
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