Fast and Easy Way To Learn About Verbs For the CSET

Are you studying for the CSET Multiple Subjects or CSET English test? If so, you should know what verbs are. The format of this lesson will be to first review verbs, watch a few videos on verbs, and finally to take a CSET practice test on verbs. The answer key will follow at the end of this lesson.

A verb usually denotes an action (bring, read), an occurrence (decompose, glitter), or a state of being (exist, stand).

Examples

1. The students read all their books.
The verb is “read”.

2. “You Jerk!” Fran replied as she ran out the door.
The verbs are “replied” and “ran”.

Compound Verbs

A compound verb is an auxiliary verb (helping verb) and another verb in order to create many of the tenses (past, present, future) available in English.

Examples

1. Frank flew around the world in 1963, but his diaries were destroyed.
The compound verb is “were destroyed”. The compound verb is made up of the auxiliary “were” and the past participle “destroyed”.

2. They will meet us at the newest restaurant at the corner.
The compound verb is “will meet”. The compound verb is made up of the auxiliary verb “will” and the verb “meet”.

3. The magazine Tim was looking for is under the desk.
The compound verb is “was looking”. The compound verb is made up of the auxiliary verb “was” and the present participle “looking”.

Transitive Verbs

A transitive verb is an action verb that must have a direct object to complete its meaning in