Main Verb: Definition, Examples & Rules | English Grammar
Last Updated: 01 Jul, 2025
Welcome! In this lesson, you'll learn everything you need to know about Main Verbs in English grammar. We'll cover what they are, why they matter, how to use them, and how to avoid common mistakes. You'll also find real-life examples, a quick quiz, and pro tips to help you master this essential grammar topic.
What is a Main Verb?
Main Verb Definition: A Main Verb (also called a lexical verb) is the primary verb in a sentence that expresses the main action, state, or occurrence. It carries the core meaning of the verb phrase and can function independently or with helping verbs.
Why are Main Verbs Important? They are the backbone of every sentence, expressing what the subject does, what happens, or what state exists. Main verbs provide the essential meaning and action in English sentences.
Function in Grammar
Main verbs express the primary action, state, or occurrence in a sentence. They can function independently or be supported by helping verbs to form complete verb phrases. For example:
- I run every morning. (Independent main verb)
- I am running now. (Main verb with helping verb)
Main Verb vs Helping Verb: Main verbs express the core action or state, while helping verbs provide grammatical support.
Types of Main Verbs
| Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Action Verbs | Express physical or mental actions | run, jump, think, write |
| Linking Verbs | Connect subject to complement | be, become, seem, appear |
| Stative Verbs | Express states or conditions | know, love, have, belong |
| Transitive Verbs | Require direct objects | eat, write, read, buy |
| Intransitive Verbs | Don't require direct objects | sleep, arrive, laugh, cry |
Main verbs can be categorized by their function and behavior in sentences.
📌 Main Verb Challenge!
Can you identify which words are main verbs in these sentences?
- I run every morning.
- She writes a letter.
- They are sleeping.
Show Answers
- run (action verb)
- writes (action verb)
- sleeping (main verb with helping verb 'are')
Examples of Main Verbs in Sentences
- I run every morning before work.
- She writes beautiful poetry.
- They are sleeping peacefully.
- He has finished his homework.
- We will travel to Europe next summer.
- She loves chocolate ice cream.
- He knows the answer to that question.
- They arrived late to the meeting.
- I am studying for my exam.
- She becomes angry when stressed.
- He seems tired today.
- We have been waiting for hours.
- They will be arriving tomorrow.
- I think it's a good idea.
- She appears confident in interviews.
Notice how each main verb expresses the core action or state in the sentence.
Main Verbs vs Helping Verbs
Key Differences
| Aspect | Main Verb | Helping Verb |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Expresses core action/state | Provides grammatical support |
| Position | Comes after helping verb | Comes before main verb |
| Meaning | Lexical meaning | Grammatical meaning |
| Independence | Can function alone | Cannot function alone |
| Example | I work. | I am working. |
Main verbs express the core action, while helping verbs provide grammatical support.
Special Rules and Notes
- Independent Function: Main verbs can function independently without helping verbs (I run).
- Verb Forms: Main verbs can change form to show tense, person, and number (run, runs, ran, running).
- Helping Verb Support: Main verbs can be supported by helping verbs to form complex tenses (I am running).
- Multiple Meanings: Many main verbs have multiple meanings depending on context.
- Regular vs Irregular: Main verbs can be regular (add -ed for past) or irregular (change form).
- Transitivity: Main verbs can be transitive (take objects) or intransitive (no objects).
- Voice: Main verbs can be used in active or passive voice.
- Mood: Main verbs can express different moods (indicative, imperative, subjunctive).
Quick Quiz: Spot the Main Verb!
Which words are main verbs in these sentences?
- I run every morning before work.
- She writes beautiful poetry.
- They are sleeping peacefully.
- He has finished his homework.
- We will travel to Europe next summer.
- She loves chocolate ice cream.
- He knows the answer to that question.
- They arrived late to the meeting.
Answers: run, writes, sleeping, finished, travel, loves, knows, arrived
🔧 Sentence Correction Challenge!
Can you spot and fix the mistakes in these sentences?
- I running. (Missing helping verb for continuous tense)
- She writes yesterday. (Incorrect tense)
- They have finish. (Incorrect verb form)
Show Corrected Sentences
- I am running. (Add helping verb for continuous tense)
- She wrote yesterday. (Use past tense)
- They have finished. (Use past participle form)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a main verb?
A main verb is the primary verb in a sentence that carries the main meaning and action. It is also called a lexical verb and expresses the core action, state, or occurrence in the sentence.
What are examples of main verbs?
Examples include run, jump, write, think, create, build, dance, speak, study, cook, solve, win, explore, teach, love, hate, and understand. These verbs carry the main meaning of the sentence.
How do main verbs differ from auxiliary verbs?
Main verbs carry the primary meaning and action (I run fast), while auxiliary verbs help main verbs (I am running). Main verbs can stand alone, auxiliary verbs cannot.
Can a sentence have more than one main verb?
Yes, compound sentences can have multiple main verbs. For example, "I run and she walks" has two main verbs: run and walks.
What is the difference between main verbs and helping verbs?
Main verbs express the primary action or state (I write), while helping verbs assist main verbs (I am writing). Main verbs can function independently.
What are the different types of main verbs?
Main verbs can be action verbs (run, jump), linking verbs (is, become), transitive verbs (write a letter), or intransitive verbs (sleep). They all serve as the primary verb in their sentences.
How do you identify the main verb in a sentence?
Look for the verb that carries the primary meaning. In "She is writing a book," "writing" is the main verb (what she's doing), while "is" is the auxiliary verb (helping to form the tense).
Why are main verbs important?
Main verbs are the backbone of sentences, carrying the essential meaning and action. They are crucial for expressing what happens, what exists, or what changes in our communication.
Conclusion
Understanding main verbs is fundamental to mastering English grammar. These lexical verbs are the heart of every sentence, expressing the core actions, states, and occurrences. Always remember that main verbs can function independently or be supported by helping verbs to create complete verb phrases. Pay attention to how main verbs change form to express different tenses, persons, and numbers. Practice identifying and using them correctly in your writing and speech. The more you practice, the more naturally you'll be able to use main verbs to express yourself clearly and effectively in English!