Verb Errors That Lower Your English Score

Mastering verb usage is crucial for achieving a high score in English proficiency tests and for effective communication in general. Verb errors are among the most common mistakes that English learners make, often leading to miscommunication and lower scores.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to identifying and correcting these errors, covering various aspects of verb usage, from subject-verb agreement to tense consistency and beyond. Whether you’re preparing for an English exam or simply aiming to improve your writing and speaking skills, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and practice you need to avoid common verb errors and enhance your overall English proficiency.

This article is designed for English language learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced speakers. It will also benefit teachers looking for resources to help their students improve their grammar skills.

Table of Contents

Definition of Verb Errors

Verb errors occur when verbs are used incorrectly in a sentence. These errors can involve various aspects of verb usage, including subject-verb agreement, tense consistency, incorrect verb forms, misuse of modal verbs, and confusion between gerunds and infinitives.

Recognizing and correcting these errors is essential for clear and accurate communication.

A verb is a word that describes an action, occurrence, or state of being. It is the core of a sentence’s predicate, indicating what the subject does or is.

Verbs change form to indicate tense (past, present, future), aspect (simple, continuous, perfect), mood (indicative, imperative, subjunctive), and voice (active, passive). Errors in any of these areas can lead to confusion and grammatical inaccuracy.

Verb errors can be classified into several categories, each with its own set of rules and patterns. Understanding these categories is the first step towards mastering verb usage.

We will explore these categories in detail in the following sections.

Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject-verb agreement means that the verb in a sentence must agree in number with its subject. If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular.

If the subject is plural, the verb must be plural.

Singular vs. Plural Subjects

A singular subject requires a singular verb, while a plural subject requires a plural verb. This is a fundamental rule of English grammar.

Identifying the subject and determining whether it is singular or plural is the first step in ensuring subject-verb agreement.

For example, “The dog barks” (singular subject, singular verb) versus “The dogs bark” (plural subject, plural verb).

Compound Subjects

A compound subject consists of two or more subjects joined by a conjunction such as “and,” “or,” or “nor.” When the subjects are joined by “and,” the verb is usually plural. However, if the subjects refer to a single entity or idea, the verb is singular.

For example, “John and Mary are going to the party” (plural subject, plural verb). But, “Mac and cheese is my favorite dish” (single entity, singular verb).

Collective Nouns

Collective nouns refer to a group of people or things. They can be singular or plural, depending on whether the group is acting as a single unit or as individual members.

If the group is acting as a single unit, the verb is singular. If the members of the group are acting individually, the verb is plural.

For example, “The team is playing well” (single unit, singular verb). But, “The team are arguing about the strategy” (individual members, plural verb).

Indefinite Pronouns

Indefinite pronouns refer to nonspecific people or things. Some indefinite pronouns are always singular (e.g., “each,” “every,” “someone,” “anyone”), while others are always plural (e.g., “both,” “few,” “several”).

Still others can be singular or plural, depending on the context (e.g., “some,” “any,” “none,” “all”).

For example, “Everyone is invited” (singular indefinite pronoun, singular verb). But, “Both are welcome” (plural indefinite pronoun, plural verb).

Tense Consistency

Tense consistency means maintaining the same verb tense throughout a sentence or paragraph, unless there is a clear reason to change tenses. Shifting tenses unnecessarily can confuse the reader and disrupt the flow of the text.

Simple Tenses

The simple tenses are the simple present, simple past, and simple future. When writing, ensure that the tense used accurately reflects the time frame of the action or event being described.

For example, “I eat breakfast every morning” (simple present). “I ate breakfast yesterday” (simple past). “I will eat breakfast tomorrow” (simple future).

Perfect Tenses

The perfect tenses are the present perfect, past perfect, and future perfect. These tenses indicate that an action has been completed at a specific point in time.

For example, “I have eaten breakfast” (present perfect). “I had eaten breakfast before leaving” (past perfect). “I will have eaten breakfast by the time you arrive” (future perfect).

Progressive Tenses

The progressive tenses, also known as continuous tenses, are the present progressive, past progressive, and future progressive. These tenses indicate that an action is ongoing at a specific point in time.

For example, “I am eating breakfast” (present progressive). “I was eating breakfast when you called” (past progressive). “I will be eating breakfast at 8 AM tomorrow” (future progressive).

Sequence of Tenses

The sequence of tenses refers to the rules governing the relationship between the tense of the main verb and the tense of the verb in a subordinate clause. In general, if the main verb is in the past tense, the verb in the subordinate clause should also be in the past tense.

For example, “I knew that he was coming” (past tense main verb, past tense subordinate verb). “I know that he is coming” (present tense main verb, present tense subordinate verb).

Incorrect Verb Forms

Using the correct verb form is crucial for grammatical accuracy. This includes using the correct form of regular and irregular verbs, as well as auxiliary verbs.

Irregular Verbs

Irregular verbs do not follow the standard pattern of adding “-ed” to form the past tense and past participle. They have unique forms that must be memorized.

For example, the past tense of “go” is “went,” and the past participle is “gone.” Common errors include using “goed” instead of “went” or “gone.”

Regular Verbs

Regular verbs form the past tense and past participle by adding “-ed” to the base form of the verb. While generally straightforward, errors can still occur, such as misspelling the base form or omitting the “-ed” ending.

For example, the past tense of “walk” is “walked.” A common error would be writing “walkt” or “walk.”

Auxiliary Verbs

Auxiliary verbs, also known as helping verbs, are used with main verbs to form different tenses, moods, and voices. Common auxiliary verbs include “be,” “have,” and “do.”

For example, “I am going” (auxiliary verb “am” with main verb “going”). “I have finished” (auxiliary verb “have” with main verb “finished”). Errors often occur in the correct usage of these auxiliary verbs.

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that express possibility, necessity, permission, ability, obligation, or advice. Common modal verbs include can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, and would. Misusing modal verbs can significantly alter the meaning of a sentence.

Each modal verb has specific functions and nuances. For example, can expresses ability or possibility, while must expresses obligation or necessity. Understanding these functions is key to using modal verbs correctly.

Here are some examples of how modal verbs are used:

  • Can: I can swim. (ability)
  • Could: You could try that. (suggestion)
  • May: It may rain later. (possibility)
  • Might: She might be late. (possibility)
  • Must: You must finish your homework. (obligation)
  • Shall: We shall overcome. (determination)
  • Should: You should eat healthy food. (advice)
  • Will: I will go to the store. (future intention)
  • Would: I would like some coffee. (polite request)

Common Errors with Modals

Common errors with modal verbs include using the wrong modal for the intended meaning, using incorrect verb forms after modal verbs, and misusing modal verbs in conditional sentences.

For example, using “can to” instead of “can” is a common mistake. Modal verbs are always followed by the base form of the verb (without “to”).

Another error is using “must to” instead of just “must”.

Gerunds and Infinitives

Gerunds and infinitives are verb forms that function as nouns. A gerund is a verb ending in “-ing” (e.g., “swimming”), while an infinitive is the base form of the verb preceded by “to” (e.g., “to swim”).

Some verbs are followed by gerunds, others by infinitives, and some by either.

Verbs Followed by Gerunds

Certain verbs are always followed by gerunds. These include “enjoy,” “avoid,” “consider,” “finish,” “mind,” “practice,” “suggest,” and others.

For example, “I enjoy swimming” (correct). “I enjoy to swim” (incorrect).

Verbs Followed by Infinitives

Other verbs are always followed by infinitives. These include “agree,” “decide,” “hope,” “learn,” “need,” “offer,” “plan,” “promise,” “want,” and others.

For example, “I want to swim” (correct). “I want swimming” (incorrect).

Verbs Followed by Either

Some verbs can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive, often with a slight difference in meaning. These include “begin,” “continue,” “like,” “love,” “hate,” and “start.”

For example, “I like swimming” (general preference). “I like to swim” (specific intention or occasion).

Active vs. Passive Voice

The active and passive voice are two different ways of structuring a sentence. In the active voice, the subject performs the action.

In the passive voice, the subject receives the action.

Active Voice

In the active voice, the subject performs the action. The structure is Subject + Verb + Object.

For example, “The dog chased the ball” (active voice).

Passive Voice

In the passive voice, the subject receives the action. The structure is Subject + Be Verb + Past Participle + (by + Agent).

For example, “The ball was chased by the dog” (passive voice).

When to Use Passive Voice

The passive voice is often used when the agent performing the action is unknown, unimportant, or obvious. It can also be used to emphasize the action or the recipient of the action.

For example, “The window was broken” (agent unknown). “The report was written by the committee” (agent important, but emphasis on the report).

Examples of Verb Errors

Here are some examples of common verb errors, categorized for clarity. The tables below provide incorrect sentences alongside their corrected versions, highlighting the specific verb error and its correction.

The following table shows examples of subject-verb agreement errors:

Incorrect Correct Explanation
The dogs is barking loudly. The dogs are barking loudly. Plural subject “dogs” requires plural verb “are.”
She don’t like coffee. She doesn’t like coffee. Singular subject “she” requires singular verb “doesn’t.”
My brother and I is going to the park. My brother and I are going to the park. Compound subject joined by “and” requires plural verb “are.”
Each of the students have a book. Each of the students has a book. “Each” is singular and requires the singular verb “has.”
The team are playing well. The team is playing well. When the team acts as a unit, use the singular verb “is.”
The price of the tickets are too high. The price of the tickets is too high. The subject is “price,” which is singular.
There is many reasons to be happy. There are many reasons to be happy. “Reasons” is plural, so “are” is required.
Neither John nor Mary are available. Neither John nor Mary is available. When using “neither/nor”, the verb agrees with the noun closest to it.
Everyone are going to the party. Everyone is going to the party. “Everyone” is a singular indefinite pronoun.
The data is incorrect. The data are incorrect. “Data” is the plural form of “datum”.
Politics is a interesting subject. Politics is an interesting subject. Politics is a singular noun needing a singular verb.
The news are shocking. The news is shocking. News is a singular noun.
Mathematics are difficult. Mathematics is difficult. Mathematics is a singular noun.
Five dollars are too much. Five dollars is too much. Talking about an amount of money.
Two miles are a long distance. Two miles is a long distance. Talking about a distance.
A number of students is present. A number of students are present. “A number of” requires a plural verb.
The number of students is increasing. The number of students is increasing. “The number of” requires a singular verb.
None of the cake are left. None of the cake is left. “None” can be singular or plural, but with an uncountable noun like “cake”, use singular.
Some of the students is absent. Some of the students are absent. “Some” can be singular or plural, but with a plural noun like “students”, use plural.
The committee have met. The committee has met. When the committee is acting as a singular unit, use the singular verb “has.”

The following table illustrates tense consistency errors:

Incorrect Correct Explanation
I went to the store and I will buy some milk. I went to the store and I bought some milk. Maintain past tense consistency.
She is eating dinner when the phone rang. She was eating dinner when the phone rang. Maintain past tense consistency.
By the time you arrive, I will eat dinner. By the time you arrive, I will have eaten dinner. Future perfect tense needed to show completion before a future time.
He said that he will come tomorrow. He said that he would come tomorrow. When the main verb is in the past tense, the subordinate verb should also be in the past tense.
I have seen that movie last year. I saw that movie last year. “Last year” requires the simple past tense.
She has lived here since five years. She has lived here for five years. “For” is used to indicate a duration of time.
I am knowing the answer. I know the answer. “Know” is a stative verb and is not usually used in the continuous form.
He will be graduate next year. He will graduate next year. The correct form is “will + base form of verb”.
I am going to the store yesterday. I went to the store yesterday. “Yesterday” requires the simple past tense.
She is born in 1990. She was born in 1990. Birthdays happened in the past, use the past tense.
He goes to school every day, but yesterday he will stay home. He goes to school every day, but yesterday he stayed home. Maintain past tense consistency.
I will visit Paris next year, and I am so excited! I will visit Paris next year, and I will be so excited! Maintain future tense consistency.
She has been study English for five years. She has been studying English for five years. Correct form of the present perfect continuous tense.
I had finished my homework when my friend calls. I had finished my homework when my friend called. Maintain past tense consistency.
He will be visited his family next month. He will visit his family next month. Correct form of the simple future tense.
She told me that she is happy. She told me that she was happy. Maintain past tense consistency.
By next year, I will finished my degree. By next year, I will have finished my degree. Future perfect tense.
He is working here since 2010. He has been working here since 2010. Present perfect continuous tense.
I am seeing him tomorrow. I will see him tomorrow./I am seeing him tomorrow. Both are acceptable, but the first is more common.
She has went to the store. She has gone to the store. The past participle of “go” is “gone.”

The table below provides examples of incorrect verb forms:

Incorrect Correct Explanation
I have goed to the store. I have gone to the store. Correct past participle of “go” is “gone.”
She swimmed in the pool. She swam in the pool. Correct past tense of “swim” is “swam.”
He is being here for an hour. He has been here for an hour. Use present perfect continuous to describe a state that started in the past and continues to the present.
I seen him yesterday. I saw him yesterday. The past tense of “see” is “saw.”
She has ate all the cookies. She has eaten all the cookies. The past participle of “eat” is “eaten.”
He teached me English. He taught me English. The past tense of “teach” is “taught.”
They have chose the winner. They have chosen the winner. The past participle of “choose” is “chosen.”
We have drove to California. We have driven to California. The past participle of “drive” is “driven.”
She has wrote a letter. She has written a letter. The past participle of “write” is “written.”
He has breaked the window. He has broken the window. The past participle of “break” is “broken.”
I be going to the party. I am going to the party. Need to use the correct form of “to be.”
She has be there before. She has been there before. Need to use the correct past participle of “to be.”
They was happy. They were happy. Plural subjects use “were” in the past tense.
He have a car. He has a car. Singular subjects use “has” in the present tense.
I do can swim. I can swim. Modal verbs do not need “do” as an auxiliary.
She don’t have any money. She doesn’t have any money. Singular subjects use “doesn’t” in the present tense.
We are be going to the store. We are going to the store. Do not use “be” twice in the present continuous tense.
He did went to the party. He went to the party. Do not use “did” with the past tense form of the verb.
They are knows the answer. They know the answer. Use the base form of the verb with plural subjects in the present tense.
I must to study hard. I must study hard. Modal verbs are followed by the base form of the verb without “to.”

The following table shows examples of misuse of modal verbs:

Incorrect Correct Explanation
You can to go now. You can go now. Modal verbs are followed by the base form of the verb without “to.”
He must to study hard. He must study hard. Modal verbs are followed by the base form of the verb without “to.”
I should went there. I should have gone there. Use “should have” + past participle to express regret or advice about the past.
Can I to help you? Can I help you? Modal verbs are followed by the base form of the verb without “to.”
You must to see this movie! You must see this movie! Modal verbs are followed by the base form of the verb without “to.”
I may be can help you. I may be able to help you. Avoid using two modal verbs together.
He will can come tomorrow. He will be able to come tomorrow. Avoid using two modal verbs together.
You must to do your homework. You must do your homework. Modal verbs are followed by the base form of the verb without “to.”
She should to call her mother. She should call her mother. Modal verbs are followed by the base form of the verb without “to.”
They can to speak English fluently. They can speak English fluently. Modal verbs are followed by the base form of the verb without “to.”
I could to have gone to the party, but I didn’t. I could have gone to the party, but I didn’t. After “could have”, use the past participle.
She might to come later. She might come later. Modal verbs are followed by the base form of the verb without “to.”
We shall to overcome. We shall overcome. Modal verbs are followed by the base form of the verb without “to.”
He would to like some coffee. He would like some coffee. Modal verbs are followed by the base form of the verb without “to.”
They will to arrive soon. They will arrive soon. Modal verbs are followed by the base form of the verb without “to.”
I must to remember to buy milk. I must remember to buy milk. Modal verbs are followed by the base form of the verb without “to.”
She should to exercise more. She should exercise more. Modal verbs are followed by the base form of the verb without “to.”
He can to play the guitar. He can play the guitar. Modal verbs are followed by the base form of the verb without “to.”
They may to visit us next week. They may visit us next week. Modal verbs are followed by the base form of the verb without “to.”
You must not to forget your keys. You must not forget your keys. Modal verbs are followed by the base form of the verb without “to.”

Usage Rules for Verbs

Verbs are the backbone of English sentences. Mastering verb usage involves understanding various rules, including:

  • Subject-verb agreement: The verb must agree with the subject in number (singular or plural).
  • Tense consistency: Maintain the same tense throughout a sentence or paragraph, unless there’s a reason to change it.
  • Correct verb forms: Use the correct form of regular and irregular verbs (base form, past tense, past participle).
  • Modal verbs: Use modal verbs correctly to express possibility, necessity, permission, ability, obligation, or advice.
  • Gerunds and infinitives: Use gerunds and infinitives correctly after specific verbs.
  • Active and passive voice: Choose the appropriate voice (active or passive) based on the context and desired emphasis.

These rules are fundamental to writing clear, grammatically correct sentences.

Common Mistakes with Verbs

Even advanced learners make common mistakes with verbs. Here are a few examples:

  • Subject-verb agreement: “The students is studying.” (Incorrect) vs. “The students are studying.” (Correct)
  • Tense consistency: “I went to the store and I will buy milk.” (Incorrect) vs. “I went to the store and I bought milk.” (Correct)
  • Irregular verb forms: “I have goed to the store.” (Incorrect) vs. “I have gone to the store.” (Correct)
  • Modal verbs: “You can to go now.” (Incorrect) vs. “You can go now.” (Correct)
  • Gerunds and infinitives: “I enjoy to swim.” (Incorrect) vs. “I enjoy swimming.” (Correct)

Being aware of these common mistakes can help you avoid them in your own writing and speaking.

Practice Exercises

Test your knowledge with these practice exercises. Identify and correct the verb errors in the following sentences.

Exercise 1: Subject-Verb Agreement

Question Answer
1. The dog and cat is playing together. The dog and cat are playing together.
2. Each of the students have a pencil. Each of the students has a pencil.
3. The team are practicing hard. The team is practicing hard.
4. My family live in New York. My family lives in New York.
5. There is many reasons to be happy. There are many reasons to be happy.

Exercise 2: Tense Consistency

Question Answer
1. I went to the store and I will buy some milk. I went to the store and I bought some milk.
2. She is eating dinner when the phone rang. She was eating dinner when the phone rang.
3. By the time you arrive, I will eat dinner. By the time you arrive, I will have eaten dinner.
4. He said that he will come tomorrow. He said that he would come tomorrow.
5. I have seen that movie last year. I saw that movie last year.

Exercise 3: Incorrect Verb Forms

Question Answer
1. I have goed to the store. I have gone to the store.
2. She swimmed in the pool. She swam in the pool.
3. He is being here for an hour. He has been here for an hour.
4. I seen him yesterday. I saw him yesterday.
5. She has ate all the cookies. She has eaten all the cookies.

Exercise 4: Misuse of Modal Verbs

Question Answer
1. You can to go now. You can go now.
2. He must to study hard. He must study hard.
3. I should went there. I should have gone there.
4. Can I to help you? Can I help you?
5. You must to see this movie! You must see this movie!

Advanced Topics in Verb Usage

For advanced English learners, mastering verb usage involves delving into more complex areas, such as the subjunctive mood, conditional sentences, and nuanced uses of verb tenses. These topics require a deep understanding of grammar and context.

  • Subjunctive Mood: Used to express wishes, suggestions, commands, or hypothetical situations. For example, “I suggest that he be present at the meeting.”
  • Conditional Sentences: Sentences expressing hypothetical situations and their consequences. For example, “If I had known, I would have helped.”
  • Nuanced Tense Usage: Subtle differences in meaning between different verb tenses. For example, the difference between “I have lived here for five years” and “I have been living here for five years.”

Exploring these advanced topics can further refine your English language skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is subject-verb agreement?

Subject-verb agreement means that the verb in a sentence must agree in number with its subject. If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular.

If the subject is plural, the verb must be plural.

What is tense consistency?

Tense consistency means maintaining the same verb tense throughout a sentence or paragraph, unless there is a clear reason to change tenses.

What are modal verbs?

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that express possibility, necessity, permission, ability, obligation, or advice. Common modal verbs include can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, and would.

What are gerunds and infinitives?

Gerunds and infinitives are verb forms that function as nouns. A gerund is a verb ending in “-ing” (e.g., “swimming”), while an infinitive is the base form of the verb preceded by “to” (e.g., “to swim”).

What is the difference between active and passive voice?

In the active voice, the subject performs the action. In the passive voice, the subject receives the action.

Conclusion

Mastering verb usage is essential for clear and effective communication in English. By understanding the rules of subject-verb agreement, tense consistency, correct verb forms, modal verbs, gerunds and infinitives, and active and passive voice, you can avoid common verb errors and improve your overall English proficiency.

Practice regularly and pay attention to the feedback you receive to continue honing your skills.

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