Is the word is always a verb

In this post, we have learned that the word is a verb and functions solely as a verb to describe a state of being or existence. Is is a verb. Is can also be a helping verb.

Can an adverb be placed before a verb?

Adverbs of manner – position Adverbs of manner are usually placed after the main verb. He swims fast. It is possible to place the adverb before the verb. This places emphasis on the adverb.

In an immediate manner; instantly or without delay. “I hope we can begin immediately.”

What is the word that comes right before adverb?

Just before, immediately before We can use adverbs such as just, immediately, shortly and long, and expressions involving words such as days, weeks, months, years in front of before: We got home just before it rained.

What type of word always comes before the main verb?

Auxiliary verbs

What means aux?

auxiliary port

What is an AUX cable?

A 3.5mm aux cable is a standard for stereo input and output. It can be used with a compatible jack or auxiliary input to link an audio source to your vehicle’s stereo system.

Is 3.5 mm same as aux?

The construction of the aux connector and the headphone jack is often the same: 3.5mm (1/8″) TRS. However, the “auxiliary connector” is universal for audio while the “headphone jack” is, by its name, suited for headphones.

How do I know if I have 3.5 mm jack?

All plugs have at least a Tip and Sleeve. It is the number of Rings that differentiate them. If the plug only has one ring, it is a 3 conductor plug or a TRS connector. If it has two rings, it is a 4 conductor plug or a TRRS connector.

Are all 3.5 mm jacks the same?

Brief Description. Now-a-days 3.5mm is the universal audio jack size to be found in Smartphones, PC and Laptops. There are different types of 3.5mm audio jack available with different application like TS, TRS, and TRRS, but the most common that we see in daily life is TRS and TRRS.

Is LINE IN SAME AS aux?

AFAIK, line level refers to voltage/power while AUX refers to functionality of the box they’re on (auxiliary inputs, supplemental of the “normal” ones). AUX inputs are generally line level, but could be speaker level too… On many devices, they would tend to mean the same thing.

Can you use a headphone jack as a line in?

there is ZERO chance of using a headphone OUTPUT as an INPUT. generally all inputs can not be used as outputs and all outputs can not be used as inputs. the only exceptions are hdmi (arc) and on some soundcards which are wired to allow for port swapping.

Is Aux input line level?

Aux-level is near to line-level, but aux-level inputs and outputs are nearly always unbalanced, using RCA connectors or 1/4″ phone plugs. Microphones will not operate properly if connected to aux inputs. There are also devices called Mic preamplifiers or Mic-to-Line amplifiers.

Can we connect MIC to AUX?

A high impedance, non-balanced mic can be plugged into a Aux Input. But the pre-amp is not designed for such a low output device, so while you might get some signal, it will be weak and noisy. Aux Inputs are typically -10 decibel Line Level inputs (consumer).

Can we connect mic to home theater?

So, how do you connect a microphone to a home theater? Your AV receiver will most likely have a “mic in” slot, and all you need to do is plug it in. Failing that, you can always connect a microphone through your computer. Just make sure that your speakers are turned off before you plug anything in.

Can I use home theater speakers for karaoke?

It is generally recommended not to use Home theatre Speakers for Karaoke as the signal from microphones can damage them. It depends how loud you might sing, in the party atmosphere you might easily overload them. I would recommend getting an Active PA Speaker setup solely for your karaoke.

How do I choose karaoke speakers?

How to Choose a Karaoke Speaker

1. Sound.
2. Portability. If you’re just going to be using your karaoke speakers at home, then portability is not as much of an issue.
3. connectivity. There are several connections to consider when thinking about your speakers.
4. Extra features.

Do I need amplifier for karaoke?

Individuals operating karaoke equipment may use a conventional musical amplifier, but a device designed especially for karaoke offers portability, may have multiple functions, and comes equipped with extra operating features.

What is needed for karaoke system?

An all-in-one karaoke machine includes microphones, speakers, a mixing board, a preamp, a microphone, a speaker stand, and other accessories in an integrated system.

Recently, I have received a number of questions about the word is. Is is a verb? Is it a preposition? Is it a noun? What exactly is its function in a sentence?

In this post, I will cover everything you need to know about this word and its function in the English sentence. After reading this article, you won’t ever again wonder to yourself, “Is the word is a verb?”

To see the various kinds of verbs in English, see here.

The State of Being Verbs

Is is a verb? Is is what is known as a state of being verb. State of being verbs do not express any specific activity or action but instead describe existence. The most common state of being verb is to be, along with its conjugations (is, am, are, was, were, being, been).

As we can see, is is a conjugation of the verb be. It takes the third person singular present form.

• I am. First person singular present.
• You are. Second person singular present.
• He is. Third person singular present.

It can take a bit of practice to spot state of being verbs because they aren’t action oriented and they are wildly irregular in their conjugations. By comparison, look at the verb hit.

• I hit the ball.
• You hit the ball.
• He hit the ball.

Look at how much easier that is than the verb be.

• I am.
• You are.
• He is.

Despite the confusing nature of the verb to be, it is incredibly important to understand how it works with all of its conjugations because it is probably the most common verb in the English language.

Think about how many times you say, I am hungry, I am happy, We are ready to go, etc. To be is a very popular verb that is used all of the time.

Don’t Verbs Describe Action?

Now, you might be thinking to yourself, “I thought verbs described action.”

• John hit the ball.
• Suzy drives the car.
• She ran across the finish line.

These are all words that describe an action; they describe something that a person can do. I can drive the car. I can hit the ball.

So, how can is be a verb? What action is taking place?

Verbs describe more than just action: While it’s true that verbs can describe action, they can also describe existence or occurrence, where there might not be any action taking place.

As I said above, verbs can describe a state of being, or mere existence. There is no overt or positive action taking place when you say I am or He is.

These verbs are describing your mere existence, but they are verbs nonetheless.

Is as a Helping Verb

Is is a helping verb? The verb be and its conjugations, is, am, are, etc., are primary helping verbs. This means that they can stand alone in a statement, and they can be used as a helping verb. For example,

• He is.

This statement has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. In this example, is is the main verb.

But, if we look at another sentence, we can see that is can also be a helping verb.

• He is running a marathon.
• The All England Club also announced Tuesday that it is increasing spending to fight match-fixing and doping, although it provided no figures. –The New York Times

In this example, is is paired with the verb running and is working as a helping verb.

Is can be paired with all kinds of verbs to act as a helping verb.

• Is running.
• Is singing.
• Is laughing.
• Is writing.

For more information on helping verbs, see our full helping verbs page.

Summary: Is is a verb?

Is is a verb or a noun? Is it a preposition? In this post, we have learned that the word is a verb and functions solely as a verb to describe a state of being or existence.

• Is is a verb.
• Is can also be a helping verb.

Adverbs of Frequency

Always, usually, normally, generally, often, frequently, sometimes, occasionally, seldom, hardly ever, rarely, and never.

These are all adverbs and they describe how frequently we do an activity or the frequency of habits.

These are called Adverbs of Frequency or more specifically Adverbs of Indefinite Frequency. (Indefinite because it is NOT a specific frequency like three times a week, once a month, etc.)

To help you understand when to use each adverb of frequency, I will add some approximate numbers (percentages of frequency or possibility of it happening) to give you a general idea of the frequency associated with each adverb.

• 100% always
• 90% usually
• 80% normally / generally
• 70% often / frequently
• 50% sometimes
• 30% occasionally
• 10% seldom
• 5% hardly ever / rarely
• 0% never

IMPORTANT: The percentages that appear on the left are only approximate numbers to give you a general idea of the frequency associated with each adverb.

Let’s look at each adverb of frequency more in detail…

ALWAYS

When something happens 100% of the time, we use the adverb ALWAYS.

• I always brush my teeth at night.

This means that without exception 100% of the time I will brush my teeth at night before going to bed.

NEVER

What is the opposite of ALWAYS? … NEVER, which is 0% of the time.

• Vegetarians never eat meat.

This means there is a zero percent possible of this happening. The frequency is zero.

SOMETIMES

What adverb do we use when something happens half the time and the other half of the time it doesn’t happen?

When something has about a 50% frequency of happening. We use the adverb SOMETIMES.

• I sometimes sing in the shower.

This means half the time I am in the shower I sing, and half the time I don’t sing… I sometimes sing in the shower.

HARDLY EVER / RARELY

What can we use if we almost never do something? It’s not zero percent but maybe 5% possibility of it happening.

In this case we use the adverbs HARDLY EVER or RARELY.

• I hardly ever get angry.

OR you can say…

• I rarely get angry

They both mean the same thing.
This means there is a VERY small chance of it happening but it is almost never.

I hardly ever get angry. It usually only happens if you steal my chocolate from the fridge. Other than that, nothing else annoys me.

Let’s quickly look at the other adverbs of frequency.

USUALLY

USUALLY is when something happens around 90% of the time. It is almost always.

• I usually walk to work.

Yes, I live close to my place of work so I usually walk there.

NORMALLY / GENERALLY

NORMALLY or GENERALLY happen around 80% of the time.

• I normally get good marks.

Yes, about 80% of the time my marks are good, the rest of the time… they are excellent!

OFTEN / FREQUENTLY

When something has a frequency of around 70%, we use the adverbs OFTEN or FREQUENTLY

OFTEN can be pronounced two ways:

• By pronouncing the T … “OFTEN” … or
• By not pronouncing the T …”OFFEN” (Never write “Offen”)

Both forms are correct and depend on where you live.

Our examples of these adverbs are:

• I often read in bed at night.

which is the same as:

• I frequently read in bed at night.

The adverb OFTEN is more common than using the word FREQUENTLY.

OCCASIONALLY

The adverb Occasionally is at about 30% frequency.

• I occasionally go to bed late.

Yes, this happens on Friday and Saturday night. I occasionally go to bed late.

SELDOM

And the adverb Seldom is at around 10% frequency.

• I seldom add salt to my food.

Which means it is not common or not often that I add salt.

The adverbs Seldom, hardly ever, rarely, and never all have a negative meaning.

Adverbs of Frequency – Word Order

Let’s look at word order when we use adverbs of frequency.

In general, the adverb of frequency goes before the main verb.

The order is: Subject + Adverb + Main Verb

Let’s look at this sentence…

• I read in bed at night.

If I want to let you know about the frequency I do this, the frequency that I read in bed, then I need to use an adverb.

The main verb is READ, so we put the adverb before the verb READ…

• I often read in bed at night.

Another example:

• Daniel always passes his exams.

The main verb is PASSES so we put the adverb before it.

• They never speak Spanish in class.

The main verb is SPEAK so the adverb of frequency goes before it.

Adverbs of Frequency – Word Order with Auxiliary Verbs

When there is an auxiliary verb such as has, have, must, might, will, can, should, would, etc. followed by a main verb, then the adverb goes between them both.

Subject + Auxiliary Verb + Adverb + Main Verb

• I have done my homework.

HAVE is the auxiliary verb and DONE is the main verb so we put the adverb of frequency in the middle:

• I have always done my homework.

You can see it is the same rule as before, the adverb goes before the main verb. Just remember to put it after the auxiliary verb.
Look at this sentence:

• Susan has lived in New York.

HAS is the auxiliary verb and LIVED is the main verb so we put the adverb of frequency in the middle:

• Susan has always lived in New York.

Look at this example:

• I have never eaten dog food.

The adverb NEVER goes between the auxiliary verb HAVE and the main verb EATEN.

• I have never eaten dog food… that I know of.

Adverbs of Frequency – Word Order with TO BE

Of course in English there is always an exception and this happens with the verb TO BE.

When we want to use an adverb with the verb TO BE, then the order is:

Subject + TO BE + Adverb

Look at this sentence:

• I am busy at work.

AM is a form, or conjugation, of the verb TO BE so we put the adverb after it.

• I am normally busy at work.

We cannot say “I normally am busy at work.” NO, this is NOT correct.

• He is always happy.

Again, the adverb is after the form of To Be.

• They are sometimes late.

The adverb SOMETIMES comes after the verb ARE which is a form of TO BE.

Adverbs of frequency at the beginning of a sentence

We have just seen the common position of adverbs of frequency within a sentence.

But, it is also possible to place SOME adverbs at the beginning of a sentence.

These adverbs include: usually, normally, frequently, generally, occasionally, and sometimes.

Look at these examples:

• Occasionally I have pancakes for breakfast.

OR you can put the adverb between the subject and main verb:

• I occasionally have pancakes for breakfast.

Both sentences are correct.

• Normally our English class is in the morning.
• Sometimes they take a bus to work.

But be careful with always, hardly ever, seldom, rarely, and never …. Do NOT put them at the beginning of the sentence.

• Always I get up early.  This is NOT correct.

We need to put ALWAYS before the main verb…

• I always get up early. (CORRECT)

The exception to this is when we are using ALWAYS or NEVER in the IMPERATIVE to give orders or instructions.
We will see more about this in another lesson.

Next activity

You might want to watch our other video about Adverbs of DEFINITE frequency.

Summary Chart

I hope you found this English lesson about adverbs of frequency useful. If you did, please let other people know about us!

Have an awesome day!

Lesson tags: Adverbs, Adverbs of Frequency, Word Order

Back to: English Course > Adverbs in English

What is a verb?

Physical Verbs – Definition and Examples

Physical verbs are action verbs. They describe specific physical actions. If you can create a motion with your body or use a tool to complete an action, the word you use to describe it is most likely a physical verb. For example, Joe sat in his chair, the dog breathes quickly after she chases her ball, and should we vote in the election? Even when the action isn’t very active, if the action is done by the body or a tool, consider it a physical verb.

Physical Verb Examples

The physical verb examples in the following sentences are in bold for easy identification.

• Let’s run to the corner and back.
• I hear the train coming.
• Call me when you’re finished with class.

Mental Verbs – Definition and Examples

Mental verbs have meanings that are related to concepts such as discovering, understanding, thinking, or planning. In general, a mental verb refers to a cognitive state.

Mental Verb – Definition and Examples

Mental verbs have meanings that are related to concepts such as discovering, understanding, thinking, or planning. In general, a mental verb refers to a cognitive state.

Mental Verb Examples

The mental verb examples in the following sentences are in bold for easy identification.

• I know the answer.
• She recognized me from across the room.
• Do you believe everything people tell you?

States of Being Verbs – Definition and Examples

Also known as linking verbs, state of being verbs describe conditions or situations that exist. State of being verbs are inactive since no action is being performed. These verbs, forms of to be, such as am, is, are, are usually complemented by adjectives.

States of Being Verb Examples

The state of being verbs in the following sentences are in bold for easy identification.

• I am a student.
• We are circus performers.
• Please is quiet.

Types of Verbs

There are many types of verbs. In addition to the main categories of physical verbs, mental verbs, and state of being verbs, there are several other types of verbs. In fact, there are more than ten different types of verbs that are grouped together by function.

List of all Verb Types

Action Verbs

Action verbs express specific actions and are used any time you want to show action or discuss someone doing something.  It’s important to remember that the action does not have to be physical.

Action verb examples:

1. Run
2. Dance
3. Slide
4. Jump
5. Think
6. Do
7. Go
8. Stand
9. Smile
10. Listen.

The action verb examples in the following sentences are in bold for easy identification.

I run faster than David.

He does it well.

She thinks about poetry all day long

Transitive Verbs
Transitive verbs are action verbs that always express doable activities that relate or affect someone or something else. These other things are generally direct objects, nouns or pronouns that are affected by the verb, though some verbs can also take an indirect object, such as show, take, and make. In a sentence with a transitive verb, someone or something receives the action of the verb.

Transitive verb examples:

1. Love
2. Respect
3. Tolerate
4. Believe
5. Maintain.

The transitive verb examples in the following sentences are in bold for easy identification.

Gary ate the cookies.

The transitive verb is ate, Gary is the subject, because it is Gary who is doing the eating, and the cookies are the direct object, because it is the cookies that are being eaten. Other examples:

He kicked John.

John punches him.

They sold the tickets.

Examples of verbs used with both direct and indirect objects:

They sell him the tickets.

In this sentence, the tickets are the direct object while him is the indirect object.

Mary baked her mother a pie.

In this sentence, a pie is the direct object while her mother is the indirect object.

Intransitive Verbs

Intransitive verbs are action verbs that always express doable activities. They are different from transitive verbs because there is no direct object following an intransitive verb.

Intransitive verb examples:

1. Walk
2. Laugh
3. Cough
4. Play
5. Run

The intransitive verb examples in the following sentences are in bold for easy identification.

We travelled to London.

The intransitive verb is travelled, the subject is we, because we are doing the travelling, but London is not a direct object because London is not receiving the action of the verb. Other examples:

I sneeze in the morning.

He arrived with moments to spare.

Kathryn sat away from the others.

John eats before leaving for school.

The last example shows that the verb eats can be both transitive and intransitive depending on whether there is a direct object or not. If the sentence read: John eats the cookies before leaving for school, eats would be transitive as there is a direct object – the cookies.

By the way, some verbs can be both transitive and intransitive. These verbs include: start, leave, change, live, stop.

Auxiliary Verbs

Auxiliary verbs are also known as helping verbs and are used together with a main verb to show the verb’s tense or to form a question or negative. Common examples of auxiliary verbs include have, might, will. These auxiliary verbs give some context to the main verb, for example, letting the reader know when the action took place.

Auxiliary verb examples:

1. Would
2. Should
3. Do
4. Can
5. Did
6. Could
7. May

The auxiliary verb examples in the following sentences are in bold for easy identification.

I will go home after football practice.

The auxiliary verb will is telling us that the action of the main verb go is going to take place in the future – after football practice has ended. If the auxiliary verb will was removed, we get the sentence:

I go home after football practice.

In this case, there is no definite time frame for the action. The sentence suggests that going home after football practice is just something the subject I generally does. Other examples:

I may dance with you later.

We did consider Bryan’s feelings.

Jenny has spoken her final words.

In addition, we can sometimes use the auxiliary very before the pronoun to make a question:

Might you dance with me later?

Did we consider Bryan’s feelings?

Has Jenny spoken her final words?

Also, auxiliary verbs are used to help form negative statements, with the use of words like not and never. These will usually split the auxiliary and main verbs:

I may never dance with you again.

We did not consider Bryan’s feelings.

Jenny has not spoken her final words.

Stative Verbs

Stative verbs can be recognized because they express a state rather than an action. They typically relate to thoughts, emotions, relationships, senses, states of being, and measurements. The best way to think about stative verbs is that they are verbs that describe things that are not actions. The stative verbs are all expressing a state: A state of doubting, a state of believing, a state of wanting. These states of being are often temporary.

The stative verb examples in the following sentences are in bold for easy identification.

The doctor disagrees with your analysis.

Disagree is a stative verb here, as it describes the doctor’s state of being – disagreement.

John doubts the doctor’s opinion.

I believe the doctor is right.

She wanted another opinion.

Modal Verbs

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that are used to express abilities, possibilities, permissions, and obligations.

Modal verb examples:

1. Can
2. Must
3. May
4. Should
5. Would

The modal verb examples in the following sentences are in bold for easy identification.

He can shoot a three-point shot easily.

The auxiliary verb can is expressing an ability, suggesting that shooting a three-point shot is a skill the subject possesses.

Please note that in the case of should and must in the examples below, the modal verbs are expressing obligations, whereas would and may are expressing possibilities.

I should go home.

You must not delay.

Sally would not recommend the sushi.

David may be late.

Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal verbs aren’t single words; instead, they are combinations of words that are used together to take on a different meaning to that of the original verb. There are many examples of phrasal verbs, some of which have colloquial meanings, such as make up, hand in, bring up, point out, look forward to. Each time the verb takes the extra word(s) it takes on a new meaning. For example, make without the up expresses that something is being created, whereas with make up, the suggestion is that there are some lies or a fantastical element to the story and make out can mean either to grasp or see something difficult, or to kiss passionately.

Phrasal verb examples:

1. Run out
2. Go all out
3. Make out
4. Hand out
5. Bring out
6. Face up
7. Think through

The phrasal verb examples in the following sentences are in bold for easy identification.

Mary looked forward to her high school reunion.

The verb looked has taken on forward to to become a phrasal verb meaning to be excited about or eagerly await something.

He brought up the same points again and again.

Leroy handed in the wallet to the police.

I make up stories all the time.

She pointed out Donald’s mistake.

Irregular Verbs

Irregular verbs are those that don’t take on the regular spelling patterns of past simple and past participle verbs. Unfortunately, there are hundreds of irregular verbs in the English language. But don’t worry, while many are used often, the majority are not in common usage – or if they are, you will use them so often you will learn them quickly. Some of the most common irregular verbs include: say, make, go, take, come, know and see.

Irregular verb examples:

1. Eat
2. Think 
3. Bring
4. Hold
5. Bear
6. Buy
7. Lay
8. Catch
9. Drive
10. Paid
11. Feel
12. Redo

The irregular verb examples in the following sentences are in bold for easy identification.

I take my time when I go to the shops (present tense)

I took my time when I went to the shops (past tense)

Julie makes cake for the classroom (present tense)

Julie made a cake for the classroom (past tense)

She sees a silhouette shaped like a man in the window (present tense)

She saw a silhouette shaped like a man in the window (past tense)

We come to Aunt Jane’s for Thanksgiving each year (present tense)

We came to Aunt Jane’s for Thanksgiving each year (past tense).

You should also remember that auxiliary verbs ‘do’ and ‘have’ are also irregular verbs:

I do agree.

He does it often.

We have done our homework early.

They do their homework on Fridays.

I have a suspicion about Fran

Fran has a devious look.

We have no money left.

They have had a cough twice this winter.