Exceptions

(1) This definition holds good for the verbs in declarative sentences only, since in other sentences no assertion is made. To find the verbs in imperative and interrogative sentences, change the sentences to the corresponding declarative sentences and see what words assert.

(2) When the copula consists of more than one word, as in the sentence, She has been angry, no single word asserts. Neither She has angry nor She been angry is a sentence. In such cases the first word of the copula is called the verb.1

Exercise 59

Analyze each sentence. Select the verb. What part or parts of the sentence does it contain?

1. Margaret forgot the errand.

2. She was thoughtless.

3. You seem sad.

4. That man talks foolishly.

5. He has little respect for himself.

6. She is playing.

7. She became excited.

8. She fell ill.

9. She fell to the floor.

10. She has driven to town.

11. Are you ready?

12. Take this book to the library.

1 Copulative verb-phrases such as has been will be studied later.