Problems with Verbs

1. Subject / Verb Agreement

Third person singular -s

X That man live in California.

That man lives in California

2. Wrong tense

Watch for key "time words" and phrases

X Yesterday I go to the dance.

Yesterday I went to the dance

3. Passive and non-passive expressions

Extra "be"

X What was happened last night?

What happened last night?

Omitted "be"

X I concerned about my grades.

I am concerned about my grades.

4. Modal usage

Insertion of "to"

X I had better to go.

I had better go.

Non-base form after modal

X I could played basketball.

I could play basketball.

5. Wrong word choice

X I have met Johanna for five years.
I have known Johanna for five years.

If you have questions or comments about this page, please contact us.
Be sure to include the title of this page in the Subject line of your e-mail.