Verbs are the lifeblood of language, turning words into actions, states, and occurrences that help us express ourselves, communicate clearly, and understand one another. From the rhythmic sound of rain falling to the energetic sizzle of a wok in the kitchen, sounds and actions are woven into the fabric of daily life—and verbs are what we use to describe these experiences. As the core of any sentence, verbs are crucial for structuring our thoughts and transforming ideas into action.
Why Verbs Matter in Language Learning
In English, verbs play a foundational role, acting as the central component of sentences and providing essential meaning. Verbs don’t just describe actions like “run,” “jump,” or “sing”—they also convey states of being, like “am” or “exist,” and mental processes, like “think” and “believe.” These verbs are vital to our communication, enabling us to create sentences that are both meaningful and dynamic.
In TESOL education, teaching verbs is about more than just memorizing lists of words. It’s about helping students understand how verbs connect concepts and bring language to life. By mastering verbs, learners gain the ability to describe their world, narrate experiences, and express complex ideas. For TESOL teachers, exploring the “history of the verb” offers a rich opportunity to show students how language has evolved and how verbs have remained central to human expression.
The Evolution of Verbs: A Brief History
Verbs have deep historical roots, tracing back to the earliest languages. As human societies developed, so did the complexity of verbs. Early language likely began with simple, primal verbs associated with survival, like “eat,” “sleep,” and “hunt.” Over time, as humans began to form communities, verbs evolved to encompass a broader range of activities, emotions, and states, expanding vocabulary and allowing for more sophisticated expression.
In English, verbs have transformed dramatically from Old English to Modern English. For example, Old English verbs often had different forms and conjugations that gradually simplified over time. The influence of other languages—like Latin, French, and Norse—brought new verbs and altered the structure of existing ones, making English a rich, adaptable language full of diverse action words.
Teaching Verbs: Making Language Dynamic and Engaging
Verbs are exciting to teach because they connect directly to actions students perform daily. Using examples from everyday life—like “eat,” “walk,” “think,” and “dream”—TESOL teachers can bring verbs into the classroom in ways that are both relatable and memorable. Here are a few tips for making verbs more engaging in your lessons:
- Action-Packed Activities: Use physical activities to teach verbs. For example, you can have students “jump,” “clap,” or “dance” to reinforce action verbs. These activities make learning memorable and enjoyable.
- Sound Association: Since sounds are often associated with actions, use sound as a prompt for students to identify verbs. For instance, play the sound of rain and ask students to list verbs that come to mind, such as “fall,” “patter,” or “drip.”
- Verb Charades: Act out verbs or have students do so in a game of charades. This exercise helps students understand verbs in context and reinforces their learning in a fun, interactive way.
- Creative Writing Prompts: Have students write sentences or stories using specific verbs. Encourage them to think about how verbs add depth and detail, helping to shape the narrative of their sentences.
The Role of Verbs in Shaping Expression
Verbs do more than describe actions; they carry nuanced meanings that affect how we perceive the world. For example, saying “she runs the company” versus “she leads the company” conveys two different tones and impressions. Through verbs, we can express power, passion, tranquility, or urgency, and they allow us to shift perspectives within a single sentence.
For TESOL students, mastering verbs is a key to unlocking fluency. By understanding how verbs modify tone, timing, and perspective, students can begin to express complex emotions and ideas. Encouraging students to experiment with verbs and notice their effects on communication can deepen their appreciation for language and strengthen their expressive abilities.
Join Our Live Stream: A Deep Dive into the World of Verbs
Ready to explore the fascinating history and power of verbs? Join us on November 8th at 1:30 PM EST for a live stream on facebook.com/tesol with FluencyMC, where we’ll present “A History of the Verb in 10 1/2 Minutes.” Discover how verbs have evolved over centuries, learn creative ways to teach them, and gain insights into how verbs shape our communication and understanding.
This live session will provide TESOL teachers with practical tips for teaching verbs and help students appreciate the essential role of verbs in language. Don’t miss this opportunity to delve into the world of verbs, expand your teaching toolkit, and bring dynamic language learning to your classroom.
