Total Apex University Logo

Understanding Verbs

1. What Are Verbs?

Verbs are action words or state‑of‑being words. They tell readers what the subject does, is, or experiences.

Every sentence needs a verb.

Without verbs, writing collapses.

Examples

  • Action: run, write, update, investigate
  • State of being: is, are, was, were
  • Mental action: believe, think, understand
  • Possession: have, own, contain

Verbs are the engine of every sentence.

2. Types of Verbs

Here’s a simple breakdown your contributors can understand instantly.

TypePurposeExamples
Action VerbsShow physical or mental actionwrite, jump, analyze
Linking VerbsConnect subject to descriptionis, seem, become
Helping VerbsSupport main verbswill, can, have, should
Transitive VerbsNeed an objectwrite (an article), fix (a bug)
Intransitive VerbsDon’t need an objectrun, sleep, arrive
Regular VerbsFollow standard past tense ruleswalk → walked
Irregular VerbsChange form unpredictablygo → went, write → wrote

3. Why Verbs Matter in Writing

Verbs determine the strength, clarity, and pace of your writing.

A. Verbs Drive the Action

Readers understand what’s happening because verbs tell them:

  • Who did what
  • When it happened
  • How it happened

B. Verbs Shape Tone

Compare:

  • The team lost the game.
  • The team collapsed in the final minutes.

One is neutral.

One is vivid and emotional.

C. Verbs Improve SEO

Google rewards:

  • Clear actions
  • Strong verbs
  • Active voice

Weak: The update was released by the company.  

Strong: The company released the update.

Active verbs = better readability + better ranking.

D. Verbs Control Pacing

Short, strong verbs = fast, engaging writing.

Long, weak verb phrases = slow, boring writing.

4. The Correlation Between Verbs, Nouns, and Adjectives

These three work together to create clean, powerful sentences.

  • Nouns introduce the subject.
  • Adjectives describe the subject.
  • Verbs tell what the subject does.

Example:

The experienced writer (noun + adjective) published (verb) a detailed guide.

Without the verb, the sentence has no movement.

Without strong verbs, the sentence has no impact.

5. Rules Writers Should Memorize

1. Use Active Voice

Active voice is clearer, faster, and more authoritative.

  • Active: The reporter confirmed the details.
  • Passive: The details were confirmed by the reporter.

2. Choose Strong Verbs Over Weak Ones

Weak: make a decision  

Strong: decide

Weak: give information  

Strong: inform

3. Avoid Overusing “To Be” Verbs

Too many is, are, was, were makes writing flat.

Weak: The article is about a new trend.  

Strong: The article explores a new trend.

4. Keep Verb Tense Consistent

Don’t switch between past and present unless the timeline demands it.

5. Use Precise Verbs

Vague: do, get, go, make  

Strong: investigate, acquire, travel, create

6. Examples in Real Article Writing

Before (Weak)

The company made an announcement about a new feature.

After (Strong)

The company announced a new feature.

Cleaner.

More direct.

More SEO-friendly.

Another Example

Before:  

The player was doing really well during the match.

After:  

The player dominated during the match.

One verb replaces a weak phrase and adds power.

7. Final Takeaway for Total Apex Writers

Verbs are the heartbeat of every sentence.

Strong verbs help writers:

  • Improve clarity
  • Strengthen SEO
  • Increase reader engagement
  • Establish authority
  • Maintain clean, active voice

Mastering verbs is essential for producing high-performing content across every Total Apex vertical—from sports recaps to gaming guides to news explainers to lifestyle articles.