English verbs and tenses are difficult. There seem to be so many different tenses and structures. This book will help you not only understand how English verbs work but also use them correctly.

Verbs and tenses are one of the most difficult parts of the English language for learners. There seem to be so many different tenses and structures that are not simple. I have compiled this book to help make verbs easier to understand. The book is in five parts: Chapter 1 The basics Here we look at the main terms used to describe different kinds of verb, eg transitive and intransitive. Chapter 2 Tenses In this section, we explain the wide range of tenses in English, as in for example I work, I am working, I worked, I have worked, I had worked, I will have worked. This section ends with a summary of the different tenses. Chapters 3-13 Other kinds of verb Here we consider other kinds of verb: auxiliaries (eg do, can, may); questions and negatives; the passive (eg The car was driven by Daniel); conditionals (with if); phrasal verbs, eg break down, make up; the infinitive; participles; reported speech; and the subjunctive. Chapter 14 Useful verbs Here we look at some common verbs (eg come, do, make go, put, set) and their phrasal verbs, together with their definitions and examples of usage. Chapter 15 Irregular verbs A list of irregular verbs in English. Additional features throughout the book include ‘Grammar extra’ panels with further useful information, eg the different words that go with do and make, the difference between been and gone and between bring and take and different words to use instead of say. Cross-references guide you to relevant information in other locations in the text. I hope this short book will not only increase your understanding but also improve your use of English verbs.

Martin Manser has been a professional reference book editor since 1980. He has compiled or edited more than 200 reference books, particularly, English-language dictionaries, Bible-reference titles and business-skills books. He is also a Language Trainer and Consultant with national and international companies and organizations. He is a visiting lecturer at Buckinghamshire New University, a tutor with London College of Communication, University of the Arts, London and tutor at Albert-Ludwigs University Freiburg Center for Key Qualifications, Germany. Website: martinmanser.co.uk