Compound verbs in English

When two or more verbs are used with a subject in a sentence, we say that the verbs are compound. 

One of the most important things to remember about compound verbs is that the verb tenses have to be the same and they have to agree with the subject. If not, your English will sound strange. For example....

• The performers sing and danced. (incorrect)
• The performers sang and danced. (correct) 

The verbs in the second sentence are both in the past tense. In the first sentence, one verb is in the present tense (sing) and the other verb is in the past tense (danced). The subject for both sentences is "peformers." Look at this next group of sentences:

• 1. The children and running and jumping.
• 2. The students listen and take notes.
• 3. I have washed and dried the laundry.  

In each sentence, the verbs match the subject and the verbs are consistent. (1. present continuous tense; 2. present tense; 3 present perfect tense)

This new YouTube video provides more examples for how compound verbs are formed.
* The word of the day today is "means." This is a good word to use to describe the method for doing something, or you can use "means" when talking about your income.
* Blue Level students study the word "can" today.
* Green Level students learn how to use "be called."
 

That's all for now.

Have a nice day!