1
The editor cut the repeated paragraph. — Verb: cut.
8 Verb Examples
Use these examples to study structure, specificity, tone, and variation. They are demonstrations—not claims about a real person or organization unless the example itself makes that explicit.
Before you copy
What to notice in the examples
Strong verb choice clarifies what happens, when it happens, and how the subject relates to the rest of the sentence while reducing dependence on vague modifiers.
- Identify the finite verb that carries tense or agreement.
- Distinguish main verbs from auxiliary verbs.
- Choose between action, linking, and helping-verb structures according to meaning.
2
The hallway became quiet. — Linking verb: became.
3
They have been testing the prototype. — Verb phrase: have been testing.
4
Mara owns the small bookstore. — Verb: owns.
5
The temperature dropped overnight. — Verb: dropped.
6
We should revise the opening. — Verb phrase: should revise.
7
The report seems incomplete. — Linking verb: seems.
8
The audience laughed at the final line. — Verb: laughed.
Keep the underlying decision or pattern, then replace the subject, evidence, relationship, constraints, and tone with details that belong to your situation. If your final line still works after swapping only one noun, it may be too close to the example.