Verbs are the backbone of English grammar and one of the most important topics in the English sections of NDA, CDS, and AFCAT examinations. Almost every grammar-based question, whether it belongs to Spotting Errors, Sentence Improvement, Fill in the Blanks, Cloze Test, Completion of Sentences, Active-Passive Voice, or Direct-Indirect Speech, requires a strong understanding of verb usage and verb-related rules.
In the English Live Class conducted for NDA, CDS & AFCAT 2 2026 aspirants, a comprehensive discussion was held on the concept of Verbs, their types, important grammatical rules, and their application in examination-oriented multiple-choice questions. The objective of the session was to help candidates develop a strong grammatical foundation and improve their ability to solve verb-based questions accurately and quickly.
What Is a Verb?
A verb is a word that expresses an action, occurrence, or state of being. It tells us what a person, thing, or subject does or experiences.
Examples:
- The cadet runs every morning.
- The aircraft landed safely.
- The officer is confident.
- The soldiers were marching towards the camp.
Without a verb, a sentence cannot express a complete thought. Therefore, verbs play a central role in sentence formation and grammatical correctness.
Importance of Verbs in Defence Examinations
Questions related to verbs are frequently asked in:
- Spotting Errors
- Sentence Improvement
- Fill in the Blanks
- Cloze Test
- Completion of Sentences
- Active and Passive Voice
- Direct and Indirect Speech
- Choosing Correct Sentence
- Ordering of Words in a Sentence
A candidate who understands verb rules thoroughly can solve a large number of grammar questions with confidence and accuracy.
Types of Verbs Covered in the Live Class
1. Main Verbs
Main verbs express the principal action of a sentence.
Examples:
- The cadet studies regularly.
- The pilot flew the aircraft.
2. Auxiliary (Helping) Verbs
Auxiliary verbs assist the main verb in expressing tense, voice, mood, or emphasis.
Examples:
- is
- am
- are
- was
- were
- have
- has
- had
- do
- does
- did
Example:
The officer has completed the mission.
3. Modal Verbs
Modal verbs express possibility, necessity, permission, obligation, or ability.
Examples:
- can
- could
- may
- might
- must
- shall
- should
- will
- would
Example:
A soldier must obey orders.
4. Transitive and Intransitive Verbs
Transitive Verbs
Require an object.
Example:
The cadet wrote a report.
Intransitive Verbs
Do not require an object.
Example:
The baby cried.
Understanding the difference helps in Active-Passive Voice conversions.
Important Verb Rules Discussed in the Live Class
Rule 1: Subject-Verb Agreement
The verb must agree with its subject in number and person.
Correct:
The cadet works hard.
Incorrect:
The cadet work hard.
Correct:
The cadets work hard.
Subject-Verb Agreement is one of the most frequently tested areas in defence examinations.
Rule 2: Use of Singular Verbs with “Each,” “Every,” and “Either”
Words such as each, every, either, neither, and everyone require singular verbs.
Correct:
Each student is present.
Incorrect:
Each student are present.
Questions based on this rule are commonly found in Spotting Errors.
Rule 3: Verb Agreement with Collective Nouns
Collective nouns usually take singular verbs when regarded as one unit.
Correct:
The team is performing well.
Incorrect:
The team are performing well.
Rule 4: Correct Use of Auxiliary Verbs
Auxiliary verbs must match the tense and structure of the sentence.
Correct:
She has completed her assignment.
Incorrect:
She have completed her assignment.
Rule 5: Modal Verbs Follow the Base Form of the Verb
After modal verbs, the first form of the verb is used.
Correct:
He can solve the problem.
Incorrect:
He can solved the problem.
Rule 6: Correct Verb Forms after Certain Expressions
Examples:
- Enjoy + Verb-ing
- Avoid + Verb-ing
- Finish + Verb-ing
Correct:
He enjoys reading books.
Incorrect:
He enjoys to read books.
Rule 7: Infinitive Usage
Certain verbs are followed by infinitives.
Examples:
- decide
- agree
- hope
- want
Correct:
She decided to join the academy.
Incorrect:
She decided joining the academy.
Importance of Verbs in Spotting Errors
Spotting Errors questions often focus on incorrect verb usage.
Common error areas include:
- Subject-verb disagreement
- Wrong tense forms
- Incorrect auxiliary verbs
- Modal verb errors
- Wrong participle forms
Example:
Incorrect:
The officer have completed the mission.
Correct:
The officer has completed the mission.
Candidates who understand verb rules can identify such mistakes immediately.
Importance of Verbs in Sentence Improvement
Sentence Improvement questions frequently require correcting verb forms.
Example:
Incorrect:
She do not understand the instructions.
Improved:
She does not understand the instructions.
Understanding verb agreement and tense usage is crucial for selecting the correct answer.
Importance of Verbs in Fill in the Blanks
Many Fill in the Blanks questions test the candidate’s knowledge of verb forms.
Example:
If he ______ hard, he will succeed.
Options:
(a) work
(b) works
(c) worked
(d) working
Correct answer:
works
Knowledge of grammar and sentence structure helps candidates choose the correct verb.
Importance of Verbs in Cloze Test
Cloze Test passages frequently contain blanks requiring correct verb forms.
Candidates must understand:
- Tense consistency
- Subject-verb agreement
- Contextual meaning
- Auxiliary verb usage
Strong verb knowledge significantly improves Cloze Test performance.
Importance of Verbs in Completion of Sentences
Sentence Completion questions often test the ability to select the correct verb according to context.
Example:
The soldiers ______ before dawn.
Options:
(a) depart
(b) departed
(c) departing
(d) departure
Correct answer:
departed
Importance of Verbs in Active and Passive Voice
Verb transformation forms the core of Active-Passive Voice questions.
Example:
Active:
The officer completed the report.
Passive:
The report was completed by the officer.
Candidates must know verb forms and participles for accurate conversion.
Importance of Verbs in Direct and Indirect Speech
Tense changes in reported speech are entirely dependent on verb rules.
Example:
Direct:
He said, “I am ready.”
Indirect:
He said that he was ready.
Understanding verb tense sequences is essential for solving such questions.
Common Mistakes Made by Aspirants
During MCQ practice sessions, several recurring mistakes were observed:
- Incorrect subject-verb agreement
- Confusion between verb forms
- Wrong use of auxiliary verbs
- Incorrect modal constructions
- Errors in tense consistency
- Misuse of gerunds and infinitives
Awareness of these mistakes helps candidates avoid losing easy marks.
Effective Preparation Strategy
To master verb-based questions for NDA, CDS, and AFCAT examinations, aspirants should:
- Learn all major verb forms thoroughly
- Revise subject-verb agreement rules regularly
- Practice tense-based questions daily
- Solve Spotting Errors and Sentence Improvement exercises
- Attempt previous years’ questions
- Study auxiliary and modal verb usage carefully
- Analyse mistakes after every practice session
Regular revision and MCQ practice are the keys to improving accuracy.
Conclusion
Verbs are one of the most important components of English grammar and form the foundation of numerous topics asked in NDA, CDS, and AFCAT examinations. In the English Live Class conducted for NDA, CDS & AFCAT 2 2026 aspirants, detailed discussion of verb concepts and grammatical rules helped candidates strengthen their understanding of sentence structure and improve their performance in Spotting Errors, Sentence Improvement, Fill in the Blanks, Cloze Test, Active-Passive Voice, Direct-Indirect Speech, and other grammar-based topics.
A strong command of verbs enables candidates to tackle English questions with greater confidence, accuracy, and speed. With conceptual clarity, regular revision, and continuous practice of examination-oriented MCQs, aspirants can significantly improve their scores in the English section of the upcoming defence examinations.
