Three Forms of Verbs: Introduction
Mastering the three forms of a verb—base form, past tense, and past participle—is a cornerstone of English grammar. These forms allow you to construct sentences across various tenses, from present to perfect, and are essential for clear communication. Whether you’re a student, teacher, or language enthusiast, understanding verb forms enhances fluency and confidence. In this article, we present over 100 verbs starting with the letter E, each with its three forms, meanings, and example sentences. This comprehensive guide is designed to help you grasp the three forms of a verb and apply them effectively in your writing and speech.
Why Are the Three Forms of a Verb Important?
The three forms of a verb are the building blocks of English tenses. The base form is used for present tense or with modals (e.g., I eat, She can eat). The past tense describes completed actions (e.g., He ate). The past participle is used in perfect tenses or passive voice (e.g., They have eaten, The food was eaten). By mastering these forms, you can navigate complex sentence structures and express ideas accurately. This guide focuses on verbs starting with E to provide a targeted, practical resource for learners.
List of 100+ Three Forms of Verbs Starting with E
Below is a detailed list of over 100 verbs starting with the letter E, including their base form, past tense, past participle, meaning, and example sentences. The list is organized for easy reference, with regular verbs (following the base + -ed pattern) and irregular verbs (with unique forms) clearly presented.
- Eat
- Base: Eat
- Past: Ate
- Past Participle: Eaten
- Meaning: To consume food.
- Example: I eat an apple daily. She ate a sandwich for lunch. The cake has been eaten.
- Earn
- Base: Earn
- Past: Earned
- Past Participle: Earned
- Meaning: To receive money for work or services.
- Example: They earn a good salary. He earned a bonus. She has earned a promotion.
- Educate
- Base: Educate
- Past: Educated
- Past Participle: Educated
- Meaning: To teach or provide knowledge.
- Example: Teachers educate students. She educated herself in coding. They have been educated at top schools.
- Embrace
- Base: Embrace
- Past: Embraced
- Past Participle: Embraced
- Meaning: To hug or accept willingly.
- Example: They embrace warmly. He embraced the policy. The idea was embraced.
- Employ
- Base: Employ
- Past: Employed
- Past Participle: Employed
- Meaning: To hire or use something.
- Example: The company employs skilled workers. She employed a strategy. He has been employed for years.
- Encourage
- Base: Encourage
- Past: Encouraged
- Past Participle: Encouraged
- Meaning: To give support or confidence.
- Example: Parents encourage their kids. She encouraged his dreams. They have been encouraged by results.
- Endure
- Base: Endure
- Past: Endured
- Past Participle: Endured
- Meaning: To withstand or tolerate difficulty.
- Example: They endure harsh winters. He endured pain. The structure has endured centuries.
- Enjoy
- Base: Enjoy
- Past: Enjoyed
- Past Participle: Enjoyed
- Meaning: To take pleasure in something.
- Example: We enjoy movies. She enjoyed the concert. The trip was enjoyed by all.
- Enter
- Base: Enter
- Past: Entered
- Past Participle: Entered
- Meaning: To go or come into a place.
- Example: They enter quietly. He entered the competition. Data has been entered.
- Escape
- Base: Escape
- Past: Escaped
- Past Participle: Escaped
- Meaning: To break free or get away.
- Example: The prisoner escapes. She escaped danger. They have escaped unharmed.
- Establish
- Base: Establish
- Past: Established
- Past Participle: Established
- Meaning: To set up or create.
- Example: They establish a business. He established a charity. Rules have been established.
- Estimate
- Base: Estimate
- Past: Estimated
- Past Participle: Estimated
- Meaning: To make an approximate judgment.
- Example: Experts estimate costs. She estimated the time. The value was estimated.
- Examine
- Base: Examine
- Past: Examined
- Past Participle: Examined
- Meaning: To inspect or investigate.
- Example: Doctors examine patients. He examined evidence. The case was examined.
- Exist
- Base: Exist
- Past: Existed
- Past Participle: Existed
- Meaning: To have reality or being.
- Example: These species exist. Dinosaurs existed long ago. Life has existed for billions of years.
- Expand
- Base: Expand
- Past: Expanded
- Past Participle: Expanded
- Meaning: To increase in size or scope.
- Example: Businesses expand operations. The company expanded last year. Markets have expanded.
- Expect
- Base: Expect
- Past: Expected
- Past Participle: Expected
- Meaning: To anticipate something.
- Example: We expect results. She expected a call. The outcome was expected.
- Explain
- Base: Explain
- Past: Explained
- Past Participle: Explained
- Meaning: To make understandable.
- Example: Teachers explain concepts. He explained the rules. The theory was explained.
- Explore
- Base: Explore
- Past: Explored
- Past Participle: Explored
- Meaning: To investigate or travel.
- Example: They explore new places. She explored the forest. The cave was explored.
- Express
- Base: Express
- Past: Expressed
- Past Participle: Expressed
- Meaning: To convey thoughts or feelings.
- Example: Artists express emotions. He expressed concerns. Gratitude was expressed.
- Extend
- Base: Extend
- Past: Extended
- Past Participle: Extended
- Meaning: To stretch or prolong.
- Example: They extend help. The deadline was extended. Support has been extended.
- Edit
- Base: Edit
- Past: Edited
- Past Participle: Edited
- Meaning: To revise or correct.
- Example: Writers edit drafts. She edited the document. The book was edited.
- Elect
- Base: Elect
- Past: Elected
- Past Participle: Elected
- Meaning: To choose by voting.
- Example: Voters elect leaders. They elected a mayor. She was elected.
- Eliminate
- Base: Eliminate
- Past: Eliminated
- Past Participle: Eliminated
- Meaning: To remove or get rid of.
- Example: We eliminate errors. He eliminated competition. Waste was eliminated.
- Embark
- Base: Embark
- Past: Embarked
- Past Participle: Embarked
- Meaning: To begin a journey or project.
- Example: They embark on adventures. She embarked on a career. The team has embarked.
- Emphasize
- Base: Emphasize
- Past: Emphasized
- Past Participle: Emphasized
- Meaning: To give special importance.
- Example: Teachers emphasize homework. He emphasized his point. The issue was emphasized.
- Enable
- Base: Enable
- Past: Enabled
- Past Participle: Enabled
- Meaning: To make possible.
- Example: Tools enable work. She enabled the feature. Access was enabled.
- Enclose
- Base: Enclose
- Past: Enclosed
- Past Participle: Enclosed
- Meaning: To surround or include.
- Example: They enclose the garden. He enclosed a letter. The area was enclosed.
- Encounter
- Base: Encounter
- Past: Encountered
- Past Participle: Encountered
- Meaning: To meet unexpectedly.
- Example: Travelers encounter cultures. She encountered a problem. Challenges were encountered.
- Endanger
- Base: Endanger
- Past: Endangered
- Past Participle: Endangered
- Meaning: To put at risk.
- Example: Pollution endangers wildlife. They endangered safety. The species was endangered.
- Endorse
- Base: Endorse
- Past: Endorsed
- Past Participle: Endorsed
- Meaning: To support publicly.
- Example: Celebrities endorse products. She endorsed the candidate. The plan was endorsed.
- Engage
- Base: Engage
- Past: Engaged
- Past Participle: Engaged
- Meaning: To participate or involve.
- Example: Students engage in discussions. He engaged in the project. They were engaged in talks.
- Enhance
- Base: Enhance
- Past: Enhanced
- Past Participle: Enhanced
- Meaning: To improve quality.
- Example: Filters enhance photos. She enhanced her skills. The design was enhanced.
- Enlarge
- Base: Enlarge
- Past: Enlarged
- Past Participle: Enlarged
- Meaning: To make bigger.
- Example: They enlarge images. He enlarged the map. The photo was enlarged.
- Enlighten
- Base: Enlighten
- Past: Enlightened
- Past Participle: Enlightened
- Meaning: To inform or give insight.
- Example: Books enlighten readers. She enlightened the team. They were enlightened.
- Enlist
- Base: Enlist
- Past: Enlisted
- Past Participle: Enlisted
- Meaning: To enroll or join.
- Example: They enlist volunteers. He enlisted in the army. Many were enlisted.
- Enrich
- Base: Enrich
- Past: Enriched
- Past Participle: Enriched
- Meaning: To make richer.
- Example: Reading enriches the mind. She enriched her knowledge. The soil was enriched.
- Enroll
- Base: Enroll
- Past: Enrolled
- Past Participle: Enrolled
- Meaning: To register officially.
- Example: Students enroll in courses. He enrolled in college. They were enrolled.
- Ensure
- Base: Ensure
- Past: Ensured
- Past Participle: Ensured
- Meaning: To make certain.
- Example: They ensure safety. She ensured delivery. Quality was ensured.
- Entertain
- Base: Entertain
- Past: Entertained
- Past Participle: Entertained
- Meaning: To amuse or engage.
- Example: Clowns entertain children. He entertained guests. They were entertained.
- Entitle
- Base: Entitle
- Past: Entitled
- Past Participle: Entitled
- Meaning: To give a right.
- Example: Membership entitles benefits. She entitled him to a refund. They were entitled.
- Entrust
- Base: Entrust
- Past: Entrusted
- Past Participle: Entrusted
- Meaning: To assign responsibility.
- Example: They entrust her with tasks. He entrusted his savings. The project was entrusted.
- Equal
- Base: Equal
- Past: Equaled/Equalled
- Past Participle: Equaled/Equalled
- Meaning: To be the same in value.
- Example: Their scores equal the record. She equaled his performance. Teams were equaled.
- Equip
- Base: Equip
- Past: Equipped
- Past Participle: Equipped
- Meaning: To provide tools or resources.
- Example: They equip the lab. He equipped the team. The room was equipped.
- Erect
- Base: Erect
- Past: Erected
- Past Participle: Erected
- Meaning: To build or set up.
- Example: Workers erect buildings. They erected a statue. The monument was erected.
- Erode
- Base: Erode
- Past: Eroded
- Past Participle: Eroded
- Meaning: To wear away gradually.
- Example: Waves erode the coast. The river eroded banks. Cliffs were eroded.
- Escort
- Base: Escort
- Past: Escorted
- Past Participle: Escorted
- Meaning: To accompany or guide.
- Example: Guards escort visitors. She escorted him. They were escorted safely.
- Evade
- Base: Evade
- Past: Evaded
- Past Participle: Evaded
- Meaning: To avoid or escape.
- Example: They evade taxes. He evaded capture. The suspect evaded police.
- Evaluate
- Base: Evaluate
- Past: Evaluated
- Past Participle: Evaluated
- Meaning: To assess or judge.
- Example: Teachers evaluate exams. She evaluated the proposal. Results were evaluated.
- Evaporate
- Base: Evaporate
- Past: Evaporated
- Past Participle: Evaporated
- Meaning: To turn from liquid to vapor.
- Example: Water evaporates in heat. The puddle evaporated. Liquid was evaporated.
- Exaggerate
- Base: Exaggerate
- Past: Exaggerated
- Past Participle: Exaggerated
- Meaning: To overstate or magnify.
- Example: They exaggerate stories. He exaggerated the issue. Claims were exaggerated.
- Excavate
- Base: Excavate
- Past: Excavated
- Past Participle: Excavated
- Meaning: To dig out or uncover.
- Example: Archaeologists excavate ruins. They excavated a site. Artifacts were excavated.
- Exceed
- Base: Exceed
- Past: Exceeded
- Past Participle: Exceeded
- Meaning: To go beyond a limit.
- Example: Sales exceed expectations. She exceeded goals. The budget was exceeded.
- Excel
- Base: Excel
- Past: Excelled
- Past Participle: Excelled
- Meaning: To perform exceptionally.
- Example: Students excel in math. He excelled in sports. She has excelled.
- Exchange
- Base: Exchange
- Past: Exchanged
- Past Participle: Exchanged
- Meaning: To swap or trade.
- Example: They exchange gifts. She exchanged currency. Items were exchanged.
- Excite
- Base: Excite
- Past: Excited
- Past Participle: Excited
- Meaning: To cause enthusiasm.
- Example: Games excite children. The news excited her. They were excited.
- Exclude
- Base: Exclude
- Past: Excluded
- Past Participle: Excluded
- Meaning: To leave out.
- Example: Rules exclude players. He excluded her. They were excluded unfairly.
- Execute
- Base: Execute
- Past: Executed
- Past Participle: Executed
- Meaning: To carry out or perform.
- Example: They execute plans. She executed the task. The strategy was executed.
- Exempt
- Base: Exempt
- Past: Exempted
- Past Participle: Exempted
- Meaning: To free from obligation.
- Example: Laws exempt groups. He was exempted from tax. They were exempted.
- Exercise
- Base: Exercise
- Past: Exercised
- Past Participle: Exercised
- Meaning: To practice or use activity.
- Example: They exercise daily. She exercised rights. Caution was exercised.
- Exhale
- Base: Exhale
- Past: Exhaled
- Past Participle: Exhaled
- Meaning: To breathe out.
- Example: People exhale CO2. He exhaled deeply. Air was exhaled.
- Exhaust
- Base: Exhaust
- Past: Exhausted
- Past Participle: Exhausted
- Meaning: To use up or tire out.
- Example: They exhaust resources. She exhausted herself. Supply was exhausted.
- Exhibit
- Base: Exhibit
- Past: Exhibited
- Past Participle: Exhibited
- Meaning: To display or show.
- Example: Museums exhibit art. He exhibited work. The collection was exhibited.
- Exile
- Base: Exile
- Past: Exiled
- Past Participle: Exiled
- Meaning: To banish or expel.
- Example: They exile traitors. She was exiled. He has been exiled.
- Expel
- Base: Expel
- Past: Expelled
- Past Participle: Expelled
- Meaning: To force out.
- Example: Schools expel students. He was expelled. They were expelled.
- Expend
- Base: Expend
- Past: Expended
- Past Participle: Expended
- Meaning: To spend or use up.
- Example: They expend energy. She expended savings. Funds were expended.
- Experiment
- Base: Experiment
- Past: Experimented
- Past Participle: Experimented
- Meaning: To test or try.
- Example: Scientists experiment. He experimented with recipes. They experimented successfully.
- Expire
- Base: Expire
- Past: Expired
- Past Participle: Expired
- Meaning: To end or become invalid.
- Example: Licenses expire yearly. Her visa expired. The offer has expired.
- Explode
- Base: Explode
- Past: Exploded
- Past Participle: Exploded
- Meaning: To burst or blow up.
- Example: Fireworks explode. The bomb exploded. The device has exploded.
- Exploit
- Base: Exploit
- Past: Exploited
- Past Participle: Exploited
- Meaning: To use selfishly.
- Example: Companies exploit resources. He exploited trust. Workers were exploited.
- Export
- Base: Export
- Past: Exported
- Past Participle: Exported
- Meaning: To send goods abroad.
- Example: They export electronics. She exported wine. Goods were exported.
- Expose
- Base: Expose
- Past: Exposed
- Past Participle: Exposed
- Meaning: To reveal or make visible.
- Example: Reporters expose scandals. He exposed truth. Fraud was exposed.
- Extract
- Base: Extract
- Past: Extracted
- Past Participle: Extracted
- Meaning: To remove or take out.
- Example: Dentists extract teeth. He extracted data. Information was extracted.
- Extrapolate
- Base: Extrapolate
- Past: Extrapolated
- Past Participle: Extrapolated
- Meaning: To infer from data.
- Example: Analysts extrapolate trends. She extrapolated results. Data was extrapolated.
- Eye
- Base: Eye
- Past: Eyed
- Past Participle: Eyed
- Meaning: To observe closely.
- Example: They eye the prize. He eyed competition. The item was eyed.
- Ease
- Base: Ease
- Past: Eased
- Past Participle: Eased
- Meaning: To make less difficult.
- Example: Medicine eases pain. She eased worries. Tensions were eased.
- Eavesdrop
- Base: Eavesdrop
- Past: Eavesdropped
- Past Participle: Eavesdropped
- Meaning: To listen secretly.
- Example: They eavesdrop on talks. He eavesdropped. The conversation was eavesdropped.
- Elicit
- Base: Elicit
- Past: Elicited
- Past Participle: Elicited
- Meaning: To draw out a response.
- Example: Questions elicit answers. She elicited feedback. Responses were elicited.
- Elude
- Base: Elude
- Past: Eluded
- Past Participle: Eluded
- Meaning: To escape skillfully.
- Example: The answer eludes me. He eluded capture. Truth has eluded them.
- Emanate
- Base: Emanate
- Past: Emanated
- Past Participle: Emanated
- Meaning: To flow from a source.
- Example: Light emanates from the sun. Heat emanated. The glow was emanated.
- Embroil
- Base: Embroil
- Past: Embroiled
- Past Participle: Embroiled
- Meaning: To involve in conflict.
- Example: They embroil in disputes. She embroiled him. He was embroiled in scandal.
- Emit
- Base: Emit
- Past: Emitted
- Past Participle: Emitted
- Meaning: To release or give off.
- Example: Factories emit smoke. The device emitted a signal. Radiation was emitted.
- Empower
- Base: Empower
- Past: Empowered
- Past Participle: Empowered
- Meaning: To give power or authority.
- Example: Leaders empower teams. She empowered staff. They were empowered.
- Empty
- Base: Empty
- Past: Emptied
- Past Participle: Emptied
- Meaning: To remove contents.
- Example: They empty the bin. He emptied pockets. The tank was emptied.
- Enact
- Base: Enact
- Past: Enacted
- Past Participle: Enacted
- Meaning: To make into law or perform.
- Example: Governments enact laws. They enacted a policy. The law was enacted.
- Encircle
- Base: Encircle
- Past: Encircled
- Past Participle: Encircled
- Meaning: To surround or circle.
- Example: Troops encircle the enemy. She encircled the answer. The city was encircled.
- End
- Base: End
- Past: Ended
- Past Participle: Ended
- Meaning: To conclude.
- Example: They end the meeting. The show ended. The war has ended.
- Enforce
- Base: Enforce
- Past: Enforced
- Past Participle: Enforced
- Meaning: To ensure compliance.
- Example: Police enforce laws. She enforced rules. The policy was enforced.
- Engulf
- Base: Engulf
- Past: Engulfed
- Past Participle: Engulfed
- Meaning: To swallow or overwhelm.
- Example: Flames engulf buildings. Fear engulfed her. The town was engulfed.
- Enliven
- Base: Enliven
- Past: Enlivened
- Past Participle: Enlivened
- Meaning: To make lively.
- Example: Music enlivens parties. She enlivened the event. The mood was enlivened.
- Enrage
- Base: Enrage
- Past: Enraged
- Past Participle: Enraged
- Meaning: To make very angry.
- Example: Injustices enrage people. His words enraged her. They were enraged.
- Enshrine
- Base: Enshrine
- Past: Enshrined
- Past Participle: Enshrined
- Meaning: To preserve as sacred.
- Example: Laws enshrine rights. They enshrined his memory. Values were enshrined.
- Ensue
- Base: Ensue
- Past: Ensued
- Past Participle: Ensued
- Meaning: To happen as a result.
- Example: Chaos ensues after accidents. A fight ensued. Trouble has ensued.
- Entail
- Base: Entail
- Past: Entailed
- Past Participle: Entailed
- Meaning: To involve or require.
- Example: Projects entail effort. The job entailed travel. Risks were entailed.
- Entangle
- Base: Entangle
- Past: Entangled
- Past Participle: Entangled
- Meaning: To twist or complicate.
- Example: Ropes entangle easily. He entangled in lies. They were entangled.
- Enterprise
- Base: Enterprise
- Past: Enterprised
- Past Participle: Enterprised
- Meaning: To undertake a bold project.
- Example: They enterprise ventures. She enterprised a startup. The project was enterprised.
- Entice
- Base: Entice
- Past: Enticed
- Past Participle: Enticed
- Meaning: To attract or tempt.
- Example: Offers entice customers. He enticed her. They were enticed.
- Entrap
- Base: Entrap
- Past: Entrapped
- Past Participle: Entrapped
- Meaning: To catch or trap deceitfully.
- Example: Schemes entrap victims. She entrapped him. They were entrapped.
- Enumerate
- Base: Enumerate
- Past: Enumerated
- Past Participle: Enumerated
- Meaning: To list or count items.
- Example: They enumerate benefits. He enumerated steps. Items were enumerated.
- Evict
- Base: Evict
- Past: Evicted
- Past Participle: Evicted
- Meaning: To remove from property.
- Example: Landlords evict tenants. She evicted him. They were evicted.
- Evolve
– Base: Evolve
– Past: Evolved
– Past Participle: Evolved
– Meaning: To develop gradually.
– Example: Species evolve over time. The plan evolved. It has evolved. - Exalt
– Base: Exalt
– Past: Exalted
– Past Participle: Exalted
– Meaning: To praise highly.
– Example: They exalt heroes. She exalted his efforts. He was exalted. - Extinguish
– Base: Extinguish
– Past: Extinguished
– Past Participle: Extinguished
– Meaning: To put out or destroy.
– Example: Firefighters extinguish flames. He extinguished the fire. The blaze was extinguished. - Echo
– Base: Echo
– Past: Echoed
– Past Participle: Echoed
– Meaning: To repeat or resound.
– Example: Voices echo in the cave. Her words echoed loudly. The sound was echoed. - Emerge
– Base: Emerge
– Past: Emerged
– Past Participle: Emerged
– Meaning: To come into view or prominence.
– Example: Stars emerge at night. She emerged as a leader. The truth has emerged.
How to Use the Three Forms of a Verb
Understanding how to apply the three forms of a verb is key to mastering English grammar:
- Base Form: Used in present tense (e.g., I eat daily) or with modals (e.g., She can eat).
- Past Tense: Describes completed actions (e.g., He ate yesterday).
- Past Participle: Used in perfect tenses (e.g., They have eaten) or passive voice (e.g., The food was eaten).
Practice using these forms in different contexts to build fluency. For example, combine verbs with auxiliary verbs like “have” or “had” to form perfect tenses (e.g., She has enriched her skills).
Tips for Learning the Three Forms of a Verb
To effectively learn and retain the three forms of a verb, consider these strategies:
- Use Flashcards: Create cards with the base, past, and past participle forms to memorize them.
- Group Verbs: Categorize regular (e.g., edit, edited, edited) and irregular verbs (e.g., eat, ate, eaten) for easier recall.
- Write Sentences: Practice each verb form in sentences to understand their context.
- Engage with Media: Read books or watch English media to see verb forms in action.
- Practice Speaking: Use verbs in conversations to reinforce their usage.
Conclusion
Mastering the three forms of a verb is essential for anyone looking to improve their English grammar. This comprehensive list of over 100 verbs starting with E provides a valuable resource for learners, complete with meanings and example sentences. By studying and practicing these verb forms, you can enhance your ability to communicate effectively in various tenses. Keep this guide handy, practice regularly, and watch your fluency soar!
Also Read: 100+ Three Forms of Verbs Starting with C: Master Verb Conjugation
100+ Three Forms of Verbs Starting with B: Meanings and Examples