Verbs are the engines of English sentences, driving actions and describing states of being. Among the vast world of English verbs, those that begin with the letter ‘S’ are particularly important, covering a wide range of everyday actions and advanced vocabulary.
From simple actions like “see” and “sing” to advanced verbs like “synthesize” and “scrutinize,” these verbs are essential for clear, precise, and confident communication in writing and speaking. Mastering these verbs will enrich your vocabulary and allow you to express your ideas with greater accuracy and style.
This guide will help you:
✅ Understand what verbs starting with ‘S’ are and how they function
✅ Identify their structures and categories (action, stative, transitive, intransitive, regular, irregular, and phrasal verbs)
✅ Learn how to use them correctly with examples and usage rules
✅ Avoid common mistakes learners make with these verbs
✅ Practice your skills with targeted exercises
Whether you are an English language learner aiming to expand your vocabulary or a writer looking to refine your expression, this comprehensive guide will strengthen your command of verbs starting with ‘S’ and help you communicate effectively in various contexts.
Table of Contents
- Definition of Verbs Starting with ‘S’
- Structural Breakdown of Verbs
- Types and Categories of ‘S’ Verbs
- Examples of Verbs Starting with ‘S’
- Usage Rules for Verbs Starting with ‘S’
- Common Mistakes with ‘S’ Verbs
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition of Verbs Starting with ‘S’
A verb is a word that describes an action, occurrence, or state of being. Verbs starting with ‘S’ function identically to other verbs but are distinguished by their initial letter.
These verbs can express a wide range of actions, states, and processes, and they are crucial for forming complete and meaningful sentences. They are used to describe what someone or something is doing, feeling, or being.
The versatility of ‘S’ verbs is evident in their ability to function in various tenses (past, present, future), aspects (simple, continuous, perfect), and moods (indicative, imperative, subjunctive). Understanding their nuances is essential for effective communication.
For example, the verb ‘sing’ can describe a simple action in the present (‘I sing’), an ongoing action (‘I am singing’), or a completed action (‘I have sung’).
Structural Breakdown of Verbs
Verbs, including those starting with ‘S’, typically follow a basic structure within a sentence. They are often preceded by a subject (the person or thing performing the action) and may be followed by an object (the person or thing receiving the action) or a complement (a word or phrase that provides additional information about the subject).
Understanding this structure is essential for constructing grammatically correct sentences.
The basic sentence structure involving a verb is Subject-Verb-Object (SVO). For example, in the sentence “She sells seashells,” “She” is the subject, “sells” is the verb, and “seashells” is the object.
However, not all verbs require an object. Intransitive verbs, such as ‘sleep’ or ‘smile,’ do not take an object.
The structure can also be more complex, with modifiers (adjectives and adverbs) adding detail to the subject, verb, and object.
Types and Categories of ‘S’ Verbs
Verbs starting with ‘S’ can be categorized in several ways, based on their function, meaning, and grammatical properties. Understanding these categories helps in using the verbs correctly and effectively.
Action Verbs
Action verbs describe specific activities or actions. These verbs show what the subject is doing.
They can be either transitive (taking an object) or intransitive (not taking an object).
Examples of action verbs starting with ‘S’ include: swim, sing, sell, speak, shout, slice, scrub, search, seize, send, serve, sew, shake, shave, shelter, shine, ship, shock, shop, shove, shred, shrink, sigh, signal, sip, sit, sketch, ski, skip, slam, slap, slash, sleep, slide, sling, slip, slow, smash, smell, smile, smoke, snatch, sneeze, sniff, soak, soar, sob, socialize, solve, soothe, sort, sound, sow, span, spare, spark, sparkle, speak, specialize, specify, speculate, spell, spend, spill, spin, spiral, splash, splatter, splay, splinter, split, spoil, sponsor, sport, spout, sprawl, spray, spread, spring, sprinkle, sprint, sprout, spur, squash, squat, squeak, squeeze, squint, stab, stabilize, stack, staff, stage, stagger, stain, stake, stalk, stall, stamp, stand, standardize, staple, stare, start, startle, starve, state, station, stay, steady, steal, steam, steep, steer, stem, step, sterilize, stew, stick, stifle, stimulate, sting, stink, stir, stitch, stock, stoop, stop, store, storm, stow, straddle, strain, strap, strategize, stray, streak, stream, streamline, strengthen, stress, stretch, stride, strike, string, strip, strive, stroke, stroll, structure, struggle, strum, strut, stub, study, stuff, stumble, stun, stunt, stupefy, stutter, style, subdue, subject, subjugate, sublime, submit, subside, subsidize, subsist, substantiate, substitute, subtract, subvert, succeed, succumb, suck, suffer, suffice, suffocate, suggest, suit, sulk, summarize, summon, sun, superimpose, supersede, supervise, supplement, supply, support, suppose, suppress, surge, surmise, surpass, surprise, surrender, surround, survey, survive, suspect, suspend, sustain, swallow, swamp, swap, swarm, swat, sway, swear, sweat, sweep, swell, swerve, swim, swing, swirl, switch, swivel, swoop, sympathize, synthesize, systemize.
Stative Verbs
Stative verbs describe states of being, thoughts, feelings, or opinions rather than actions. These verbs typically do not have a continuous form (e.g., ‘I am seeing’ is usually incorrect; ‘I see’ is preferred).
Examples of stative verbs starting with ‘S’ include: seem, see, sound, smell, suffice, suppose, suspect.
Transitive and Intransitive Verbs
Transitive verbs require a direct object to complete their meaning. The action of the verb is transferred to the object.
Intransitive verbs, on the other hand, do not require an object.
Many verbs can be both transitive and intransitive, depending on the context. For example, “He sings a song” (transitive) vs.
“He sings beautifully” (intransitive).
Regular and Irregular Verbs
Regular verbs form their past tense and past participle by adding ‘-ed’ to the base form. Irregular verbs have unpredictable past tense and past participle forms.
Examples of regular ‘S’ verbs: scrubbed, searched, served, shocked, shoved, signaled, soaked, sorted, sparked, started, stated, stayed, steered, stepped, stored, stormed, strayed, stretched, strolled, studied, stuffed, styled, subjected, subsided, subtracted, succeeded, suffered, suited, summarized, summoned, supervised, supplied, supported, supposed, suppressed, surprised, surrendered, surrounded, surveyed, suspected, sustained, swapped, swayed, sweated, switched, sympathized, systemized.
Examples of irregular ‘S’ verbs: sang (sing), saw (see), sold (sell), sent (send), set (set), shook (shake), shone (shine), shot (shoot), showed (show), shrank (shrink), shut (shut), slept (sleep), slid (slide), slung (sling), slit (slit), spoke (speak), sped (speed), spent (spend), spun (spin), sprang (spring), stood (stand), stole (steal), stung (sting), stank (stink), strove (strive), swore (swear), swept (sweep), swelled (swell), swam (swim), swung (swing).
Phrasal Verbs
Phrasal verbs consist of a verb combined with a preposition or adverb (or both), creating a new meaning. The meaning of a phrasal verb is often different from the individual words that make it up.
Examples of phrasal verbs starting with ‘S’: set up, set off, settle down, show up, shut down, sign up, sit down, slow down, sort out, speak up, stand by, stand out, start over, stay away, step down, stick around, stick up, stop by, sum up, sweep up, switch on, sell out.
Examples of Verbs Starting with ‘S’
The following tables provide numerous examples of verbs starting with ‘S’ used in various contexts. These examples illustrate the different types of ‘S’ verbs and their diverse applications.
The table below shows a variety of action verbs beginning with the letter ‘S’ used in different sentences. These verbs demonstrate how actions are conveyed in various scenarios.
| Verb | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Sing | She sings beautifully in the choir. |
| Swim | They swim in the ocean every morning. |
| Sell | He sells used books at the market. |
| Speak | Please speak clearly so everyone can understand. |
| Shout | The fans shout loudly when their team scores. |
| Slice | She slices the bread with a sharp knife. |
| Scrub | He scrubs the floor to remove the dirt. |
| Search | We search for hidden treasures on the beach. |
| Seize | They seize the opportunity to travel abroad. |
| Send | I will send you an email with the details. |
| Serve | The waiter serves the customers with a smile. |
| Sew | She sews a patch on the torn jeans. |
| Shake | He shakes the bottle before opening it. |
| Shave | He shaves his beard every morning. |
| Shelter | The trees shelter us from the rain. |
| Shine | The sun shines brightly in the sky. |
| Ship | They ship the goods to different countries. |
| Shock | The news shocks everyone in the community. |
| Shop | We shop for groceries every weekend. |
| Shove | He accidentally shoves the table. |
| Shred | She shreds the documents before discarding them. |
| Shrink | The sweater shrinks after being washed. |
| Sigh | He sighs with relief after finishing the exam. |
| Signal | The conductor signals the train to start. |
| Sip | She sips her coffee slowly. |
The table below contains examples of stative verbs beginning with ‘S’. These verbs describe states of being, opinions, or perceptions, rather than actions.
| Verb | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Seem | He seems happy today. |
| See | I see what you mean. |
| Sound | That sounds like a good idea. |
| Smell | The flowers smell wonderful. |
| Suffice | This explanation should suffice for now. |
| Suppose | I suppose you are right. |
| Suspect | I suspect he is hiding something. |
| Seem | It seems like it is going to rain. |
| See | I see a bird in the tree. |
| Sound | The music sounds beautiful. |
| Smell | The cake smells delicious. |
| Suffice | A simple ‘yes’ will suffice. |
| Suppose | Let’s suppose we win the lottery. |
| Suspect | The police suspect foul play. |
| Seem | The task seems daunting at first. |
| See | Do you see the difference between the two? |
| Sound | His argument sounds convincing. |
| Smell | The perfume smells strong. |
| Suffice | A small amount of sugar will suffice for the recipe. |
| Suppose | I suppose that’s one way to look at it. |
| Suspect | We suspect that the information is incorrect. |
This table illustrates the usage of phrasal verbs starting with ‘S’, demonstrating how the combination of a verb and a preposition or adverb creates a unique meaning.
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Set up | To arrange or establish | They set up the equipment for the concert. |
| Set off | To begin a journey | We set off early in the morning. |
| Settle down | To become calm or established | After years of traveling, he decided to settle down. |
| Show up | To arrive or appear | He didn’t show up for the meeting. |
| Shut down | To close or stop operating | The company had to shut down due to financial problems. |
| Sign up | To register or enroll | She signed up for a yoga class. |
| Sit down | To take a seat | Please sit down and make yourself comfortable. |
| Slow down | To reduce speed | You need to slow down while driving in the rain. |
| Sort out | To organize or resolve | We need to sort out these documents. |
| Speak up | To talk louder or express your opinion | If you have any questions, please speak up. |
| Stand by | To support or be ready | I will stand by you no matter what. |
| Stand out | To be noticeable or distinct | Her talent makes her stand out from the crowd. |
| Start over | To begin again | If you make a mistake, you can always start over. |
| Stay away | To avoid or keep distance | Please stay away from the dangerous area. |
| Step down | To resign or leave a position | The CEO decided to step down from his role. |
| Stick around | To stay in a place | Stick around, we’re about to order pizza. |
| Stick up | To defend or support | He always sticks up for his friends. |
| Stop by | To visit briefly | I’ll stop by your office later. |
| Sum up | To summarize | Let me sum up the main points of the meeting. |
| Sweep up | To clean with a broom | Please sweep up the leaves from the patio. |
| Switch on | To activate or turn on | Switch on the lights, it’s getting dark. |
| Sell out | To betray or disappoint | He felt like he sold out his principles. |
The following table presents examples of both regular and irregular verbs starting with ‘S,’ highlighting the differences in their past tense and past participle forms.
| Verb (Base Form) | Past Tense | Past Participle | Type | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Search | Searched | Searched | Regular | They searched the house thoroughly. |
| Send | Sent | Sent | Irregular | I sent the package yesterday. |
| Serve | Served | Served | Regular | The meal was served promptly. |
| See | Saw | Seen | Irregular | She saw a beautiful sunset. |
| Shake | Shook | Shaken | Irregular | He shook his head in disbelief. |
| Shout | Shouted | Shouted | Regular | The crowd shouted with excitement. |
| Sing | Sang | Sung | Irregular | She sang a beautiful melody. |
| Skate | Skated | Skated | Regular | He skated gracefully on the ice. |
| Sleep | Slept | Slept | Irregular | I slept soundly last night. |
| Slide | Slid | Slid | Irregular | The child slid down the hill. |
| Smell | Smelled | Smelled | Regular | The cookies smelled delicious. |
| Soak | Soaked | Soaked | Regular | The clothes were soaked in water. |
| Speak | Spoke | Spoken | Irregular | He spoke eloquently at the conference. |
| Spend | Spent | Spent | Irregular | I spent too much money yesterday. |
| Start | Started | Started | Regular | The race started on time. |
| Stay | Stayed | Stayed | Regular | We stayed at a nice hotel. |
| Steal | Stole | Stolen | Irregular | Someone stole my wallet. |
| Stick | Stuck | Stuck | Irregular | The paper stuck to the wall. |
| Stop | Stopped | Stopped | Regular | The car stopped at the red light. |
| Strive | Strove | Striven | Irregular | She strove to achieve her goals. |
| Study | Studied | Studied | Regular | He studied hard for the exam. |
| Suggest | Suggested | Suggested | Regular | I suggested a different approach. |
| Supply | Supplied | Supplied | Regular | They supplied the necessary equipment. |
| Support | Supported | Supported | Regular | The bridge supported the heavy load. |
| Surprise | Surprised | Surprised | Regular | The gift surprised her. |
| Swear | Swore | Sworn | Irregular | He swore to tell the truth. |
| Swim | Swam | Swum | Irregular | I swam in the pool yesterday. |
| Swing | Swung | Swung | Irregular | The children swung on the swings. |
Usage Rules for Verbs Starting with ‘S’
Using verbs starting with ‘S’ correctly involves understanding subject-verb agreement, tense consistency, and the specific meanings of each verb. Pay close attention to whether a verb is transitive or intransitive, as this will determine whether it requires an object.
Subject-verb agreement requires that the verb form matches the number and person of the subject. For example, “He sings” (singular) vs.
“They sing” (plural). Tense consistency ensures that the verbs within a sentence or paragraph maintain a consistent timeline (past, present, future).
Also, be mindful of the subtle differences in meaning between similar verbs, such as ‘see,’ ‘look,’ and ‘watch,’ and choose the verb that best conveys your intended meaning.
Common Mistakes with ‘S’ Verbs
One common mistake is confusing similar-sounding verbs, such as ‘see’ and ‘seem.’ Another frequent error is using the continuous form with stative verbs. Also, incorrect past tense or past participle forms of irregular verbs can lead to confusion.
Always double-check the verb form and meaning to ensure accuracy.
Incorrect: I am seeing that movie tonight.
Correct: I see that movie tonight (or I am going to see that movie tonight).
Incorrect: He seemed to be sadly.
Correct: He seemed sad.
Incorrect: She has sended the letter.
Correct: She has sent the letter.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of verbs starting with ‘S’ with these practice exercises. Choose the correct verb form to complete each sentence.
Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in parentheses.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. She always ________ (sing) in the shower. | sings |
| 2. They ________ (swim) in the lake every summer. | swim |
| 3. He ________ (sell) his car last week. | sold |
| 4. We ________ (speak) English fluently. | speak |
| 5. The children ________ (shout) with joy. | shouted |
| 6. She ________ (slice) the cake carefully. | slices |
| 7. He ________ (scrub) the floor until it was clean. | scrubbed |
| 8. I ________ (search) for my keys everywhere. | searched |
| 9. They ________ (seize) the opportunity to travel. | seized |
| 10. I will ________ (send) you the information tomorrow. | send |
Exercise 2: Choose the correct verb from the options provided.
| Question | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1. He ________ (seems/sees) tired today. | seems, sees | seems |
| 2. I ________ (sound/see) a bird in the tree. | sound, see | see |
| 3. The music ________ (sounds/smells) beautiful. | sounds, smells | sounds |
| 4. This explanation should ________ (suffice/suppose). | suffice, suppose | suffice |
| 5. I ________ (suspect/suppose) he is lying. | suspect, suppose | suspect |
| 6. We need to ________ (sort out/set up) the problem. | sort out, set up | sort out |
| 7. She ________ (signed up/showed up) for the class. | signed up, showed up | signed up |
| 8. Please ________ (sit down/slow down). | sit down, slow down | sit down |
| 9. They ________ (stood by/stood out) him during the crisis. | stood by, stood out | stood by |
| 10. He had to ________ (start over/stay away) after the mistake. | start over, stay away | start over |
Exercise 3: Identify whether the verb is transitive or intransitive.
| Sentence | Verb | Transitive/Intransitive |
|---|---|---|
| 1. She sings beautifully. | sings | Intransitive |
| 2. He sells cars. | sells | Transitive |
| 3. They swim in the ocean. | swim | Intransitive |
| 4. I sent a letter. | sent | Transitive |
| 5. The sun shines. | shines | Intransitive |
| 6. She shook her head. | shook | Transitive |
| 7. The dog sleeps. | sleeps | Intransitive |
| 8. He speaks clearly. | speaks | Intransitive |
| 9. She stirred the soup. | stirred | Transitive |
| 10. We study every night. | study | Intransitive |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, exploring the nuances of verbs starting with ‘S’ involves delving into their idiomatic usages, metaphorical meanings, and historical evolution. Consider the impact of context on verb meaning and the subtle differences between seemingly synonymous verbs.
Furthermore, studying the use of these verbs in literature and formal writing can provide deeper insights into their expressive potential.
One advanced topic is the study of verbs with multiple meanings and how context determines the correct interpretation. For example, the verb ‘set’ has numerous meanings, ranging from ‘to place something’ to ‘to establish a record.’ Understanding these nuances requires a deep understanding of the English language and its intricacies.
Another area to explore is the use of ‘S’ verbs in figurative language, such as similes and metaphors, where their meanings are extended beyond their literal definitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How do I know if a verb starting with ‘S’ is transitive or intransitive?
A1: Determine if the verb takes a direct object. If the verb acts upon a noun or pronoun, it’s transitive.
If it doesn’t, it’s intransitive. For example, “She sings a song” (transitive – ‘song’ is the object) vs.
“She sings loudly” (intransitive – no object).
Q2: Are all verbs starting with ‘S’ action verbs?
A2: No, not all verbs starting with ‘S’ are action verbs. Some are stative verbs, describing states of being or conditions, such as ‘seem,’ ‘see,’ ‘sound,’ and ‘smell.’
Q3: How can I improve my vocabulary of verbs starting with ‘S’?
A3: Read widely, pay attention to the verbs used in different contexts, and use a dictionary or thesaurus to explore synonyms and related meanings. Practice using new verbs in your own writing and speech.
Q4: What is the difference between ‘see,’ ‘look,’ and ‘watch’?
A4: ‘See’ generally means to perceive with your eyes. ‘Look’ implies directing your eyes in a specific direction.
‘Watch’ means to observe something for a period of time, usually something in motion.
Q5: How do I conjugate irregular verbs starting with ‘S’?
A5: Irregular verbs have unique past tense and past participle forms that do not follow the standard ‘-ed’ rule. You need to memorize these forms.
Consult a verb conjugation table or dictionary for the correct forms.
Q6: Can a verb starting with ‘S’ be part of a phrasal verb?
A6: Yes, many verbs starting with ‘S’ can form phrasal verbs when combined with prepositions or adverbs. These combinations often have meanings that differ from the individual words, such as ‘set up,’ ‘sort out,’ and ‘show up.’
Q7: What is subject-verb agreement, and why is it important?
A7: Subject-verb agreement means the verb form must match the subject in number (singular or plural) and person (first, second, or third). It’s crucial for grammatical correctness and clear communication.
For example, “He sings” (singular) vs. “They sing” (plural).
Q8: How do I avoid common mistakes with verbs starting with ‘S’?
A8: Pay close attention to the specific meaning of each verb, especially those that sound similar. Double-check the verb tense and form to ensure they are correct.
Practice using the verbs in different contexts to solidify your understanding.
Conclusion
Mastering verbs starting with ‘S’ is a crucial step in developing a strong command of the English language. By understanding their definitions, structures, usage rules, and common pitfalls, you can enhance your communication skills and express yourself more effectively.
Remember to practice regularly,
more
consult resources when needed, and continue to expand your vocabulary to unlock the full potential of these versatile words. Whether you are writing, speaking, or simply trying to understand the nuances of English, a solid grasp of verbs starting with ‘S’ will undoubtedly serve you well.