This chapter is the first of four chapters which analyse the verb, the key part of the sentence grammatically. The three verb groups in French are outlined.

The importance of the verb is emphasised in the first key points box, after which the major characteristics (person, number, mood and tense) of the verb are listed in a table, as well as the four different types of verbs, voice and aspect. The next section examines various functions of the verb: linking verbs, the uses of the auxiliaries avoir and être, active and passive voices, semi-auxiliary verbs and modal verbs. Subsequently, the features of transitive and intransitive verbs are described, and this is followed by sections on pronominal verbs and impersonal verbs. The last feature of the verb to be examined in this chapter is verbal aspect, a term which defines actions in relation to time. Important contrasts with English grammar in relation to aspect are drawn, in the three areas of grammar, lexis and semantics. The section ends with an account of aspect in auxiliary verbs. The last part of the chapter contains a literary passage with a variety of uses of the verb in it, which are then analysed. At the end of the chapter there are five exercises for grammar practice.