What Is the Base Form of a Verb? (with Examples)

The base form (or root) of a verb is the form listed in the dictionary.

It is the version of the verb without any endings (endings such as -s, -ing, and ed). The base form is the same as the infinitive (e.g., to walk, to paint, to think) but without the to.

Examples of Base Forms of Verbs

Here are some examples of the base forms of verbs:

not

sing

not

play

not

concur

not

The Base Form Appears in the Present Tense

The base form of a verb appears in all versions of the present tense except the third person singular. For example:

Conjugation	Example 1	Example 2
1st person singular	I play	I concur
2nd person singular	You play	You concur
3rd person singular	He plays She plays It plays	He concurs She concurs It concurs
1st person plural	We play	We concur
2nd person plural	You play	You concur
3rd person plural	They play	They concur

The Base Form Appears in the Infinitive Form

The base form of a verb appears in the infinitive form (including the zero infinitive form, i.e., without the word to). For example:

It is easier to fight for one's principles than to live up to them. (Alfred Adler, 1870-1937)
A musicologist is a man who can read music but can't hear it. (Thomas Beecham, 1879-1961)

The Base Form Appears in the Imperative Mood (i.e., Commands)

The base form is used for commands (i.e., the imperative mood. For example:

Eat a live toad the first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.
Create a definite plan for carrying out your desire and begin at once, whether you are ready or not. (Napoleon Hill)

The Base Form Appears in the Subjunctive Mood

The base form of a verb appears in the subjunctive mood. For example:

He demands that you be silent.
I propose he stay with us.

Quick Test

"Smashing Grammar" (2019)
Written by the founder of Grammar Monster, "Smashing Grammar" includes a glossary of grammar essentials (from apostrophes to zeugma) and a chapter on easily confused words (from affect/effect to whether/if). Each entry starts with a beautifully simple explanation and basic examples before moving to real-life, entertaining examples. All entries conclude with a section highlighting why the grammar point is relevant for a writer and top-level bullet points summarizing the entry. [More�]

"Grammar for Grown-ups" (2011)
Vocational rather than academic, "Grammar for Grown-ups" is packed with real-life examples and keeps you engaged with a wealth of great quotations from Homer the Greek to Homer the Simpson. Straight talking and methodical, Craig Shrives draws on his years compiling Grammar Monster and as an army officer to present a comprehensive but light-hearted and easily digestible grammar reference guide. [More�]