This document discusses how to identify verbs in sentences by changing the tense. It notes that as native English speakers can already identify verbs subconsciously. However, the key technique outlined is that the only words that change form according to tense shifts are verbs. Therefore, identifying verbs can be done by simply changing the tense of a sentence, as only the verb will adapt to the new tense while other words remain unchanged.

1. As a native speaker of English, you already
know which words in a sentence are verbs,
even if you can't identify them when asked.
The fact is, whenever you change the tense of
a subject you automatically shift the verb to
match. And since verbs are the only words
that change form according to tense, in order
to identify verbs, all you need do is change the
tense.

2. • The basic technique
• Let's start simple:
• Peter and Paul went to Kentucky.
• Now shift the tense.
• Peter and Paul are going to Kentucky.
• The only word that changed was went which
became are going. This tells you immediately
that went is a verb.