THE VERB IN OLD ENGLISH

Abstract

This article explores the structure, classification, and usage of verbs in Old English, the earliest recorded stage of the English language spoken between the 5th and 11th centuries. It discusses how Old English verbs were highly inflected and categorized mainly into strong and weak verbs, depending on the way they formed their past tense and past participle. The study highlights the importance of vowel gradation, or ablaut, in strong verbs and the use of dental suffixes in weak verbs. It also examines irregular and preterite-present verbs, which later developed into modern English modal verbs such as can, shall, and must. The paper emphasizes the role of verb endings in expressing grammatical categories such as person, number, tense, and mood. Special attention is given to the influence of Latin and Norse languages on the evolution of Old English verb forms. The article concludes that understanding Old English verbs helps linguists trace the historical development of English grammar and vocabulary. Overall, this research provides valuable insight into the linguistic features and transformation of the English verb system from its earliest forms to later Middle and Modern English stages.