根据其是否能用作谓语，动词可分为谓语动词和非谓语动词。谓语动词在句中可用作谓语，而非谓语动词则不用作谓语(但可用作主语、宾语、补语、状语、定语等)。非谓语动词包括不定式、动名词、分词三种：
He lives in Shanghai. 他住在上海。(live 为谓语动词)
I want to go home. 我想回家。(want 为谓语动词，to go 为非谓语动词)
He enjoyed watching TV. 他喜欢看电视。(enjoy为谓语动词，watching为非谓语动词)
He had his hair cut. 他理发了。(had 为谓语动词，cut 为非谓语动词)