There are basically four types of Latin verbs: regular, irregular, deponent, and semi-deponent.
- Latin has regular verbs of the 4 conjugations, plus the -io verbs. Verbs are conjugated differently depending on the conjugations to which they belong. Each conjugation has a thematic vowel, which helps you identify it.
- Latin has irregular verbs that are not part of the 4 conjugations. They need to be learned, because they are, generally, high frequency verbs.
- There are deponent verbs (verba deponentia) that appear to be passive (they have a passive morphology), but are translated as if they are active (they have an active meaning). Orbis Latinus explains the origin of the name "deponent verb". It says ancient grammarians thought the verbs had "put down" (deponere) their active forms.
- There are also semi-deponent verbs that in some forms act like regular verbs and in others, like deponent verbs.
In addition to these, there are other descriptive groups of Latin verbs, like the:
Index of Quick Tips on Latin Verbs