John McWhorter's recent NYT Opinion article argues that while most people learning a new language focus on nouns and adjectives first, verbs are actually the key to language proficiency.

Title: Embrace Verbs: The Powerhouse of Language Learning When we start learning a new language, we are all guilty of concentrating on nouns and adjectives first. We spend hours drilling vocabulary lists of concrete objects, colors, and descriptive words. But let's pause for a moment and consider this - when we want to communicate our thoughts and actions, what do we rely on? Verbs, of course. Verbs are the true language powerhouse that drives a sentence's meaning and allows us to express our thoughts and feelings accurately. Without verbs, language would be stripped of its vitality, leaving us with only half-formed ideas. To truly master a new language, it's time to put our focus on an often-overlooked subject- the mighty verb. One of the biggest reasons verbs are so crucial is that they provide us with a precise way of communicating actions. For instance, instead of stating that you are 'going' somewhere, using specific verbs such as 'strolling', 'running', or 'crawling' give a clear picture of how you're moving. These verbs paint a vivid picture in the other person's mind, but if we rely solely on vague terms, it only serves to muddy communication. Moreover, unlike nouns or adjectives, verbs bring motion and progress to our language. They allow us to share our experiences and tell stories, creating a narrative that captivates listeners. Think about it – would you rather listen to a story that goes, "The man was walking his dog, and then he went home," or, "The man strolled leisurely with his dog, and returned home with a smile on his face"? The latter undoubtedly paints a more colorful and memorable picture. Lastly, efficient mastering of verbs can help us to understand more complex sentence structures. It's not just about memorizing verb conjugation, but also understanding the many different ways they can be used in conversation. From phrasal verbs and idioms to modal verbs and future tenses, there's an array of ways verbs are used in different contexts. The more we pay attention to them, the more we'll be able to identify them in sentences, and become more confident with using them. To sum it up, let's not confine ourselves to just memorizing nouns and adjectives. Verbs are where the action is. By practicing and committing them to use, we can enrich our language learning experience, communicate more effectively and open a world of exciting possibilities. When learning a language, people typically focus on nouns and adjectives first. But verbs are the real key.