There are two classes of verbs in O.E., _strong_ and _weak_. The
conjugation of strong verbs is effected mainly by means of vowel-gradation,
that of weak verbs by the addition of _d_ (-ode, -ede, -de) to the
root-syllable.
The following is the conjugation of the strong verb _bindan_ (bind), which
will serve to show the endings which are common to all verbs:--
INDICATIVE. SUBJUNCTIVE.
_Pres. sing._ 1. bind-e, bind-e.
2. bind-est, bintst, bind-e.
3. bind-eth, bint, bind-e.
_plur._ bind-ath, bind-en.
_Pret. sing._ 1. band, bund-e.
2. bund-e, bund-e.
3. band, bund-e.
_plur._ bund-on, bund-en.
_Imper. sing._ bind; _plur._ bind-ath. _Infin._ bind-an.
_Partic. pres._ bind-ende; _pret._ [.g]e-.bund-en.
_Gerund._ t[=o] bind-enne.
For the plural _bindath_, both indicative and imperative, _binde_ is used
when the personal pronoun follows immediately after {23} the verb:--_w[=e]
bindath_ (we bind), but _binde w[=e]_ (let us bind); so also _g[=a]th!_ (go
plur.), but _g[=a] [.g][=e]!_ (go ye).
The present participle may be declined like an adjective. Its declension
when used as a noun is given above, p. 10.
The past participle generally prefixes _[.g]e-_, as in _[.g]e.bunden_,
_[.g]e.numen_ from _niman_ (take), unless the other parts of the verbs have
it already, as in _[.g]e.h[=i]eran_ (hear), _[.g]e.h[=i]ered_. It is
sometimes prefixed to other parts of the verb as well. No _[.g]e_ is added
if the verb has another prefix, such as _[=a]-_, _be-_, _for-_; thus
_for.[.g]iefan_ (forgive) has the past participle _for.[.g]iefen_. The past
participle may be declined like an adjective.
Traces of an older passive voice are preserved in the form _h[=a]t-te_ from
_h[=a]tan_ (call, name), which is both present 'is called,' and preterite
'was called':--_se munuc h[=a]tte Abbo_ (the monk's name was Abbo).