* New words are constantly being created: New verbs are coined all the time, especially with the rise of technology and slang.
* Words can change function: Nouns can become verbs, and vice-versa (think of "google" or "text").
* Regional variations: Different dialects and regions might have unique verb forms or uses.
* Technical and specialized verbs: Certain fields have specific technical verbs.
However, there are some estimates:
* Oxford English Dictionary: Includes roughly 170,000 words, a portion of which are verbs.
* Merriam-Webster: Lists around 470,000 words, but again, only some are verbs.
So, the number of verbs in English is constantly changing and difficult to quantify precisely.