Verb Phrases

Sam An Teng

Verb phrase is a group of words that shows action or state of being. It normally contains auxiliary verb(s) and a main verb. Thus,

Verb phrase = Auxiliary verb(s) + Main verb

Look at the examples; the verb phrases are in italic.

With two or more main verbs

  •  They sing and dance.
  •  She uploaded, tagged, and shared her photo.

With auxiliary verb "be"

  •  They are spraying pesticides.
  •  The email is sent by my colleague.
  •  I was watching TV at midnight last night.
  •  The road was built by a Chinese company.

With auxiliary verb "do"

  •  Do you like tea?
  •  I don't see it important.
  •  Did he go to the party yesterday?
  •  He did insist on borrowing the money.

With auxiliary verb "have"

  •  She has not finished her homework yet.
  •  We have discussed some worse scenario of our project.
  •  They had made a million before coming here.
  •  He had not read the lessons when his teacher asked him.

With modal auxiliary verb

  •  Everyone should not be too greedy.
  •  What will you do with this vegetables?
  •  He must make an apology.
  •  They will be traveling this time next year.