Verb Phrase Basics

Verb Phrase Basics

A verb phrase is the central grammar point in a sentence.

Some verbs

1. put subjects into motion while

2. other verbs help to clarify the subjects in meaningful ways.​

By Prasanna Yapa Bandara Rathnayake

​Some text here about the topic of discussion.

She is beautiful. ​

​Some verbs put subjects into motion while other verbs help to clarify the subjects in meaningful ways.

What does the verb in this sentence do?

Open Ended

Andrea comes from a rich family.

What is the verb in this sentence? Does it put the subject in motion?

Open Ended

Samanali runs a few miles every morning.

What is the verb in this sentence? Does it put the subject in motion?

Open Ended

Samanali runs a few miles every morning.

Turn this sentence into its negative form.

The verb or verb phrase in this sentence is

​

SMILE = DO SMILE​

They smile.

The verb or verb phrase in this sentence is

​

LIKES = DOES LIKE​

​Amali likes reading.

Can a verb stand alone in sentences?

Some text here about the topic of discussion

The verb or verb phrase in this sentence is

​

LOST = DID LOSE

Kumaran lost it.

The verb or verb phrase in this sentence is

​

WON = DID WIN​

​Sasha won the game.

Can a verb stand alone in sentences?

Some text here about the topic of discussion

The verb or verb phrase in this sentence is

​

GIVE-UP = GIVE U​

Never give-up!

The verb or verb phrase in this sentence is

​

GIVE = GIVE

​Give us your answer.

Can a verb stand alone in sentences?

IMPERATIVES ARE THE ONLY INSTANCE WHERE ACTION VERBS CAN FUNCTION ALONE IN A SENTENCE.

The verb phrase has an action verb which actually refers the happening.

​

​​

ACTION VERB

The verb PHRASE has a helping partner which confirms the happening

The ​helping partner is:

either

AN AUXILIARY or A MODAL​

​HELPING VERB

VERBS APPEAR IN SENTENCES in phrases

Amali has moved to another place.

Open Ended

What is the difference between the HELPING verb and the ACTION verb?