A verb phrase consists of a main verb and its helping verbs. It can function as the predicate of a sentence. The predicate tells what the subject does or is. (It tells something about the subject).
Examples:
John was born in Malindi.
This problem may have contributed to the collapse of the economy.
Without highly – trained workers, many Kenyan companies would be forced to close down.
Sometimes the parts of a verb phrase are separated from each other by words that are not verbs.
Examples:
He is finally buying a new house.
Salesmen must occasionally travel long distances.
Some words are joined with other words to make contractions.
Examples:
He hasn’t turned up for the meeting (has + not)
We couldn’t tell what had killed the cow. (could + not)
I’ve ordered them to leave the house. (I + have).
NB: The word not and the contraction n’t are adverbs.
They are never part of a verb or verb phrase.
Exercise
Write the verb phrase in each of the following sentences.
- We should have taken pictures of the wild animals.
- You must have seen the posters of the event.
- They should have been told to come with flowers to plant in the school compound.
- Mr. Muchira would have told some interesting stories.
- Scientists must’ve visited the Menengai Crater.
- He must have seen some wonderful places.
- Many advocates do fear the new Chief Justice.
- The scouts have often made camp here.
- The bull fighters would sometimes stampede noisily.
- I could have read the book if he had allowed me.
Answer
Exercise
- Should have taken 6. Must have seen
- Must have seen 7. Do fear
- Should have been told 8. Have made
- Would have told 9. Would stampede
- Must’ve visited 10. Could have read
See also: