A verb phrase is the portion of a sentence that contains both the verb and either a direct or indirect object (the verb's dependents). We're going to take a look at what verb phrases are, and then view some verb phrase examples.

Verb Phrases

Verbs are words that demonstrate an action, like sing, dance, smell, talk, and eat. They serve as a link between the subject of the verb and information about that subject. The information is usually descriptive.

In order to show activities that can be done, active verbs are used, while linking verbs describe conditions.

She smells the pizza. (active) The wet dog smells awful. (linking)
He appears on screen as an actor. (active) Tony appears angry. (linking)

Verb phrases take the verb one step further by comprising the verb, plus the complement, object, or adverb. Verb phrases, such as "She was walking quickly to the mall" comprise the verb (walking) and the complement (to the mall).

To learn more about verb phrases see Verb Phrase.

Verb Phrase Examples

A verb phrase can be the predicate of the clause or sentence. A verb phrase can also be a phrase that functions as an adverb or adjective and contains a verb and its complements, objects, or modifiers.

Phrase Is the Predicate of the Sentence

Following are some verb phrase examples where the verb phrase is the predicate of a sentence. In this case, the verb phrase consists of the main verb plus any auxiliary, or helping, verbs.

She was walking quickly to the mall.
He should wait before going swimming.
Those girls are not trying very hard.
Ted might eat the cake.
You must go right now.
You can't eat that!
My mother is fixing us some dinner.
Words were spoken.
These cards may be worth hundreds of dollars!
The teacher is writing a report.
You have woken up everyone in the neighborhood.

Phrase Functions as an Adverb or Adjective

Some verb phrases have a single function which means it can act like an adverb or an adjective. The phrase would include the verb and any modifiers, complements, or objects.

Texting on his phone, the man swerved into a ditch.
As the cat watched, the two puppies fought over a bone.
The small dog was reluctant to learn new things.
When he arrives, we can try to build a fort.
Finally, we can afford to buy a new house.
Walking on the ice, she slipped and fell.
Open the door to let the fresh air in.
To make lemonade, you first need some lemons.
It takes two people to tango.

All of these different verb phrases demonstrate how the dependents of the verb provide important useful information for the reader about the action in the sentence. Verb phrases help to make your text more informative and meaningful and they are essential to clear writing.

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Verb Phrase Examples

By YourDictionary

A verb phrase is the portion of a sentence that contains both the verb and either a direct or indirect object (the verb’s dependents). We’re going to take a look at what verb phrases are, and then view some verb phrase examples.