A verb phrase is a verb of two or more words. It includes at least one helping verb (also called an auxiliary verb) and one main verb. The main verb is always the last verb and expresses the chief idea in the verb phrase.
Below are some examples of verb phrases. In each case, the main verb (shown in bold) is the last verb. All the other verbs are helping verbs
- are watching
- do intend
- has left
- can see
- could be
- will go
- would have sent
- should have called
- may have been planning
- might be working
- must finish
For more information on helping verbs, see our article verbs: helping verbs, auxiliary verbs.
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