Table of Contents

• Verb Phrases

Verb Phrases

• Verb Phrase – when a sentence has more than one verb that goes together

• Verb Phrases include one or more helping verbs plus a main verb

• The main verb is always the last verb in the phrase!

Examples

1. Kathy is riding her bike. Subject Verb

2. Should Kate have gotten here sooner?subject verb

Copy the following sentences. Label the subject in each and identify the verb phrase by underlining the helping verb(s) and circling the main verb.

1. Have you ever visited Redwood National Park?

2. The giant trees there can be an awesome sight.

3. For centuries, these trees have been an important part of the environment of the United States.

4. Surely, these rare trees must be saved for future generations.

5. More than 85 percent of the original redwood forest has been destroyed over the years.

Copy the following sentences. Label the subject in each and identify the verb phrase by underlining the

helping verb(s) and circling the main verb.

1. Because of this destruction, the survival of the redwood forest is being threatened.

2. With proper planning years ago, more of the forest might already have been saved.

3. Unfortunately, redwood forests are still shrinking rapidly.

4. According to some scientists, redwood forests outside of the park will disappear in our lifetime.

5. However, according to other experts, the redwood forests can still be saved!

Exit Ticket!

1. What is a verb phrase?2. What do verb phrases always include?3. Which kind of verb is always the last verb in

the phrase?