Definition

A verb phrase is a group of words consisting of a verb and one or more adverbs or prepositions. Verb phrases are used to describe the action in a sentence and can be made up of just a verb or a verb and one or more adverbs or prepositions. 

For example, the sentence "I am eating breakfast" is a verb phrase because it is made up of the verb "eat" and the adverb "breakfast".

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Types

There are three main types of verb phrases: finite, non-finite, and infinitive.

1. Finite verb phrases are made up of a finite verb and any accompanying modifiers or objects. They always express a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. 

           For example: "I am writing a paper."

2. Non-finite verb phrases are made up of a non-finite verb and any accompanying modifiers or objects. They do not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone as a sentence. 

            For example: "To write a paper is difficult."

3. Infinitive verb phrases are made up of the infinitive form of a verb and any accompanying modifiers or objects. They also do not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone as a sentence. 

            For example: "To write a paper is my goal."

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Examples

• He swims.
• They are eating breakfast.
• I will be writing a paper.
• You have been studying for hours.
• The man who was standing behind the large tree jumped quickly into the bushes when he saw the bear coming.
• He is writing a letter.
• She has been studying all night.
• They will be arriving soon.

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Conclusion

Verb phrases are used to describe the action in a sentence and can be made up of just a verb or a verb and one or more adverbs or prepositions.

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