Here's how it works:
* Main Verb: The core action or state of being. Examples: walk, sing, think, be, seem.
* Helping Verb: Words that modify the main verb, providing information about tense, mood, voice, or aspect. Examples: is, are, was, were, will, have, has, had, can, could, should, might, would.
Examples of Verb Phrases:
* "Is walking" (present continuous tense)
* "Will have finished" (future perfect tense)
* "Should be able to" (modal auxiliary)
* "Have been playing" (present perfect continuous tense)
Key Points:
* Verb phrases can be simple or complex.
* They provide more detailed information about the verb's action.
* They are essential for understanding the precise meaning of a sentence.
In a sentence:
The dog *is barking* at the mailman. ("Is barking" is the verb phrase.)
Let me know if you'd like more examples or explanations!