Verbs:
* Transitive verbs: These verbs *require* a direct object. The direct object is the noun or pronoun that receives the action of the verb.
* Example: "She wrote a letter." ("Wrote" is the verb, "letter" is the direct object.)
* Intransitive verbs: These verbs do *not* take a direct object. They might be followed by:
* Prepositional phrases: These give more information about the verb, often explaining where, when, or how the action happens.
* Example: "The bird flew away."
* Adverbs: These modify the verb by describing how, when, where, or to what extent the action happens.
* Example: "He ran quickly."
* Linking verbs: These verbs connect the subject to a noun or adjective that renames or describes the subject.
* Example: "The sky is blue."
Phrases:
* Prepositional phrases: These always begin with a preposition (like "on," "in," "by," "to," etc.) and are followed by a noun or pronoun.
* Example: "The book is on the table."
* Infinitive phrases: These start with "to" followed by a verb.
* Example: "I like to read."
* Participial phrases: These start with a participle (a verb form ending in "-ing" or "-ed") and act as adjectives.
* Example: "The running water was cold."
In summary: What follows a verb or phrase depends heavily on the specific verb or phrase. Understanding the different types of verbs and phrases will help you figure out what comes next!