What Are Helping Verbs
& Verb Phrases?

Verb phrases consist of one main verb and one or more helping verbs (auxiliary verbs).

Sometimes, these verbs are separated by other words.

When we ask questions, the auxiliary verb comes at the beginning of the sentence and the main verb comes later.

Words like never, not, and the contraction n't are not part of the verb. They are adverbs.

Verb Phrases Act as Verbs

This seems obvious, right? They are made up of verbs, so what else would they be acting as?

The point here is that they are made up of multiple words and all of the words come together to act as one part of speech, a verb.

The cheesecake might be exploding.

Might be exploding is telling us what the cheesecake is doing (an action).

Did you call Owen?

Did call is asking what you did (an action).

Owen has become a great cook.

Has become is telling us Owen's state of being (a state of being verb).

Are These Phrasal Verbs?

No. These guys are different from phrasal verbs, so if you're looking for information on phrasal verbs, you're in the wrong spot! Click here to learn about phrasal verbs.

Sentence Diagramming

Sentence diagrams show us how parts of sentences are related. They make the relationships between words, phrases, and clauses visual. They are awesome. :)

Verb phrases are diagrammed on horizontal lines right after the subject.

I have been singing.

She must have jumped across the stream.

Do you want to learn more and test yourself?

If you want to teach or learn grammar the easy way, then follow a step-by-step program that clearly lays everything out for you and allows you to move at your own pace. The Get Smart program is presented in a meaningful sequence, so it's not an overwhelming mishmash of information. Before you know it, you'll be a grammar and sentence diagramming pro!

The whole program is online, so you have instant access to these lessons and videos. It's easy and fun. You can get it at www.English-Grammar-Revolution.com/daily-diagrams.html

Keep learning and have fun!

Elizabeth O'Brien is the creator of the Grammar Revolution step-by-step grammar and sentence diagramming programs. Her programs are guaranteed not only to teach you grammar, but also to give you more confidence in your communication skills.

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