Verb phrases free worksheet - Free Printable

Let's solve this worksheet step by step. The task is to underline the verb phrase in each sentence.

A verb phrase includes the main verb and any helping (auxiliary) verbs, as well as any modifiers or objects that go with it. It expresses the action or state of being in a sentence.

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Here are the sentences with the verb phrases underlined:

1. Melissa will wait for the taxi at the corner.
→ *will wait*

2. Zachary always wants to play tennis.
→ *wants to play*
*(Note: "to play" is an infinitive phrase acting as the direct object of "wants", but together they form the verb phrase indicating what Zachary wants to do.)*

3. I am becoming very tired of Chinese food.
→ *am becoming*

4. Jasmine has received a coupon for a free pizza.
→ *has received*

5. Erin is feeding some water to the guinea pigs.
→ *is feeding*

6. The dispenser has run out of napkins.
→ *has run out*

7. The bicycle was held to the rack with a chain.
→ *was held*

8. The horse can carry us both up the mountain on its back.
→ *can carry*

9. The horses have been saddled for today’s ride.
→ *have been saddled*

10. James had to run in order to catch his bus.
→ *had to run*

11. The men will dig a deep hole for the new swimming pool.
→ *will dig*

12. The house appeared to be leaning to one side.
→ *appeared to be leaning*
*(This is a complex verb phrase: "appeared" + infinitive "to be leaning")*

13. You can buy lunch with that money.
→ *can buy*

14. Anthony’s hat was blown off of his head by a strong wind.
→ *was blown*

15. These jeans do not fit me anymore.
→ *do not fit*

16. The mouse was named Shasta.
→ *was named*

17. Dylan can climb over that fence.
→ *can climb*

18. The three children are playing in the park.
→ *are playing*

19. Mrs. Foster is going to take all of us to the theater.
→ *is going to take*
*(This is a future tense construction: "is going to" + base verb "take")*

20. These gloves will keep your hands very warm.
→ *will keep*

21. Sarah had to grab her dog before it ran away.
→ *had to grab*

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✔ Summary of Key Concepts:

- Verb phrases include auxiliary (helping) verbs like *will, has, have, is, was, can, do, did, etc.* along with the main verb.
- In some cases, modal verbs (e.g., *can, will, must*) are part of the verb phrase.
- Phrases like *"to be leaning"* or *"going to take"* are often included because they describe the full action or state.

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Final Answer:

Here are the underlined verb phrases for each sentence:

1. will wait
2. wants to play
3. am becoming
4. has received
5. is feeding
6. has run out
7. was held
8. can carry
9. have been saddled
10. had to run
11. will dig
12. appeared to be leaning
13. can buy
14. was blown
15. do not fit
16. was named
17. can climb
18. are playing
19. is going to take
20. will keep
21. had to grab

✔ These are the correct verb phrases for each sentence.