To find the verb phrase in each sentence, we need to look for the main action word (the main verb) and any helping verbs (like *is, has, will, can, must*) that go with it. Sometimes words like "not" or adverbs are included too, but usually, we just underline the helping verbs and the main verb.
Here is the step-by-step breakdown for each sentence:
1)
Jeff has been waiting for you since morning.
- Helping verbs: *has, been*
- Main verb: *waiting*
- Verb phrase:
has been waiting
2)
Nancy is improving her French.
- Helping verb: *is*
- Main verb: *improving*
- Verb phrase:
is improving
3)
Gary would have been very happy with the results.
- This one is tricky because "happy" is an adjective, not a verb. The verb here is "been" (a form of *be*).
- Helping verbs: *would, have*
- Main verb: *been*
- Verb phrase:
would have been
4)
You might enjoy some of this music too.
- Helping verb: *might*
- Main verb: *enjoy*
- Verb phrase:
might enjoy
5)
Jean was surprised.
- Helping verb: *was*
- Main verb: *surprised* (acting as a past participle here)
- Verb phrase:
was surprised
6)
These artifacts must be worth millions.
- Helping verb: *must*
- Main verb: *be*
- Verb phrase:
must be
7)
You must attend this workshop on positive thinking.
- Helping verb: *must*
- Main verb: *attend*
- Verb phrase:
must attend
8)
Will you be joining us for the picnic?
- Helping verb: *Will*
- Main verb part: *be joining* (Note: "Will be joining" is the full continuous future tense structure).
- Verb phrase:
Will be joining
9)
Andrew has worked abroad for many years.
- Helping verb: *has*
- Main verb: *worked*
- Verb phrase:
has worked
10)
Kevin will buy a new house.
- Helping verb: *will*
- Main verb: *buy*
- Verb phrase:
will buy
Final Answer:
1)
has been waiting
2)
is improving
3)
would have been
4)
might enjoy
5)
was surprised
6)
must be
7)
must attend
8)
Will be joining
9)
has worked
10)
will buy
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of verbal phrases worksheet.
