verb phrase

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Wikipedia

[edit] English

[edit] Noun

verb phrase (plural verb phrases)

1. (grammar) A construction in a clause consisting of a verb and its internal complements, objects, or modifiers.
2. A phrase that functions syntactically as a verb, consisting of a main verb and any auxiliaries.

Examples

1. Joe ran out the clock in the fourth quarter.
2. Marcy was unable to win the lottery.
3. The ice cream cones were being devoured as soon as they reached the childrens' hands.

[edit] See also

• noun phrase
• adjective phrase
• adverbial phrase