Lesson three

3.1       VERB PHRASES

In some sentences, the verb is more than one word. It is in form of a phrase, which is called a verb phrase.

A verb phrase consists of a main verb and one or more helping verbs.

The main verb shows the action in the sentence.

The helping verb works with the main verb. Helping verbs do not show action.

Examples:

Mark Francis has passed the examinations

H.V. M.V.

He will be admitted to a national school.

H.V. H.V. M.V.

His parents are happy with him.

H.V. M.V.

3.2       Common helping verbs

Some verbs, such as do, have and be, can either be used as main verbs or ` as helping verbs. Examples:

     As main verbs As helping verbs

      I will do the job           I do like the job.

     Who has a pen?          He has lost his pen. They are my friends        They are coming today.

Sometimes helping verbs and main verbs are separated by words that are not verbs.

Examples:

I do not ride bicycle any more.

Can we ever be friends again?

We should definitely apologise for the mistakes.

3.3       Exercise 2

Indicate H.V. under the Helping verb and M.V. under the Main verb in the following sentences.

1. The school choir is singing a new
2. The football season has finally
3. This car just can travel very
4. He had waited for this chance for years.
5. My parents will be visiting us
6. Our friends have come for a
7. You must buy your ticket for the game.
8. Sarah has chosen Kenyatta University for her degree
9. She is hitting her child with a rubber
10. I will go for the game next week.