QUESTION BANK

GRAMMAR
Verb Phrases
• A verb composed of more than one word is called a verb phrase.
• It is composed of main verbs and auxiliary verbs such as:
am, is, are, were, being, been, do, did, does, shall, should, must, have, might

EXAMPLE 1
You must drink water.

In Example 1, ‘must drink’ is a verb phrase consisting of the auxiliary verb ‘must’ and the main
verb ‘drink’.

EXAMPLE 2
Your idea is considered.

In Example 2, ‘is considered’ is a verb phrase consisting of the auxiliary verb ‘is’ and the main
verb ‘considered’.

PRACTICE 4
Identify the verb phrases in the following sentences. Underline the auxiliary verbs once and circle
the main verbs.

EXAMPLE
Kalaivani is cheerful .
Answer: is cheerful

1 Anne Michelle is mowing the lawn.

2 Crows were perched on the car.
3 Are all of the parents donating their time?
4 Since last week we have been looking for new jobs.
5 Neither candidate would listen to the reporter’s questions.
6 Do not take no for an answer.
7 The Simpsons will be leaving for Spain tomorrow.
8 Anne Jacintha, a Malaysian author, has written three novels about Mount Kinabalu.
9 May I see your ID card, please?
10 We are going to the circus today.

1
ACE AHEAD MUET
© Oxford Fajar Sdn. Bhd. (008974-T) 2011
Answers

Verb Phrases
PRACTICE 4

1 is mowing 6 do take
2 were perched 7 will be leaving
3 are donating 8 has written
4 have looking 9 may see
5 would listen 10 are going

2
ACE AHEAD MUET
© Oxford Fajar Sdn. Bhd. (008974-T) 2011