Verbs Used in Verbal Phrases

Learn how verbs work inside common English verbal phrases and how they change meaning in daily communication.

Verbal phrases are groups of words built around a verb.

They can show actions, states, plans, abilities, obligations, and results.

The main verb gives the basic meaning, while helping words add grammar meaning.

Some verbal phrases include prepositions, adverbs, infinitives, or gerunds.

Learning these patterns helps you speak and write more natural English.

1. Main Verbs in Verbal Phrases

The main verb is the most important verb in a verbal phrase. It tells the main action or state.

Examples: eat breakfast, drive a bus, study English, feel tired

Main verbs can be action verbs, such as go, make, and write, or state verbs, such as be, seem, and know.

Helping verbs work with a main verb to form tenses, questions, negatives, and emphasis.

Helping Verb	Use	Example
be	continuous tense or passive voice	She is studying. / The door was opened.
do	questions, negatives, emphasis	Do you work? / I do not know.
have	perfect tenses	They have finished.

Modal verbs add meaning such as ability, possibility, permission, advice, or obligation.

Common modals: can, could, may, might, must, should, will, would

After a modal verb, use the base form of the main verb.

Correct: You should study. / He can drive.
Incorrect: You should studies. / He can drives.

A phrasal verb is made from a verb plus an adverb or preposition. The meaning is often different from the original verb.

Some verbs are commonly followed by an infinitive: to + base verb.

Examples: want to learn, need to work, plan to travel, hope to pass

These phrases often show goals, plans, needs, or decisions.

I want to improve my English. / She plans to visit her family.

Some verbs are commonly followed by a gerund: verb + -ing.

Examples: enjoy reading, avoid driving, finish working, practice speaking

Gerund phrases often name activities or actions as ideas.

He enjoys cooking. / I practice speaking English every day.