(verb) An example of phrase is to compose an apology. Phrasal verb definition is - a phrase (such as take off or look down on) that combines a verb with a preposition or adverb or both and that functions as a verb whose meaning is different from the combined meanings of the individual words. Also called an infinitival phrase and a to-infinitive phrase. In English grammar, an infinitive phrase is a verbal construction made up of the particle to and the base form of a verb, with or without modifiers, complements, and objects. In the sentence The children played, played is the lexical verb, acting as the main verb of the VP; it is also the complete VP on its own. Some examples of phrases include: Verb phrases are sometimes defined more narrowly in scope, in effect counting only those elements considered strictly verbal in verb phrases. verb phrases. A phrase is a group (or pairing) of words in English. Finite VPs The simplest finite VP consists of just a full or lexical verb. In the sentence Mary likes cheese, likes is the lexical verb, main verb, and complete VP. What is a Phrase? The definition of a phrase is two or more words that express an idea and are a part of a sentence. Definition . Sentence placement and suffixes will help you identify them. Phrase definition: A phrase is a grammatical term referring to a group of words that does not include a subject and verb. phrasal verb definition: 1. a phrase that consists of a verb with a preposition or adverb or both, the meaning of which is…. How to use phrase in a sentence. 1. A verb phrase is a phrase in which a verb functions as the head of the phrase plus any auxiliaries, modifiers, complements, objects, particles, infinitive markers, and determinatives. Menu. What are verbals and verbal phrases? That would limit the definition to only main and auxiliary verbs, plus infinitive or participle constructions. Verb phrase definition: a constituent of a sentence that contains the verb and any direct and indirect objects... | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples Phrase definition is - a characteristic manner or style of expression : diction. An example of phrase is "went to the store." Look at the following examples and try to identify the verb phrase. 2. noun. Notice What are phrases? Verbals are verbs that act as another part of speech, and verbal phrases contain both verbals and modifiers. A phrase can be short or long, but it does not include the subject-verb pairing necessary to make a clause.. Dictionary ! Phrase is defined as to express in words. Examples, Definitions. A verb phrase consists of a main verb and one or more helping verbs linked together. Learn more. For example, in the following sentences only the words in bold form the verb phrase: You identify them and verbal phrases contain both verbals and verbal phrases contain verbals. 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