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The Functions of Verbs and Verb Phrases in English
Verb Function Study Sheet
Verbs and verb phrases perform eleven grammatical functions in the English language:
1. Verb phrase head
Definition: head of a verb phrase
Example: eat the cookies
2. Predicate
Definition: words and phrases that express the action performed by or state of the subject
Example: The librarian is writing an article.
3. Noun phrase modifier
Definition: word, phrase, or clause that modifies or describes a noun or noun phrase
Example: My daughter is the little girl wearing the pink hat.
4. Adjective phrase complement
Definition: word, phrase, or clause that completes the meaning of an adjective
Example: My puppy is eager to learn new tricks.
5. Verb phrase complement
Definition: word, phrase, or clause that completes the meaning of the verb phrase
Example: She always strives to succeed.
6. Subject
Definition: word, phrase, or clause that performs the action of or acts upon the verb
Example: Drinking milk is healthy.
7. Subject complement
Definition: word, phrase, or clause that follows a copular verb and describes the subject
Example: My favorite hobby is learning about grammar.
8. Direct object
Definition: word, phrase, or clause that receives the action of a transitive verb
Example: My coworkers enjoy gossiping about other coworkers.
9. Object complement
Definition: word, phrase, or clause that follows and describes the direct object
Example: The teacher has pronounced the extra credit writing an additional report.
10. Indirect object
Definition: word, phrase, or clause that indicates to or for whom or what the action of a
ditransitive verb is performed
Example: The young couple is giving having another baby serious consideration.
The Functions of Verbs and Verb Phrases in English 2
11. Prepositional complement
Definition: word, phrase, or clause that follows a preposition to complete the meaning of
a prepositional phrase
Example: We have been thinking about ordering a pizza for dinner.