Verb phrase

In linguistics, a verb phrase (VP) is a syntactic unit composed of at least one

verb and its dependentsobjects, complements and other modifiersbut
not always including the subject. Thus in the sentence A fat man put the
money quickly in the box, the words put the money quickly in the box are a
verb phrase; it consists of the verb put and its dependents, but not the
subject a fat man. A verb phrase is similar to what is considered a predicate
in more traditional grammars.
Verb phrases generally are divided among two types: finite, of which the
head of the phrase is a finite verb; and nonfinite, where the head is a
nonfinite verb, such as an infinitive, participle or gerund. Phrase structure
grammars acknowledge both types, but dependency grammars treat the
subject as just another verbal dependent, and they do not recognize the
finite verbal phrase constituent. Understanding verb phrase analysis
depends upon knowing which theory obtains in context.
Verbs are words that demonstrate an action, like sing, dance, smell, talk, and
eat. They serve as a link between the subject of the verb and information
about that subject. The information is usually descriptive.

In order to show activities that can be done, active verbs are used, while
linking verbs describe conditions.
She smells the pizza. (active) The wet dog smells awful. (linking)
He appears on screen as an actor. (active) Tony appears angry. (linking)

Verb phrases take the verb one step further by comprising the verb, plus the
complement, object, or adverb. Verb phrases, such as "She was walking
quickly to the mall" comprise the verb (walking) and the complement (to the
mall).
A verb phrase can be the predicate of the clause or sentence. A verb phrase
can also be a phrase that functions as an adverb or adjective and contains a
verb and its complements, objects, or modifiers.
Phrase Is the Predicate of the Sentence

Following are some verb phrase examples where the verb phrase is the
predicate of a sentence. In this case, the verb phrase consists of the main
verb plus any auxiliary, or helping, verbs.
She was walking quickly to the mall.
He should wait before going swimming.
Those girls are not trying very hard.
Ted might eat the cake.
You must go right now.
You cant eat that!
My mother is fixing us some dinner.
Words were spoken.
These cards may be worth hundreds of dollars!
The teacher is writing a report.
You have woken up everyone in the neighborhood.

Simple Tense
Verb tense tells you when the action happens. There are three main verb tenses:
present, past, and future. Each main tense is divided into simple, progressive,
perfect, and perfect progressive tenses.

Present

Past

Future
Simple:
will finish
Progressive:
be finishing
Perfect:
will have finished

finish
am/is/are finishing
have/has finished

finished
was/were finishing
had finished

Perfect Progressive: have/has been finishing had been finishing

finishing

Things to remember about simple tense:

a. Present tense is the original verb form.
b. Past tense has a few patterns.
c. Future tense needs will (shall) + verb.
I run a marathon twice a year. (present)
I ran a marathon last year. (past)
I will run a marathon next year. (future)
I eat lunch in my office.
I ate lunch an hour ago.
I will eat lunch in one hour.
I see a movie once a week.
I saw a movie yesterday.
I will see a movie tomorrow.
I know it.
I knew it the day before yesterday.

will

will have been

I will know it by tomorrow.