Verb Phrases

The main verb and the helping verb(s) make up a unit that is called the verb phrase.

EXERCISE

On the line provided, write the verb or verb phrase in each sentence.

EXAMPLES:
- The football season _will be coming_ soon.
- I _read_ one chapter of _Pride and Prejudice_ last night.

1. Admitting a mistake _can take_ real courage.
2. Because of their pride, some people _will not admit_ their errors.
3. Fear of exposure _may also be_ a cause.
4. Punishment _might very well be_ the consequence of such a confession.
5. One _might well recall_ past errors and punishments.
6. He or she _may simply deny_ the results of error.
7. Other people _might laugh_ at such weaknesses.
8. Still others _might very well use_ such a confession against a person later.
9. Yet, honesty often _compels_ acceptance of one's mistakes.
10. Justice _can be_ an important factor.
11. Most people _have_ a conscience.
12. This conscience _can override_ all the fears of confession.
13. A person _shows_ maturity in many ways.
14. Maturity _results_ from a series of successes and failures.
15. An error _can even lead_ to a good experience.
16. It _can teach_ humility and understanding of others' flaws.
17. It _can help_ a person in other ways as well.
18. No one, of course, actually _enjoys_ serious errors.
19. A mistake _is_ rarely fun.