Let's review a verb's purpose and explain what a verb phrase is. A verb tells the reader what happens. The action can be modified by an object, assisted with a helper, or modified by a verb phrase. Verb phrases are often used in idioms, colloquialisms, or slang.
1) A verb object is the item upon which the action is committed.
Jane drove (subject/verb) the car (object).
Dick threw (subject/verb) the ball (object).
2) A verb can be modified with a helping verb:
Forms of to be: am, are, be, been, is, was, were.
Forms of to do: did, do, does.
Forms of to have: had, has, have.
Qualifiers: can, could, may, might, shall, should, will, would.
Qualifiers can be red flags and often need to be cut. Search for them. Kill them unless they are absolutely essential to the point.
Jane could see Dick edging around the corner, weapons out.
In distant third or omniscient: Jane saw Dick edge around the corner, weapons out.
First person or close third in Jane's POV: Dick edged around the corner, weapons out.
3) A verb can be modified by a verb phrase.
A verb phrase contains a verb and a helping verb that act as one word. The helping word always precedes the verb. The words never, not, and the contraction n't are negation words and are not part of the verb.
Dick could have been willing (verb) to fly (modifier).
Dick might not have wanted (verb) to fly (modifier)
We have become (verb) world travelers (object).
4) The helping verb can be separated from the verb in certain situations.
When asking a question, the helping verb comes before the actual verb.
Have you ever been to Spain?
Do you know the way to San Jose?
No, I've never been there.
Dick should never (negation) have gone (verb) there (modifier).
Revision Tips
?Make sure the verb phrases are used correctly. You should search for these verb phrase key words by selecting [Control] [F] or [Find]and entering the word. Make sure you avoid clichés.
?Evaluate all verb phrases. Are they used correctly?
?Do they constitute clichés? Can you change it or cut it?
For all of the revision tips on verbs and other revision layers, pick up a copy of:
In writing, we have all come across words that we’re not exactly sure whether or not we’re using properly. I thought I’d go over a few of the ones that had me baffled, and a couple that stiff do somewhat.
Off we go . . .
About vs. Around (in reference to time and numbers)About (adverb, preposition, adjective): reasonably close (almost), in the vicinity (near),
Around (adverb, preposition, adjective): from one place to another, in every and any direction
Both words can mean with some approach to exactness (approximately).Examples:The class starts about 10AM.
I gave it just about everything I had.
I’m gonna rock around the clock tonight.
It costs around $5.
I read something, somewhere that gave a much clearer understanding of using both words, but I can’t remember it. If anyone has an easier/clearer way to distinguish the two words in regard to time and number, please let us know. Boy, I wish my memory was better.
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Affect versus EffectAffect (verb): the conscious subjective of an emotion apart from bodily changes.
Effect (noun): basic meaning, intent, something that inevitably follows an antecedent, an outward sign, fulfillment, power to bring about a result, a distinctive impression.
Examples:Not knowing the skills needed might affect his chances of getting the position.
Getting an A might affect his parent’s future expectations.
The effects of the drug finally wore off.
Being punished had no effect on Timmy’s behavior.
I remember once reading that “affect” deals with the non-physical and “effect” deals with the physical. But, since one is a verb and the other a noun, that should be a helpful clue also.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
All ready vs. AlreadyAll ready: done, completely ready.
Already (adverb): by or before the given or implied time.
Examples:The students were all ready to go.
I already cooked dinner.
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All Right vs. AlrightAll right (adjective, adverb): satisfactory, safe, good.
Alright is a disputed variable of “all right.”
Examples:Is it all right to leave now?
All right, you can leave now.
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Farther vs. FurtherFarther (adverb, adjective): to a greater distance, extent, or point.
Further (adverb, adjective, transitive verb): farther, in addition, to a greater degree or extent.
Examples:He threw the ball farther than the last attempt.
The town is farther than I thought.
We need to research further for answers.
The more work I do, the further I get.
In a recent article at http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/life/10-common-errors-spell-check-won-t-catch-2039083/#poll-86A687227A3211DF922CE2CA55AE989C, an excellent description of the proper usage of both words is given:
“While both words refer to distance, grammar
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