Sometimes the verb phrase is interrupted by another part of speech creating a split verb
phrase. There are two types of split verb phrases.
1.
Verb phrases are sometimes split by adverbs, such as not, never, ever, often, rarely,
always, only, just, really, and already. Since these words are never verbs, they are
referred to as "never verbs".
Examples: Ken does not have a pen,
Our dog has always been a loving pet.
Verb phrases in questions are often interrupted or split by the subjects.
Examples: Did you watch the play?
Can Tom go with me?
EXERCISE: Underline the verb phrase in each sentence,
1. Have you ever visited the museum in Dallas, Texas?
2. Bob and Mary would often go to the beach at noon,
3. You have just missed them.
4. Can the boys and girls play on the same team?
5. They should have never been playing with matches,
6. He may always need extra help,
7. Would the teacher allow us to leave early?
8. I have already finished my report for the meeting.
9. Did the storm damage the boat in the harbor?
10. Many of the parents will not allow their children to go to the play.
** Notice that in most contractions there is a verb present, and sometimes a "never
verb" may appear. The following are examples:
they've = they have
we're = we are
hasn't = has not
shouldn't = should not
you're = you are
I've = I have
it's = it is or it has
she's = she is or she has
I'm = I am