Verbal Phrase

Question

Hi, I have this explanation as to what a Verbal Phrase is.

A verbal phrase will contain a non-finite verb. Running the race was fun. Running the race is a 'verbal phrase'. Running is a 'non-finite verb'. ?

Not all non-finite verbs are in verbal phrases. "Running is good for you." Running is a non-finite verb, but is not in a verbal phrase. It stands alone.

I don't understand why the last example "Running is good for you" is not a verbal phrase. Regards,Mick.

Answer 1

Hi. Where did you get your explanation of "verbal phrase"? I find it unhelpful.

Anyway... a phrase is two or more words that function as a meaningful unit.

What is the subject of the sentence, "Running the race was fun"? (You can look at this as: What was fun?) It is running the race, and running the race is a phrase.

What is the subject of the sentence, "Running is good for you"? (You can look at this as: What is good for you?) It is running, and running is not a phrase.

Hiya JT,I found the explanation in (WordReference.com). In the forum section go to the title Verbal Phrase /Non Finite verb. It's the 7th post down with the name Cagey. What do you think? - omicko, Oct 7, 2016

In the context of the question there, Cagey's answer makes sense. Meanwhile, have I answered *your* question? - jtaniel, Oct 7, 2016

And... does this have anything to do with Spanish? - jtaniel, Oct 7, 2016

JT, the Penny's dropped now,thank you. I was looking up Perifrasis Verbal and one translation of this was Verbal Phrase which led me to this post. - omicko, Oct 7, 2016