The first word of a verb phrase is a verb, and each of the others is a present or past participle or an infinitive. Gerunds are not found in verb phrases. Remembering these facts, we can name each form in a verb phrase. Generally, however, we cannot tell the exact construction of each word; that is, we cannot show that each infinitive is used as a noun and each participle as an adjective.

Exercise 274. Development

1. I shall be anxious.

2. You will be anxious.

3. He will be anxious.

4. I shall praise.

5. You will praise.

6. He will praise.

Select the verb phrases. Classify each as copulative or attributive. What time is expressed by each? What is the verb in each? (§ 54, Exception 2).

Under what circumstances is the verb shall used? The verb will? What kind of verbal is be? How do you know this? What kind of verbal is praise?