Verb Phrases
What Is It?
A verb phrase (VP) is the main verb plus helpers that mark tense, aspect, voice, or modality: aux + V(+‑pp/‑ing) → “CI has been failing.”
Why Use Verb Phrases?
- Precision — nails time & duration.
- Emphasis — highlights ongoing or completed action.
- Nuance — adds mood via modals (should deploy).
When to Choose Verb Phrases
Status updates, sprint retros (“Build might regress after merge”).
Forming Verb-Phrase Sentences
| Tense/Aspect | Formula | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Present | V(s/es) | “Alerts fire.” |
| Present Perfect Progressive | has/have + been + V‑ing | “Engineers have been patching.” |
| Future | will + V | “We will upgrade tonight.” |
| Modal | modal + V | “Users should clear cache.” |
Tips for Writing with Verb Phrases
- Choose the right auxiliary (has vs. had).
- Place adverbs inside the VP (“will quickly reindex”).
- Limit passive voice unless outcome matters.
- Avoid double modals (“might could”).
Exceptions & Nuances
In imperatives, helpers drop (“Check logs”). Serial modals possible in legalese but rare in tech.