English Grammar Understanding the Basics - Evelyn P. Altenberg, Robert M. Vago 2010

Lesson 44: Compound verb phrases
Unit 14: Compound phrases
Part II: Kinds of phrases

What do you notice about this next sentence?

1. Frank ran to the store and Frank purchased a few items.

While it’s a perfectly grammatical sentence, we often choose to make it less repetitious and say instead:

2. Frank ran to the store and purchased a few items.

Since and, a coordinating conjunction, is joining two verb phrases here, ran to the store and purchased a few items is called a compound verb phrase.

Quick tip 44.1

Two verb phrases joined by a coordinating conjunction is called a compound verb phrase.

Here are some more examples, with the compound verb phrases underlined.

3. The general ran forward and led the troops.

4. She remained calm and followed her instincts.

5. His advisor presents him with good ideas but rarely helps him carry them out.

Test yourself 44.1

Underline the compound verb phrases in each of the sentences below.

Sample: I’ll phone them and listen to their ideas.

Getting started (answers on p.197)

1. They often call each other and talk all afternoon.

2. Adam wrote letters to the company and spoke to their representatives.

3. He invented the product but lost money in the process.

4. Stephen flew to Europe and visited his childhood friend.

5. I received your message yesterday but couldn’t respond to it immediately.

More practice (answers on the website)

6. On Saturday nights Samantha dresses up and meets with her friends.

7. Once a month or so we stay home and order dinner in.

8. Politicians do not always walk the walk and talk the talk.

9. On hot summer days, the O’Briens drive to the beach and enjoy the sun.

10. This couple fights but always makes up.

Test yourself 44.2

Underline the compound noun phrases and verb phrases in the sentences below. A sentence may contain more than one compound phrase.

Sample: He and she will probably leave on Friday and return on Sunday.

Getting started (answers on p. 197)

1. The horse stepped back and rolled its eyes.

2. Amanda is wearing long sleeves but carrying a parasol.

3. When Kathy and her daughter travel to Boston, they always visit Harvard and MIT.

4. On Sundays Mr. Adams and his neighbor play golf and have lunch in the clubhouse.

5. He loves to cook and entertain.

More practice (answers on the website)

6. His youngest son is afraid of thunder and lightning.

7. Your husband should work hard at his job or find another one.

8. Harry and his friend often travel to Washington and visit the Smithsonian.

9. It is common knowledge that the Yankees and the Red Sox are bitter rivals.

10. That would ruin her reputation and end her career.