Which words in this sentence make up the verb phrase?


Several islands in the Pacific Ocean were formed by volcanos.







A

formed by volcanos






B

were formed






C

in the Pacific Ocean






D

Several islands

Verified Answer :

B. were formed  make up the verb phrase.

A verb phrase is a phrase composed of verbs, whether the verbs be an action verb or a linking verb.

Writers use action verbs to depict action. They use linking verbs to describe conditions. However, there are instances when action and condition happens at the same time; thus, verb phrases are made.

In the verb phrase "were formed", were is the linking verb describing condition while formed is an action verb.