What does a verb phrase consist of?

A verb phrase consists of a main verb along with any auxiliary (or helping) verbs that accompany it, effectively forming a single unit of meaning. The correct answer identifies the inclusion of a main verb combined with auxiliary verbs, but it also aligns with the common structure where prepositions may appear before a verb in certain contexts. However, the essential part of any verb phrase is the main verb itself and its auxiliaries, which work together to convey tense, mood, or voice.

The notion of including just auxiliary verbs as a standalone phrase doesn't encompass the complete definition of what a verb phrase entails. Furthermore, adverbs that modify nouns or mere combinations of nouns and adjectives do not classify as verb phrases, as they reference different grammatical structures and functions within a sentence. Understanding that a verb phrase serves to denote actions or states of being is crucial in grasping the fundamentals of English grammar.