Verbal phrase – syntagme verbal
Let's Define It!
What's an *verbal phrase*?
A verbal phrase (or un syntagme verbal) has one or more verbs at its core [un noyau].
It indicates the process undertaken by the subject(s).
In the following, "Elle va aimer beaucoup ce film", va aimer is the core of the verbal phrase.
N.B. Some grammarians consider a verbal phrase as being separate from the subject, while others consider the verbal phrase as the combination of subject + verb + complement. In that case, a phrasal verb might as well be a full clause or even sentence.
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Let's Pronounce It!
What does it sound like in French?
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Let's Have an Example or Two!
Can a little reinforcement do the trick?
Here are a couple of examples containing verbal phrases. They are underlined for your convenience. [we're separating subject and verbal phrase]
- Vous parlez vraiment bien le francais. / You speak French really well.
- Cette voiture va trop rapidement. / This car is going too fast.
- Corine a déjà vu ce film.
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