Verbal phrases 2

Each sentence has one verbal phrase. Indicate which word group is the verbal phrase, including any modifiers and objects.

For help with this exercise, see Verbal phrases.

Example

1 of 10

Question

undefined. For nearly thirty years, the Berlin Wall stood as a barrier to East German citizens who wanted to defect to the West.
◯ For nearly thirty years
◯ to East German citizens
◯ to defect to the West
Verbal phrases 2 – 1

2 of 10

Question

undefined. Letters sent first class will arrive within three days.
◯ sent first class
◯ will arrive
◯ within three days
Verbal phrases 2 – 2

3 of 10

Question

undefined. Clairvoyance is the ability to read other people’s minds.
◯ Clairvoyance is
◯ ability to read
◯ to read other people’s minds
Verbal phrases 2 – 3

4 of 10

Question

undefined. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy has been linked to certain birth defects.
◯ Drinking alcohol during pregnancy
◯ during pregnancy
◯ to certain birth defects
Verbal phrases 2 – 4

5 of 10

Question

undefined. The lost child couldn’t stop crying for his mother.
◯ couldn’t stop
◯ couldn’t stop crying for his mother
◯ crying for his mother
Verbal phrases 2 – 5

6 of 10

Question

undefined. It is hard to think clearly during a time of crisis.
◯ It is hard
◯ to think clearly during a time of crisis
◯ during a time of crisis
Verbal phrases 2 – 6

7 of 10

Question

undefined. The true victims, of course, are the children orphaned by the disaster.
◯ of course
◯ by the disaster
◯ orphaned by the disaster
Verbal phrases 2 – 7

8 of 10

Question

undefined. Like catching a fish, research papers always take longer than you estimate.
◯ catching a fish
◯ Like catching a fish
◯ than you estimate
Verbal phrases 2 – 8

9 of 10

Question

undefined. Frustrated in his career as a musician, George became a music critic for the local newspaper.
◯ Frustrated in his career as a musician
◯ became a music critic
◯ for the local newspaper
Verbal phrases 2 – 9

10 of 10

Question

undefined. The government agency has the authority to close our plant on the spot.
◯ has the authority
◯ to close our plant on the spot
◯ on the spot
Verbal phrases 2 – 10