A compound verb is constructed using an auxiliary verb and another verb.
In particular, an auxiliary verb (or helping verb) may be combined with another verb to create one of the many English verb tenses.
In each of the following examples, the compound verb is highlighted.
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Karl Creelman bicycled around the world in 1899, but his diaries and his bicycle were destroyed. | The compound verb in this sentence is made up of the auxiliary were and the past participle destroyed. |
| The book Seema was reading is under the sofa. | Here the compound verb is made up of the auxiliary verb was and the present participle reading. |
| They will meet us at the new Thai restaurant in the market. | The compound verb is made up of the auxiliary verb will and the verb meet. |
| That dog has been barking for three hours; I wonder if Joe will call the owner. | The first compound verb is made up of two auxiliary verbs (has and been) and a present participle (barking). The second compound verb is made up of the auxiliary verb will and the verb call. |
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© Department of English, Faculty of Arts, University of Ottawa
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