a phrase that consists of a main verb and one or more helping verbs. e.g. 'had gone', 'may have eaten', 'was playing'
                                                            
                                                     
                        
                                                
                        
                        
                            A phrase that has as its head a verb--e.g., Mary can/should [VP speak French].
                                                            
                                                     
                        
                                                
                        
                        
                            In SYSTRAN terminology, a phrase or other construction used as a verb. Verb phrases are not acceptable entries in a CSD.