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A Concise Guide to English Grammar

Phillip Haisley

Section 11.11 Diagram Examples

This section provides reference diagrams for verb phrase structures with modals, tense-aspect combinations, and voice.
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Subsection 11.11.1 Modal Combinations with Tense and Aspect

11.11.1 A: Modal + simple verb: will eat.

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Syntax tree for "will eat" showing modal with verb
[VP [MOD will] [V eat]]
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11.11.1 B: Modal + perfect: will have eaten.

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Syntax tree for "will have eaten" showing modal with perfect
[VP [MOD will] [AUX have] [V eaten]]
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11.11.1 C: Modal + perfect + progressive: should have been studying.

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Syntax tree for "should have been studying"
[VP [MOD should] [AUX have] [AUX been] [V studying]]
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11.11.1 D: Full complex VP: will have been being eaten.

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Syntax tree for "will have been being eaten" showing all auxiliaries
[VP [MOD will] [AUX have] [AUX been] [AUX being] [V eaten]]
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Subsection 11.11.2 Passive Voice

11.11.2 A: Passive with by-phrase: was written by Maria.

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Syntax tree for "was written by Maria" showing passive with actor in by-phrase
[VP [AUX was] [V written] [PP [PREP by] [NP [N Maria]]]]
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