Verb in the sentence

English grammar questions, answered by Alan

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sherrychan
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Verb in the sentence

Post by sherrychan »

'Towards the end of Middle English, a sudden and distinct change in pronunciation (the Great Vowel Shift) started, with vowels being pronounced shorter and shorter.'

The sentence is so long that I can't sure which one is the verb. Is 'started' or 'being pronounced'?

Thank you very much!^____^
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Alan
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Re: Verb in the sentence

Post by Alan »

'Started' is the verb of the main clause, while 'being pronounced' is a (nonfinite) participle phrase.
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