Why are there two verbs in a sentence?

[theol]

Even though the same group conducted both surveys, assuming that each was designed for the same purpose creates an unsustainable conclusion. The first survey may have been designed to determine the reading preferences of the respondents. It appears to have done that. The second survey may have sought to determine what genres are most frequently checked out of the local libraries. If so, it accomplished that goal. To presume that the respondents to the first survey misled the researchers fails if the surveys did not have the same goal.

Source: a writing book (GRE Analytical Writing Supreme Vibrant Publishers)

Why are there two verbs in a sentence? (the verbs I have underlined)
Was a typo?

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

Even though the same group conducted both surveys, assuming that each was designed for the same purpose creates an unsustainable conclusion. The first survey may have been designed to determine the reading preferences of the respondents. It appears to have done that. The second survey may have sought to determine what genres are most frequently checked out of the local libraries. If so, it accomplished that goal. To presume that the respondents to the first survey misled the researchers fails if the surveys did not have the same goal.

Source: a writing book

Why are there two verbs in a sentencethe verbs (I have underlined)?

One of the verbs is part of a verb phrase: was designed. The verb phrase is inside a larger noun phrase.

Do you see that noun phrase?

Do you see the subject of the sentence?

Was it a typo?

No.

Good question!

 

[GoesStation]

Source: a writing book

Why are there two verbs in [STRIKE]a[/STRIKE] one sentence? (the verbs I have underlined)
Was it a typo?

Please provide the name and author of everything you quote here. Forum rules require it.

The bolded phrase would not make sense if either verb were removed.

 

[theol]

Good question!

Do you see that noun phrase?
Is "assuming that each was designed for the same purpose" a noun phrase?

Do you see the subject of the sentence?
Is "each was designed for the same purpose" a subject?

 

[tzfujimino]

... assuming that each was designed for the same purpose creates an unsustainable conclusion.

... the assumption that each was designed for the same purpose creates an unsustainable conclusion.

Does that help?
The 'assuming' there is a gerund.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

Do you see that noun phrase?
Is "assuming that each was designed for the same purpose" a noun phrase?

Yes!

Do you see the subject of the sentence?
Is "each was designed for the same purpose" a subject?

If you strip away all the modifiers, the subject is "assuming."

"Assuming creates a conclusion." Subject creates object.

Everything else embellishes that short sentence. Does the long sentence make sense now?