The study explores the role of the verb in the semantic structure of the sentence and its relationship with a linear structure of the text. It is based on the assumption that the verb is a structural and semantic centre of the sentence from the perspective of semantic syntax. Within this approach, the verb names not only any specific action, i.e. it is a unit of lexical and semantic nomination but also the whole situation. The verb predicts the participants of the situation, their role, status and hierarhy. The verb is analyzed in terms of 'valency', grammatical characteristics and theme-rheme division of the sentence. The development of the meaning of the text is seen as types of relationship between the objects of the situation described in the text. They are represented by verbal-nominal collocations. In the context of ELT, the study outcomes can be applied for teaching/learning the skills of creative writing at tertiary level.