Types of Phrases

Types of Phrases

What is a clause and a phrase?

In our previous lesson we looked at what phrases and clauses are.

We mentioned that a clause is a group of words that contain a subject and a verb.

Example: The boy sat on the chair.

The boy is the subject while sat is the verb.

We also mentioned that a phrase is a group of words that do not contain a subject and a verb.

Example: the green bird

on the table

graciously and happily

Types of Phrases

Today, we will be looking at different types of phrases. From our previous lesson, we noted that phrases perform specific roles in a sentence.

A phrase could describe a noun in a sentence, it could describe an adjective, it could describe a verb or it could show the relationship between one noun and another or tell the position of an object.

Types of Phrases

A word that described a noun is an adjective and so a phrase that describes a noun is an adjective phrase / adjectival phrase.

A word that describes a verb, adjective or an adverb is an adverb and so a phrase that describes a verb, an adjective or an adverb is an adverb phrase / adverbial phrase.

A word that shows the relationship between nouns or tell the position of nouns is a preposition and so a phrase that performs the same function is a prepositional phrase.

Adjective / Adjectival Phrase.

An adjective phrase is a group of words (that do not contain a subject and a verb) that describe a noun or pronoun in a sentence. The adjective in an adjective phrase can appear at the start, end or middle of the phrase. The adjective phrase can be placed before or after the noun or pronoun in the sentence.

Example:

Merry is slow and steady.

The man in black is coming towards.

The class is so calm and quiet.

The food of this restaurant is extremely delicious.

Adjective Phrases

Consider the sentences below and identify the adjective phrases in them:

Green and white boots are beautiful.

Adjoa is an extremely courageous girl.

My grandfather lived in a house built of wood.

Green and white boots are beautiful.

Adjoa is an extremely courageous girl.

My grandfather lived in a house built of wood.

Adverb / Adverbial Phrase

An adverb phrase is simply a group of two or more words that function as an adverb in a sentence. Just as an adverb can modify a verb, adjective or another adverb, an adverb phrase of more than one word can further describe a verb, adverb, or adjective.

Example:

Jeff was speaking so roughly.

So roughly describes the verb speaking.

Sam said it in a polite way.

In a polite way describes how Sam said it and so it modifies the verb said.

Consider the following sentences and identify the adverb phrases in them.

The man was shouting very loudly.

We are working so hard to complete the project.

Next year Jack will come here.

Alana spoke in a low voice.

Once upon a time, the lady lived here.

The man was shouting very loudly.

We are working so hard to complete the project.

Next year Jack will come here.

Alana spoke in a low voice.

Once upon a time, the lady lived here.

Some Examples of Adverb Phrases

Adverb Phrases Describing How

Surprisingly well

In total silence

Often under duress

Very carefully

Quite easily

Prepositional Phrase

A prepositional phrase is a group of words without a subject and a verb, that functions as a preposition. A prepositional phrase begins with a preposition. Prepositional phrases can function as either adjective phrases or adverb phrases to modify other words in a sentence. If a prepositional phrase answers the questions Where, When, Why or How then it is also an adverb phrase.

Example:

Suzan was putting the flowers in the vase.

Richard loves to travel around the world.

We are now going over the bridge.

The hollow-eyed man was coming towards us.

Consider the sentences below and identify the prepositional phrases in them.

Please try to think out of the box.

We cannot see anyone through the window.

We stayed at the cabin by the river.

Hannah looked under the bed to see if she could find her necklace.

Please try to think out of the box.

We cannot see anyone through the window.

We stayed at the cabin by the river.

Hannah looked under the bed to see if she could find her necklace.

Multiple Choice

Identify the underlined phrase in the sentence below:

The new boy sang slowly and melodiously at the concert.

• Adjective phrase

• Adverb phrase

• Prepositional phrase

Multiple Choice

Identify the underlined phrase in the sentence below:

The car is so neat and powerful.

• Adjective phrase

• Adverb phrase

• Prepositional phrase

Multiple Choice

Identify the underlined phrase in the sentence below:

Vinjay placed his homework on the table.

• Adjective phrase

• Prepositional phrase