Phrases/ Types of Phrases

Phrases are a group of related words that adds meaning to a sentence; phrases do not contain a subject and a predicate.

There are many kinds of phrases:

1- Noun Phrase = noun + modifiers( descriptions)

A noun phrase consists of a noun and all its modifiers. It can function in a sentence as a subject, object or complement.

e.g. Some American school boards have begun to consider compensating teachers based on how well they teach rather than how long.

Some American school boards noun phrase = subject

e.g. Critics reject these controversial pay-for performances plans, maintaining that they are unfair to teachers who have difficult students.

These controversial pay-for performances plans noun phrase = direct object.

2- Verb Phrase = main verb+ helping verbs

Several verbs working together to indicate actions

e.g. High-tech business with more positions than employers are recruiting talented staffers. Verb phrase

e.g. Since early morning, Tom and Sue had been squabbling.

Verb phrase

3- Prepositional Phrase

It is composed of the preposition and a following noun phrase.

Prepositional phrases are used either adjectivally to modify (describe)) nouns or adverbially to modify verbs or clauses

e.g. The man in the house rented it.

in the house prepositional phrase that modifies a noun ( the man) adjectivally

e.g. He went in the arena. (Prepositional phrase modifies a verb adverbially)

e.g. On reflection, l believe that she was correct.

Prepositional phrase that modifies a clause

4- Gerund Phrase

The ‘ing' form of a verb or noun

e.g. Sue decided that justifying Tom's lack of initiative was emotionally draining.

5- Infinitive phrase

An infinitive phrase consists of an infinitive; it can function as a noun adjective or adverb.

e.g. To write clearly and concisely can be difficult sometimes.

Infinitive phrase = functioning as a subject

Proofreading your writing is a good way to ensure the absence of typing mistakes.

Infinitive phrase = adjective modifying ‘way'

e.g. To greatly increase the amount of stress in your life, leave your writing task until the night before it is due. Adverb modifying leave.

6- Adjectival Phrases

They are composed of the adjectives that modify a noun and any adverbs that modify these adjectives.

e.g. Dad bought a blue and green sweater.

7- Adverbial Phrases

They are composed of adverbs

e.g. He scored the goal very quickly