Handout 6

Phrase
Phrase
A phrase is defined as a group of related words that lacks both subject and verb. A phrase is a part of a sentence. It is a group of words (within a sentence) that does not contain both subject and verb, and does not express a complete idea. Example. He is standing near a wall. The part of above sentence near a wall is a phrase because it does not contain subject and verb, and does not express a complete idea. A phrase does not include both subject and verb at a same time and does not make a complete sense, hence a phrase cannot stand as a sentence on its own. If a group of words include both subject and verb then it becomes a clause, so the difference in a clause and a phrase is that a clause contains subject and verb but a phrase does not contain subject and verb. Here are some examples of phrases. He is laughing at a joker. She is making tea for the guests. I saw a girl with blue eyes. He always behaves in a strange way. The boy in the red shirt is my cousin. The boy, with a book in his hand, won a prize. A sentence may consist of one or more phrases. For example, The boy in the red shirt behaves in a strange way. A phrase functions as a noun, adverb, or adjective in a sentence, therefore a phrase is also defined as a group of words (lacking subject and verb), that functions as a single part of speech, in a sentence. Examples He is wearing a nice read shirt. The people at the party were dancing. The man in the room is our teacher. She gave me a glass full of water. He always behaves in a strange way. He returned in a short while.

(as a noun/object) (as a noun/subject) (as adjective, modifies noun man) (as adjective, modifies noun glass) (as adverb, modifies verb behave) (as adverb, modifies verb return)

On the basis of their functions and constructions, phrases are divided into various types i.e. noun phrase, verb phrase, adverb phrase, adjective phrase, appositive phrase, infinite phrase, participle phrase and gerund phrase.

1|P a ge

Types of Phrases
A phrase is a group of related words (within a sentence) without both subject and verb. For example, He is laughing at the joker. A phrase functions as a noun, verb, adverb, adjective or preposition in a sentence. The function of a phrase depends on its construction (words it contains). On the basis of their functions and constructions, phrases are divided into various types i.e. noun phrase, verb phrase, adverb phrase, adjective phrase, appositive phrase, infinite phrase, participle phrase, gerund phrase, Prepositional phrase, and Absolute phrase.

Noun Phrase
A noun phrase consists of a noun and other related words (usually modifiers and determiners) which modify the noun. It functions like a noun in a sentence. A noun phrase consists of a noun as the head word and other words (usually modifiers and determiners) which come after or before the noun. The whole phrase works as a noun in a sentence. Noun Phrase = noun + modifiers (the modifiers can be after or before noun) Examples. He is wearing a nice red shirt. She brought a glass full of water. The boy with brown hair is laughing. A man on the roof was shouting.

(as noun/object) (as noun/object) (as noun/subject) (as noun/subject)

A sentence can also contain more noun phrases. For example. The girl with blue eyes bought a beautiful chair.

Verb Phrase
A verb phrase is a combination of main verb and its auxiliaries (helping verbs) in a sentence. Examples. He is eating an apple. She has finished her work. You should study for the exam. She has been sleeping for two hours. According to generative grammar, a verb phrase can consist of main verb, its auxiliaries, its complements and other modifiers. Hence it can refer to the whole predicate of a sentence. Example. You should study for the exam.

Adverb Phrase
An adverb phrase is a group of words that functions as an adverb in a sentence. It consists of adverbs or other words (preposition, noun, verb, modifiers) that make a group with works like an adverb in a sentence. An adverb phrase functions like an adverb to modify a verb, an adjective or another adverb. Examples
2|P a ge

He always behaves in a good manner. They were shouting in a loud voice. She always drives with care. He sat in a corner of the room. He returned in a short while.

(modifies verb behave) (modifies verb shout) (modifies verb drive) (modifies verb sit) (modifies verb return)

A prepositional phrase can also act as an adverb phrase. For example in above sentence He always behaves in a good manner, the phrase in a good manner is a prepositional phrase but it acts as adverb phrase here.

Adjective Phrase
An adjective phrase is a group of words that functions like an adjective in a sentence. It consists of adjectives, modifier and any word that modifies a noun or pronoun. An adjective phrase functions like an adjective to modify (or tell about) a noun or a pronoun in a sentence. Examples. He is wearing a nice red shirt. (modifies shirt) The girl with brown hair is singing a song. (modifies girl) He gave me a glass full of water. (modifies glass) A boy from America won the race. (modifies boy) Prepositional phrases and participle phrases also function as adjectives so we can also call them adjective phrases when they function as adjective. In the above sentence The girl with brown hair is singing a song, the phrase with brown hair is a prepositional phrase but it functions as an adjective.

Appositive phrase
To appose mean to place near or next to Appositive and appositive phrases are words placed next to nouns and pronouns to provide additional information. + Appositives When you name something and then immediately rename it to give further information, you are using as appositive. An appositive is a noun or pronoun placed next to another noun or pronoun to identify, rename, or explain it. Examples. - His favorite flowers, snapdragons, grew everywhere in the garden. (set off by comma nonrestrictive / nonessential) - The film Titanic was so popular among many moviegoers that they saw it twice. (not set off by commas restrictive / essential) + Appositive phrase When an appositive is accompanied by one or more modifier, it forms an appositive phrase. An appositive phrase is a noun or pronoun with modifiers placed next to a noun or pronoun to add information and details. The modifiers in an appositive phrase can be adjectives, adjective phrases, or other words that function as adjectives.
3|P a ge

Examples. - The horrible smoke, a blend of burnt rubber and industrial fumes, made her choke. - The yak, a long-haired wild ox, is found in Tibet. Appositives and appositive phrases can accompany nouns and pronouns occupying any part within a sentence. With a subject - Some villagers, the old-timers, prefer the traditional lifestyle. With a direct object - Tom learned a new safety measure, a technique for saving people from choking. With an indirect object - The man gave his wife, his partner for ten years, a beautiful diamond ring on her birthday. With an objective complement - She was elected president, the companys highest position. With a predicate nominative - Our new car is a Toyota Landcruiser, a Japanese four-wheel drive. With an object of a preposition -They went to Cambodia, the land of Angkor Wat in Southeast Asia. Notes: + When appositives or appositive phrases are used to combine sentences, they help to eliminate unnecessary words. Example : - Vermont is a state with breathtaking scenery. It has brilliant foliage in the fall. Combined: - Vermont, a state with breathtaking scenery, has brilliant foliage in the fall. + Sometimes as appositive phrase may begin with the word not. Its effect is to set up a sharp contract. - He spoke of the good old days, not the bad old days.

Example:

Infinitive Phrase
An infinitive phrase consist of an infinitive (to + simple form of verb) and modifiers or other words associated to the infinitive. An infinitive phrase always functions as an adjective, adverb or a noun in a sentence. Examples. He likes to read books. To earn money is a desire of everyone. He shouted to inform people about fire. He made a plan to buy a car.

(As noun/object) (As noun/subject) (As adverb, modifies verb shout) (As adjective, modifies noun plan)

Participle Phrase
A participle phrase consists of a present participle (verb + ing), a past participle (verb ending in -ed or other form in case of irregular verbs) and modifiers or other associate words. A participle phrase is separated by commas. It always acts as an adjective in a sentence. Examples The kids, making a noise, need food. (modifies kids) I received a letter, mentioning about my exam. (modifies letter) The table, made of steel, is too expensive. (modifies table) We saw a car, damaged in an accident. (modifies car)
4|P a ge

Gerund Phrase
A gerund phrase consists of a gerund(verb + ing) and modifiers or other words associated with the gerund. A gerund phrase acts as a noun in a sentence. Examples I like writing good essays. She started thinking about the problem. Sleeping late in night is not a good habit. Weeping of a baby woke him up.

(As noun/object) (As noun/object) (As noun/subject) (As noun/subject)

Prepositional phrase
A prepositional phrase consists of a preposition, object of preposition (noun or pronoun) and may also consist of other modifiers. e.g. on a table, near a wall, in the room, at the door, under a tree A prepositional phrase starts with a preposition and mostly ends with a noun or pronoun. Whatever prepositional phrase ends with is called object of preposition. A prepositional phrase functions as an adjective or adverb in a sentence. Examples. A boy on the roof is singing a song. The man in the room is our teacher. She is shouting in a loud voice. He always behaves in a good manner.

(As adjective) (As adjective) (As adverb) (As adverb)

Absolute Phrase
Absolute phrase (also called nominative phrase) is a group of words including a noun or pronoun and a participle as well as any associated modifiers. Absolute phrase modifies (give information about) the entire sentence. It resembles a clause but it lack a true finite verb. It is separated by a comma or pairs of commas from the rest sentence. Examples He looks sad, his face expressing worry. She was waiting for her friend, her eyes on the clock. John is painting a wall, his shirt dirty with paint.

5|P a ge

Exercise 1 Identify the prepositional phrase, what type of prepositional phrase it is. Write either adjectival or adjective phrase, or adverbial or adverb phrase. 1. Cape Cod in Massachusetts is a favorite vacation spot. 2. Lake Erie has beaches for sunbathers and swimmers. 3. The area has a beautiful view of the lake. 4. After some years, the house was finally ours. 5. According to the Bible, we must love each other. 6. The long months of winter are sometimes dreary. 7. Residents of the city love their busy lives. 8. Relations between the employees and the boss were good. 9. By evening, we will have finished the painting. 10. Come and sit beside me. Exercise 2 Identify participle or participle phrase and then label it as present, past, or perfect. 1. The houses ruined by the fire smoldered until the next morning. 2. The dignitary representing the President will address the Security Council today. 3. Having interviewed several people, the reporter felt ready to write the article. 4. I listened to t he crows cawing continuously in the fields. 5. Having been warned, I used a good deal of caution when I approached the guard god. 6. The document, yellowed with age, contained the information we needed. 7. Frightened by the cat, the bird flew away. 8. Our house, shaded by trees, stays cool in the summer. 9. In the summer the sun, beating on the roads, melts the tar. 10 We sat and listened to the pounding waves and the cry of seagulls. 11 During the storm a broken branch fe ll onto the roof of our house. 12 Water surged over the banks of the swollen river. 13 Expecting good news, the student raced to the mailbox. 14 The key witness, protected by two guards, has arrived. 15 The stars found on the United States flag now total fifty. Exercise 3 Underline each participial phrase in the following sentences, set off any nonessential participial phrases with comma. 1. The cars loudly honking their horns disrupted my sleep. 2. The students writing feverishly in blue books ignored the entrance of the proctor. 3. Her worst habit being tardy greatly irritated all of her teachers.
6|P a ge

4. My grandmother speaking in low tones, continued the bedtime story. 5. Cambodia situated in Southeast Asia is the country abundant in natural resources. 6. Angkor Wat, built by Khmer architectures attracts visitors from all over the world. 7. The trucks transporting rice from the nearby province run on this road. 8. Mary waking from a dream cried fearfully in the middle of the night. Exercise 4 Using participial phrases to combine sentences. 1. The soft music flows out of the restaurant. It invited passers-by to enter. 2. The boat sprayed water onto the faces of the rowers. It raced along the surface of the flowing river. 3. The telephone poles had been snapped by the storm. They hung dangerously over the road. 4. The tires were worn out. They needed to be replaced. 5. The celery was chopped into small pieced, It added texture to the salad. 6. I opened the kitchen door. I heard the kettle whistling on the stove. 7. A timid doer leapt from the underbrush. It began to cross in front of us. 8. The young man rose from his seat. He politely offered the seat to an old lady who host boarded the bus. 9. He beckoned a waitress to come his table. He started to order his food. 10. We picked up the injured bird. We could see it had a broken wing. Exercise 5 Underline the nominative absolute in each sentence. 1. Its engine stalled, the car caused a traffic jam. 2. Her smile vanishing from her face, Julia listened in stunned silence. 3. The furnace broken, we huddled under blankets throughout the cold night. 4. Candles and flowers on every table, the room looked inviting. 5. His glasses at home, Mr. Owens squinted at the paper with bleary eyes. 6. I fixe my dinner quickly, my stomach growling with hunger. 7. The car not starting, I looked under the hood. 8. The roses in bloom, a delightful fragrance filled the air. 9. The book being in demand, another printing was ordered. 10. The case having been settled, the attorneys did not spend long in court. 11. Temperatures over 100o for weeks, many wells went dry. 12. I am looking for a part-time job, my allowance not being large enough to cover my expenses. 13. I could not finish writing on the computer, my last diskette having been filled.
7|P a ge

14. The television still on, I fell asleep on the couch. 15. The plants beginning to wilt, she finally watered them. 16. A month having passed with no news, I called our relatives. Exercise 6 Using appositives and appositive phrases to combine sentences. 1. The road was the scene of many accidents. It was a congested expressway. 2. Yosemite National Park is a natural wonder. It attracts thousands of tourists each year. 3. The book was published in many languages. It was a collection of folktales from Asia. 4. The memorial honors the people who died while in service during World War II. It is a simple, symbolic structure made of white stone. 5. The ostrich is a native Africa and of parts of Asia. The ostrich is the largest of all birds. Exercise 7 Identify functions of gerund phrases. 1. His constant, angry frowning made wrinkles in his face. . 2. Answering quickly is not always a good idea. .. 3. The most amusing event, catching a greased pig, was the highlight of the fair. . 4. As a child, his household tasks were setting the table before dinner and washing the dishes afterward. . 5. Drying fruits and vegetables for winner use is good for cutting down expenses. . 6. Monys worst habits are complaining about everyones faults and worrying unceasingly. .. 7. To me, summer, fall, and winter are just times for mowing grass, raking leaves, and shoveling snow. 8. Hoarding money under the mattress is not the best way to beast inflation. .. 9. The lease forbids keeping any pets on the premises. .. 10. The children ran into the house without removing their muddy shoes. . 11. Given the choice between hearing a story and playing a game, the children chose hearing a story. .. 12. A qualification for applications is having an art degree. .. 13. His special talent is reading peoples minds. .. 14. Capitalizing on his good fortune, the man bough some property in the area. .. Exercise 8 Identify each underline phrase. The relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United Stated is important (1) to both countries. Although there are many reasons (2) for our desire (3) to have good relations with the Saudis, the main reason can be summed up (4) in one word: oil. Since 1938, when oil companies struck oil (5) in Saudi Arabia our need for a supply (6) of this commodity has governed relations (7) between the two
8|P a ge

lands. Saudi Arabia, which produces more oil than Texas, uses its profits (8) to import western goods. The Saudis have been quick (9) to modernize their land. They have relied (10) on American expertise in (11) developing their cities. The Saudi, (12) driving imported cars, have begun (13) to modernize their roads. Under their leader, (14) King Fahd, the Saudis do not want to be influenced by western lifestyle. (15) To live comfortably, keeping their traditions, is what the Saudi want. Whether they can insulate themselves (16) from western customs remains (17) to be seen. (1) (2) . (3) . (4) . (5) . (6) . (7) . (8) . (9) . (10) (11) (12) (13) (14)

9|P a ge