By: Teacher Linalyn

Phrases 

A group of words that is part of, rather than the whole of, a sentence. It does not have a finite verb in it.

The phrase is an essential part of a sentence. We usually add this to a sentence to make it more meaningful. Let’s take a look at these examples.

Examples:

  • In front of the building
  • Before the next trip
  • After a good day
  • In a dark and dangerous hallway
  • Until the next day

Let’s try to take a look at the different phrase types. I have added songs and poems, so we can check out more examples of these phrases.

A. Noun Phrase 

Group of words that is simply nouns with modifiers. It can function as a subject, an object, or a compliment.

Examples:

  • As a SUBJECT

 [A box of chocolates] is hidden under my bed. 

  • As a DIRECT OBJECT

You can see [a box of chocolates] under my bed. 

  • As an INDIRECT OBJECT

The man bought [the gorgeous woman] some flowers. 

  • As a SUBJECT COMPLEMENT

 My grandfather is [a well-known artist]. 

  • As an OBJECT COMPLEMENT

The doctor pronounced the patient [dead on arrival]. 

Let’s sing the song entitled DON” T STOP BELIEVIN” sung by the famous rock band JOURNEY and check the noun phrases used.

Don’t Stop Believin’

Artist:Journey

Just a small town girl

 Livin’ in a lonely world

 She took the midnight train goin’ anywhere

 Just a city boy

 Born and raised in South Detroit

 He took the midnight train goin’ anywhere

A singer in a smokey room

 The smell of wine and cheap perfume

 For a smile, they can share the night

 It goes on and on, and on, and on

B.ADJECTIVE PHRASE

It consists of adjectives, modifiers, and complements. It usually has an adjective acting as the head but can also contain words or phrases before or after the head. It usually provides greater detail.

Example:

The market sells red, green, and yellow peppers.

[Two or more adjectives used with a noun or pronoun]

Joan is a” very prettygirl.

[An adverb, an adjective, and a noun]

The students in the cafeteriaare speaking loudly.

[A prepositional phrase functioning as an adjective phrase]

C) Adverb Phrase

Two or more words that play the role of an adverb. It usually describes when, where, or how something happened.

Examples:

I walked [over the bridge].

[ This shows Adverbial Phrase of Place]

[After the game], the player left quickly.

[It states here when the player left]

He sings [in a low register].

[This is the Adverbial Phrase of Manner. It states how he sings]

D)Prepositional Phrase

This phrase is made up of a preposition and a noun or pronoun. It usually begins with a preposition and nouns or pronouns are its objects. Prepositional phrases can either act as an adjective or an adverb.

Examples:

 I visited my friend in the countryside.

The girl in front of me is so beautiful.

I can’t believe she’s going out with that tall, handsome guy.