Phrases

What is a Phrase?

A phrase is a group of related words that does not contain a subject or a verb. There are two types of phrases.

Two Types of Phrases:

1. Prepositional Phrase
   It begins with a preposition and includes the object, plus any modifiers.
   

                                    prep.        obj.
   Ex: The dog ran across the field.

   • A prepositional phrase functions as an adjective (describing a noun) or adverb (telling where, when, why, how, or to what degree.)

   Ex of adj ph: The man with the red shirt crossed the road.
                                        ("with the red shirt" describes "man")

   Ex of adv ph: The soldier fought with great valor.
                                   ("with great valor" tells how the soldier "fought")

2. Verbal Phrase

   It begins with a verb form and functions as a noun, adjective, or adverb. There are three types of verbal phrases.

   • Infinitive Phrase
     It begins with an infinitive ("to" + verb) and includes any subject, objects, or modifiers. It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb.

   Ex of noun ph: To exercise every day enhances one's health.
                                   ("to exercise every day" is the subject)

   Ex of adj ph: Gary made a list to remind him of his responsibilities at work.
                                   ("to remind" describes "list")

   Ex of adv ph: Jeremy studied all night to pass his math exam.
                                   ("to pass his math exam" answers why Jeremy "studied")

   • Participial Phrase
     It begins with a participle (a verb ending in "ed," "en" or" ing") and includes any objects or modifiers. It functions only as an adjective.

   Ex: Amazed and scared, she rowed frantically to shore.
               ("amazed and scared" describes "she")

   Ex: Written by a professional, the article was flawless.
               ("written by a professional" describes "article")

   Ex: Looking into the ocean, Lisa saw a shark.
               ("looking into the ocean" describes Lisa)

   • Gerund Phrase
     It begins with a gerund (the "ing" form of the verb) and includes any objects or modifiers. It always functions as a noun.

                   ger                    obj.
        Ex: Living in Corpus Christi was not Helen's idea of paradise.
                       ("living in Corpus Christi" is the subject)

                   ger                       mod.
        Ex: Running long distances is fun.
                       ("running long distances" is the subject)

Remember:
A phrase is a group of related words that does not contain both a subject and verb. There are two main types of phrases: prepositional and verbal. There are three types of verbal phrases: infinitive, participial and gerund.