Topic: “Phrases and Types of Phrases”
Definitions of Phrase: There are different definitions of phrase have been written by
grammarians, according to their best of knowledge and experience. We would discuss a few
definitions of phrase among them.
Definition -1: A group of words which makes sense but not complete sense is called a phrase.
In the following sentences, the groups of words in italics and underline are phrases:
The sun rises in the east.
A bird is flying in the air.
Definition-2: A phrase is a group of related words within a sentence that complements the
overall structure of the sentence. This group of words does not contain both the subject and the
object. Therefore, a phrase cannot stand alone as a sentence because it (as an alone part) cannot
give a complete meaning.
For example: I saw a joker in the street.
A phrase can act as a noun, an adjective, a preposition or an adverb within a sentence. The
function of a phrase depends upon its construction and place in a sentence. Based on its function
in a sentence, the phrases are divided into various types.
Types of Phrases:
There are different types of phrases. Some of them are the following:
1) Noun Phrase
2) Adjective Phrase
3) Verb Phrase
4) Adverb Phrase
5) Gerund Phrase
6) Infinitive Phrase
7) Prepositional Phrase
8) Absolute Phrase
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1) Noun Phrase: A phrase that acts as a noun in a sentence is called a noun phrase. It
consists of a noun and other related words (usually determiner & modifiers) which
modify the noun.
The noun phrase comprises a noun as the head word and other related words (determiners
& modifiers) may come before or after the noun. The entire phrase acts as a noun in a
sentence.
Or
Noun Phrase: Noun Phrase is a group of words that does the work of a noun.
Noun phrase= noun + modifiers (or determiners)
Examples:
They hired a huge beautiful house. (as noun: object).
She bought a decent black shirt. (as noun: object).
One of our close relatives not takes tea. (as noun: subject).
A sentence can also consist of more than one noun phrase.
Example: One of my close friends bought a beautiful red car. (as nouns both as subject
and object).
2) Adjective Phrase: An adjective phrase is a group of words that does the work of an
adjective.
Or
A phrase that acts like an adjective in a sentence is called an adjective phrase. Like an
adjective, it modifies (gives more information about) a noun or a pronoun. It consists of
adjectives, modifiers and other words modifying the noun or pronoun.
Examples:
The old man walked slowly. (Modifies noun: Man).
A lady with long hair is walking in the garden. (Modifies noun: lady).
She gave me a cup full of tea. (Modifies noun: cup).
3) Verb Phrase: A verb phrase is a group of main verb and helping verbs (auxiliaries)
within a sentence.
Or
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In linguistics, a verb phrase (VP) is a syntactic unit composed of at least one verb and its
dependents—objects, complements and other modifiers—but not always including the
subject. A verb phrase is similar to what is considered a predicate in more traditional
grammars.
Examples:
i. She is writing a letter.
ii. He has passed the exam.
iii. The students must reach on time for the lecture.
iv. They have been playing football since morning.
v. He will be waiting for his friend.
4) Adverb Phrase: An adverb phrase is a group of words that does the work of an adverb.
Or
A phrase that acts as an adverb in a sentence is called an adverb phrase. Like an adverb, it
modifies (gives more information about) a verb or other adverb in the sentence. It
contains an adverb and other words (e.g., noun, preposition, modifiers) which as a whole,
acts as an adverb phrase.
Examples:
i. He drives a car at a very high speed. (Modifies verb: drive).
ii. He was running very fast. (Modifies verb: run).
iii. She welcomed the guests in a nice way. (Modifies verb: welcome).
5) Gerund Phrase: A gerund phrase is a group of a gerund (verb + ing), modifiers and
other related words liked to the gerund. A gerund phrase functions as a noun in the
sentence.
Or
A gerund phrase is simply a noun phrase that starts with a gerund.
Examples:
a. I enjoy listening to the music. ( as noun/object).
b. He started writing the report. (as noun/object).
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c. Walking in the rain can be difficult.
d. Going for ice cream is a real treat.
6) Infinitive Phrase: An infinitive phrase contains an infinitive (to+ 1 st form of a verb) and
modifiers or other related words linked to the infinitive. An infinitive phrase acts as a
noun, an adjective or adverb in a sentence.
Or
An infinitive phrase is a noun phrase that begins with an infinitive verb.
Here are some examples:
I like to drive a car. (As noun).
To get success in the exam is the ambition of every student. (As noun).
The government made a plan to help the poor. (As adjective modifying noun:
plan).
She sang a song to please the audience. (As adverb modifying verb: sing).
The joker danced to entertain the people. (As adjective modifying noun: dance).
7) Prepositional Phrase: A phrase comprising a preposition and an object of the
preposition (noun or pronoun) is called a prepositional phrase. It may also contain other
modifiers.
e.g., near a wall, on a table, in the room, under a tree, at the door etc.
A prepositional phrase has a noun or pronoun which is called the object of the preposition.
Or
A prepositional phrase begins with a preposition and can act as a noun, an adjective or an adverb.
Examples:
The kids were laughing at the joker.
He is sleeping on the carpet.
The teacher looked at the whiteboard.
He always speaks in a loud voice.
The book was on the table.
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8) Absolute Phrase: An absolute phrase is also called a nominative phrase. It consists of a
noun or a pronoun, a participle and linked modifiers. It modifies (adds information to) the
sentence. It is separated by a comma in a sentence.
Or
An Absolute phrase has a subject, but not an action verb, so it cannot stand alone as a
complete sentence. It modifies the whole sentence, not just a noun.
Examples:
Maria komal is looking very much happy, her face expressing a shine of happiness.
Anmol, having books in her hand, was going to college.
