Phrases
Définition :
Grammatical phrases[1] are groups of two or more words that work together to perform a single grammatical function in a sentence. Unlike clauses, phrases do not contain both a subject and a predicate (although they sometimes function as one or the other
Exemple :
He is laughing at the joker
On the basis of their functions and constructions, phrases are divided into various types i.e. noun phrase, verb phrase, appositive phrase, infinite phrase, participle phrase and gerund phrase
Noun Phrase
Définition :
A noun phrase consists of a noun plus any determiners[2] or modifiers directly related to it. Noun phrases always have the grammatical function of nouns in a sentence
Exemple :
Noun phrase examples | How it appears in a sentence |
|---|---|
a book — determiner a + noun book | “I found a book I'd like to read |
her sweetly smiling child — determiner her + adverb sweetly + adjective (present participle) smiling + noun child | She gazed lovingly at her sweetly smiling child.” |
the red car — determiner the + adjective red + noun car | The red car belongs to me. |
Verb Phrase
Définition :
A verb phrase can either be made up of an auxiliary verb and its main verb, or a verb plus any modifiers, objects, or complements.* Verb phrases are used to form perfect or continuous verb tenses, to express modality, or as part (or all) of the predicate.
Simulation :
Auxiliary Verb(s) + Main Verb + Verb Ending When Necessary
Exemple :
Verb phrase examples | How it appears in a sentence |
|---|---|
am running — auxiliary verb am + present participle running | “I am running late.” (forms the present continuous tense) |
have completed — auxiliary verb have + past participle completed | “They have completed work on the building.” (forms the present perfect tense) |
quickly ran to the bus — adverb quickly + verb ran + prepositional phrase to the bus | “She quickly ran to the bus.” (forms the predicate) |
plays the trombone — verb plays + object the trombone | “My brother plays the trombone.” (forms the predicate) |
Prepositional Phrases
Définition :
Prepositional phrases consist of a preposition and its object. They most commonly function as adverbs, but they can also be adjectival.
Simulation :
Preposition + Noun, Pronoun, Gerund
Preposition + Modifier(s) + Noun, Pronoun, Gerund
Exemple :
A boy on the roof is singing a song. (As adjective)
The man in the room is our teacher. (As adjective)
She is shouting in a loud voice. (As adverb)
He always behaves in a good manner. (As adverb)
Verbal phrases
Définition :
Gerund Phrases
Définition :
Simulation :
Gerund + Object(s) and/or Modifier(s)
Exemple :
She started thinking about the problem. (As noun/object)
Sleeping late in night is not a good habit. (As noun/subject)
Weeping of a baby woke him up. (As noun/subject)
Infinitive Phrases
Définition :
Infinitive phrases are composed of the infinitive of a verb (the base form + the particle to) along with any objects or modifiers associated with it. Infinitives and infinitive phrases can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs in a sentence.
Simulation :
Infinitive + Object(s) and/or Modifier(s)
Exemple :
He likes to read books. (As noun/object)
To earn money is a desire of everyone. (As noun/subject)
He shouted to inform people about fire. (As adverb, modifies verb shout)
He made a plan to buy a car. (As adjective, modifies noun plan)
Participle Phrases
Like gerunds and infinitives, participles are formed from verbs, so participle phrases are created when participles are accompanied by any modifiers or objects. Past and present participles (without modifiers or objects) can be used to create different verb tenses, but they can also function as adjectives. Participle phrases, however, can only function as adjectives
Complément :
Participle + Object(s) and/or modifier(s
Exemple :
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)
Appositive phrase
Définition :
An appositive[5] phrase is a noun phrase that serves to describe or rename another noun that appears directly before it in a sentence. Appositive phrases are usually (but not always) non-restrictive, meaning they provide information that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence, and are separated from the rest of the sentence by one or two commas
Exemple :
The office, an old Georgian building, badly needed repairs.”
• “Janet Smith, a former student of mine, is joining the faculty next spring.”
