Phrase Toolbox Phrases are groups of words that contain either a subject or a verb but not both. Collectively, the words in phrases function as a single part of speech.

Prepositional Phrase-- A preposition plus its object and modifiers Preposition-A preposition usually indicates the temporal, spatial or logical relationship of its object to the rest of the sentence as in the following examples: Think squirrel and a tree

Prepositional Phrase A prepositional phrase is made up of the preposition, its object and any associated adjectives or adverbs. The book is on the table. The book is beneath the table. The book is leaning against the table. The book is beside the table. She held the book over the table. She read the book during class.

Common Prepositions about above across after against along among around as at beneath beside between beyond in inside into like near off outside over past since through under unto upon with within

May function as adjectives or adverbs Adjective prepositional phrase- gives information about a noun or a pronoun Example: The store around the corner is painted green. What is the phrase describing? A noun-it is telling which store it is. The girl with the blue hair is angry. What is the phrase describing? A noun-it is telling which girl it is.

Adverb Prepositional Phrase Describes a verb, adjective, or another adverb Examples: Oscar painted his house with the help of his friends. What is the phrase describing? A verb-it is telling how Oscar painted the house. --Sally is coloring outside the lines. What is the phrase describing? A verb-it is telling where Sally colored.

The word “to” plus a verb Infinitive Phrase The word “to” plus a verb EXAMPLES: To dance gracefully is my ambition. Her plan to become a millionaire fell through when the stock market crashed. She wanted to become a vegetarian. John went to college to study engineering.

Appositive phrase Renames or identifies a noun or pronoun. When it adds information that is nonessential, it is set off by commas. EXAMPLES: My doctor, a man with gray hair, is very fat. Flipper, the dolphin with the great voice, is swimming fast.

Participial Phrase A participle is a verb form (past or present) functioning like an adjective. The phrase is the participle plus the modifiers. EXAMPLE: Blinded by the light, Bruce walked onto the stage. Fighting for his life, Jacob punched Cheryl hard.

Gerund Phrase A gerund is an “—ing” verb functioning as a noun. The phrase is the gerund plus its complements and modifiers. EXAMPLES: Walking in the moonlight is a romantic way to end a date. He enjoyed walking in the moonlight with his girlfriend. He wrote a poem about walking in the moonlight. Walking the dog is not my favorite task.

Absolute Phrase An absolute phrase is a group of words consisting of a noun or pronoun, an “—ing” or “—ed” verb form, and any related modifiers. They are always set off from the rest of the sentence with a comma. Absolute phrases are valuable in constructing concise, layered sentences.

EXAMPLES: Their minds whirling from the avalanche of information provided by their teachers, the students made their way thoughtfully to their next class. His head pounding, his hands shaking, his heart filled with panic, the young man knelt and proposed marriage to his sweetheart. The two lovers walked through the garden, their faces reflecting the moonlight, their arms twined about each other, their footsteps echoing in the stillness of the night.