The Phrase!

The phrase is… A group of related words that is used as a single part of speech A phrase DOES NOT contain both a verb and subject (a clause does)

Adjective Phrase A prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun (usually follows the word it modifies) Tells “what kind” or “which one” The letter for Santa is right here. There are two flavors of juice.

The Adverb Phrase A prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, adjective, or adverb Tells “how, when, where, why, to what extent, how long, how much, how far” Santa jumped down the chimney. After lunch, we will get some ice cream.

Hint: You can’t move adjective phrases to a different part of the sentence. With many adverb phrases, you can

Gerunds A verb form ending in -ing that is used as a NOUN Mr. F’s dancing is phenomenal! Before playing, we need to finish lunch. He prefers gaming to social interaction.

Subject Running with scissors is a bad idea. Does it begin the sentence? Yes = S

Object of Preposition I am afraid of flying. Look at word(s) in front of gerund Preposition = OP

Direct Object I hate stretching before gym. Look at word(s) in front of gerund Action Verb = DO

Predicate Nominative My favorite hobby is playing guitar. Look at word(s) in front of gerund Linking/helping verb = PN

Careful!!! PN and DO are similar PN = am is are was were be being been DO = action verbs

Careful!!! Don’t confuse Gerunds with Participles Jumping jacks are exhausting. I like jumping up and down.

Participles Participle phrases can be removed Verb forms that are used as adjectives Present tense: -ing, Past tense: -d or -ed (some past tense verbs are irregular (bought, won, found) Participle phrases can be removed

Participle Examples The missing child was eventually found safe. Wanted for treason, he fled the country. The boy running down the street looks mad. The keys left on the counter are mine.

Infinitives (and beyond!) Verb forms beginning with “to” (to run) Can be used as a noun, adjective, or adverb

Infinitive Examples The team to beat this year is the Ravens! Adj – Q: which team? A: the team to beat. Are you ready to go? Adv – “to go” modifies “ready,” an adjective To perform well requires practice. Noun – “To perform well” is the subject

Appositives A noun or pronoun placed directly beside another noun or pronoun to identify or describe it Many are offset by commas

Appositive Examples Ray Lewis, the best middle linebacker ever, sacked Ben Worthlessberger! My brother, Tim, is an architect.

Appositive Examples I have seen the movie Fight Club many times. Have you met the author Stephanie Meyer?