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 A phrase is a group of related words that is used as a single part of speech and that does not contain both a verb and its subject.  Side Note: A clause is a group of words that has both a subject and a verb.

 A prepositional phrase is a preposition, the object of the preposition, and any modifiers of that object. EX: A koala is a marsupial, a mammal with an external abdominal pouch. Koalas, along with several other marsupials, are native to Australia. Note: Don’t confuse prepositional phrase beginning with “to” with an infinitive (to be or to learn).

 A prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or a pronoun is called an adjective phrase.  An adjective phrase tells what kind or which one. EX: We ordered a dish of salsa and a basket of tortilla chips. EX: The picture of their candidate in today’s newspaper is not at all flattering.

 A prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, adjective, or an adverb is called an adverb phrase. EX: The mole burrowed under the lawn. EX: The child speaks quite clearly for a two- year-old. Adverb phrases tell: when, where, why, how, or to what extent (how much, how long, or how far).

 Verbals: formed from verbs and are used as adjectives, nouns, or adverbs. The three kinds of verbals are participle, the gerund, and the infinitive.  Verbal Phrases: consists of a verbal and its modifiers and complements.

 A verb form that can be used as an adjective EX: What is the temperature of the boiling water?  Present participles end in –ing. EX: The smiling graduates posed for the photographer.  Most past participles end in –d or –ed. Some are formed irregularly. EX: For dinner we prepared grilled salmon, baked potatoes, and tossed salad.

 Consists of a participle and any modifiers or complements the participle has. The entire phrase is used as an adjective. EX: Climbing the tree, the monkey disappeared into the branches. EX: We watched the storm blowing eastward. EX: Voted back into office, the mayor thanked her supporters.

 A verb form that ends in –ing and that is used as a noun. EX: Reading will improve your vocabulary. EX: One popular sport is swimming. EX: Both Dad and Mom enjoy cooking together.

 Consists of any modifiers or complements the gerund has. The entire phrase is used as a noun. EX: The sudden shattering of glass broke the silence. EX: She enjoys hiking in the mountains occasionally.

 A verb form that can be used as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb. Most infinitives begin with “to”. EX: His dream is to travel. EX: She is the one to ask. EX: Grandmother is coming to visit. NOTE: The word “to” plus a noun or a pronoun= a prepositional phrase, not an infinitive.

 Consists of an infinitive and any modifiers or complements the infinitive has. The entire phrase can be used as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb. EX: To hit a curveball solidly is very difficult. EX: She wants to study marine biology. EX: His efforts to trace his ancestry led to greater appreciation of his heritage. EX: I found his explanation difficult to accept.

 A noun or pronoun placed beside another noun or pronoun to identify or describe it. EX: My cousin Brian is my best friend. EX: Sal, a cautious driver, has never had an automobile accident.

 Consists of an appositive and any modifiers it has EX: The Smiths live on Milner Lane, a wide street lined with beech trees. EX: Mount Kosciusko, a part of the Australian Alps, is the highest peak in Australia.