PHRASES

Prepositional Phrases  A prepositional phrase is a group of words that begins with a preposition and ends with a noun or pronoun called the object of the preposition.  The stairs lead to the attic. [attic is the op “to”]  The staircase is too steep for her. [her is the object of “for”]  The laid carpeting on the stairs. [stairs is the object of “on”]  For a list of common prepositions, see page 435 or refer to the rabbit and log theory.

The Rabbit can do anything with the log, he can: Go above Go under Go around Go through on behind with against beside Be from Go over Go in

Prepositional Phrases  Adjectives and other modifiers may be placed between the preposition and its object. Also, a preposition may have more than one object.  The staircase leads to the crowded, dusty attic.  The staircase leads to the attic and the roof. [2 objects]  A prepositional phrase acts in the same way an adjective or an adverb does. Used as an adjective, a prep phrase modifies a noun or a pronoun. Used as an adverb, it modifies a verb, an adjective, or an adverb.

Prepositional Phrases  They used the staircase on the left. [adj. phrase modifies staircase]  Which of the staircases leads downstairs? [adj. phrase modifies which]  At midnight you can come downstairs to the kitchen. [adv. Phrase modifies can come]  My grandfather explained that a daily walk is healthful for him. [adv. Phrase modifies healthful]  She walks very quickly for a young baby. [adv. Phrase modifies adv. Quickly]

Appositives and Appositive Phrases  An appositive is a noun or pronoun that is placed next to another noun or pronoun to identify or give additional information about it….  My friend Paulo sends me long letters from Brazil.  An appositive phrase is an appositive plus any words that modify the appositive.  He is living and working in Brasilia, the capital city.

Appositives and Appositive Phrases  Use commas to set off any appositive or appositive phrase that is not essential to the meaning of a sentence.  Paulo’s brother Ernesto also lives there. [The appositive is essential because Paulo has more than one brother.]  Dora, Paulo’s only sister, lives in New York. [The appositive phrase is not necessary to identify Dora.]  Usually an appositive or app. phrase follows the noun or pronoun it identifies or explains. Occasionally an app. Phrase precedes the noun or pronoun.  A skilled mechanic, Paulo could probably find work anywhere.

Verbals and Verbal Phrases  A verbal is a verb form that functions in a sentence as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb.  A verbal phrase is a verbal plus any complements and modifiers.  There are three kinds of verbals: participles, gerunds, and infinitives. All three can be expanded into phrases.

Participles and Participial Phrases  A participle is a verb form that can function as an adjective.  A present participle is made up of the base form of the verb plus -ing: falling.  A past participle is usually made up of the base form plus –ed: burned. Some past participles are irregularly formed.

Participles and Participial Phrases  Participles are often used as adjectives:  No one would eat the burned toast.  We were warned to watch out for falling rocks.  The fallen tree blocked the winding road.  A participial phrase contains a participle plus any complements and modifiers. They can be placed in various positions in a sentence.  We watched the best teams playing baseball.  The victors, elated by the victory, shook hands with the losers.  The badly defeated team accepted its fate with grace.

Gerunds and Gerund Phrases  A gerund is a verb form that ends in –ing and is used in the way a noun is used.  Eating is something I enjoy. [as subject]  My grandfather likes strolling. [as direct object]  Tony gives baking his best effort. [as indirect object]  How much enthusiasm do you feel for bowling. [as op]  Rachel’s favorite pastime is painting. [as pred. nom.]  My hobbies, writing and reading, are quiet activities. [appositives]

Gerunds and Gerund Phrases  A gerund phrase is a gerund plus any complements and modifiers.  Dancing the tango is not as easy as it looks.  Fred Astaire’s marvelous dancing will always be exciting.  The difference between a present participle and a gerund is that a present participle is used as a verb or an adjective and a gerund is used as a noun.  Running around the track, Tommy felt exhilarated. [PP]  Running gives Tommy a sense of well-being. [gerund]

Infinitives and Infinitive Phrases  An infinitive is a verb form that is usually preceded by the word “to” and is used as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb.  When you use the word “to” before the base form of a verb, to is not a preposition but part of the infinitive form.  To stand can be uncomfortable. [infinitive as subject]  Infants first learn to crawl. [infinitive as direct object]  Her aim is to walk. [infinitive as pred. nom.]  I am happy to run. [infinitive as adverb]  Birds have an instinct to fly. [infinitive as adjective]

Infinitives and Infinitive Phrases  An infinitive phrase contains an infinitive plus any complements and modifiers.  We decided to sail across the lake.  The wanted to drive slowly around the park.  To run in a marathon someday is my secret ambition.  A triathlon requires athletes to train diligently.  To complete a triathlon is a success in itself.