Types of Phrases “To be or not to be, that is the question.” Hamlet, by William Shakespeare

What is a phrase? A phrase is a group of related words that acts as a single part of speech. A phrase is a group of related words that acts as a single part of speech. By using phrases effectively and placing them properly, you can make your writing clearer and more descriptive. By using phrases effectively and placing them properly, you can make your writing clearer and more descriptive. “To be or not to be” is an example of just one of many types of phrases. “To be or not to be” is an example of just one of many types of phrases.

Types of Phrases Verb Phrases Verb Phrases Prepositional Phrases Prepositional Phrases Appositive Phrases Appositive Phrases Participial Phrases Participial Phrases Gerund Phrases Gerund Phrases Infinitive Phrases Infinitive Phrases

Verb Phrases Verb Phrases are formed when verbs are joined by auxiliary verbs, also called helping verbs. Verb Phrases are formed when verbs are joined by auxiliary verbs, also called helping verbs. A verb phrase may be used to express a particular tense of a verb or to indicate that an action is directed at the subject. A verb phrase may be used to express a particular tense of a verb or to indicate that an action is directed at the subject. Romeo and Juliet might never have met if not for the party at Juliet’s house. Both Romeo and Juliet’s actions are driven by their passion for each other.

Prepositional Phrases A prepositional phrase consists of a preposition, its objects, and any modifiers of the object. A prepositional phrase consists of a preposition, its objects, and any modifiers of the object. There are many kinds of love. Romeo and Juliet take their love to the extreme.

Adjective and Adverb Phrases An adjective prepositional phrase modifies a noun or a pronoun. An adjective prepositional phrase modifies a noun or a pronoun. There are many kinds of love. Like an adverb, an adverb prepositional phrase modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. Like an adverb, an adverb prepositional phrase modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. Romeo and Juliet take their love to the extreme.

Let’s Practice … 1. The students are studying the play in their English class. 2. Some are confused by Shakespeare’s use of older-style English. 3. The teacher should have given them some more guidance on reading his poetry. 4. Many had heard before of the tragic tale.

Let’s Practice … 1. The students are studying the play in their English class. 2. Some are confused by Shakespeare’s use of older-style English. 3. The teacher should have given them some more guidance on reading his poetry. 4. Many had heard before of the tragic tale.

Why It Matters In Writing Inexperienced writers sometimes confuse readers by putting prepositional phrases in the wrong places in their sentences. Think about how the placement of the prepositional phrase affects the meaning of the following sentences: Inexperienced writers sometimes confuse readers by putting prepositional phrases in the wrong places in their sentences. Think about how the placement of the prepositional phrase affects the meaning of the following sentences: Brockton Kennels sells retriever puppies to loving families with vaccinations. Golden retrievers are valued for their eagerness to work by hunters.

Fix These Problem Sentences 1. Sporting dogs and hounds are the types of dogs for hunting with the most talent. 2. The stamina of a Chesapeake Bay retriever allows it to swim when retrieving ducks for a long time. 3. With its water-resistant fur, a hunter is glad to have a Labrador retriever to swim out and bring back ducks. 4. A pointer holds up a front leg at the scent of a quail with the paw pointed down. 5. Irish water spaniels are funny-looking dogs with tufts over their faces of curly hair. 6. With their noses to the ground, rabbits leave a scent that basset hounds are good at tracking.

Fix These Problem Sentences 1. Sporting dogs and hounds are the types of dogs with the most talent for hunting. 2. The stamina of a Chesapeake Bay retriever allows it to swim for a long time when retrieving ducks. 3. A hunter is glad to have a Labrador retriever with its water-resistant fur to swim out and bring back ducks. 4. A pointer holds up a front leg with the paw pointed down at the scent of a quail. 5. Irish water spaniels are funny-looking dogs with tufts of curly hair over their faces. 6. Rabbits leave a scent that basset hounds, with their noses to the ground, are good at tracking.