Types of Phrases Prepositional Phrases Verbal Phrases Appositive Phrases

Prepositional Phrases Preposition: a word that shows a relationship between a noun or a pronoun and some other word in the sentence. From, by, of, under, in, off, about At, to, on, with, upon, over, before

Prepositional Phrases Form: Begins with a preposition, ends with a noun or pronoun Example: at the store Function: Adjective or Adverb

Prepositional Phrases As Adjectives: Underline the prepositional phrases and circle the noun or pronoun they modify: She is a friend of my brother. The book for Mike is new. The lamp in the hall is broken.

Prepositional Phrases As Adverbs: Underline the prepositional phrases and circle the verb, adjective, or adverb they modify. My sister works at noon. We strolled down the hill. He fished in the Great Lakes.

Verbal Phrases

Verbal A verbal is a word we normally think of as a verb that is not acting as a verb in the sentence. Walking is fun. In the above sentence, “walking” is acting as a noun instead of a verb.

Verbal Phrase A phrase containing a verbal Example: Walking to the store is fun. “Walking to the store” is a verbal phrase.

Verbal Phrases Participial Phrases Gerund Phrases Infinitive Phrases

Participial Phrases Form: Contains a verbal (a word we normally think of as a verb) ending in “ed” or “ing” Function: Adjective

Participial Phrases Examples: Ducking into the bus shelter, Angela avoided the rain. The power lines, damaged by the rain, were repaired.

Participial Phrases Underline the participial phrases and circle the noun or pronoun they modify. This bowl, carved in the hills of Tennessee, is unique. The waves, tossed by the wind, rose to nine feet. Given the facts, we had to act.

Gerund Phrases Form: Contains a verbal ( a word we usually think of as a verb) ending in “ing” Function: Noun

Gerund Phrases Examples: Skidding on wet pavement causes accidents. The teacher enjoys praising her pupils.

Gerund Phrases Underline the gerund phrases and try to determine what noun role the phrase is playing in the sentence. I don’t mind shoveling snow. Would selling your car be wise? Our reason for informing you now is to prepare you.

Infinitive Phrases Form: Contains the word “to” followed by the base form of a verb Function: Noun, Adjective, or Adverb

Infinitive Phrases Examples: I learned to play chess blindfolded. To learn Shakespeare’s plays seems difficult to many students.

Infinitive Phrases Underline the infinitive phrases and try to determine what part of speech each phrase is. They want to understand the play. To see a play performed can be a great pleasure. Modern readers are curious to know about him.

Appositive Phrases Form: Contains a noun or pronoun and is usually enclosed with commas Function: Adjective

Appositive Phrases Examples: The car, a green sedan, passed us on the hill. The family car, an old heap, still runs well.

Appositive Phrases Underline the appositive phrases and circle the noun or pronoun they modify. This ring, a family heirloom, is very valuable. Lake Ontario, one of the Great Lakes, stocks coho salmon. The hottest months--June, July, and August--have been cooler recently.