Phrase Notes

Prepositional Phrases A phrase is a group of related words that is used as a single part of speech and does not contain both a subject and a verb. A prepositional phrase is a phrase that begins with a preposition and ends with a noun or a pronoun. Examples: under the umbrella among good friends for ourselves

Prepositional Phrase Examples Linh had the lead in the school play. They divided the prize between them. I went to Walmart with my mom. I bought groceries and other things for myself. I spent too much money on movies and makeup.

Adjective Phrases A prepositional phrase used as an adjective is called an adjective phrase. An adjective phrase modifies a noun or a pronoun. Adjective phrases answer the questions what kind?, which one?, how many?, how much? Examples: Rosa chose the one with blue stripes. The music store is the one with the neon sign. We bought a CD by Lady Gaga.

Adverb Phrases A prepositional phrase used as an adverb is called an adverb phrase. An adverb phrase modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. Adverb phrases answer the questions where?, when?, how?, under what condition?, or to what extent? Examples: Our puppy often barks early in the morning. We got our new puppy at the animal shelter.

Verbals and Verbal Phrases A verbal is a word that is formed from a verb but is used as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb. There are three verbals that we will discuss. They are participles, infinitives, and gerunds. These are used to form participial phrases, infinitive phrases, and gerund phrases.

Participles A participle is a verb form that can be used as an adjective. There are two kinds of participles: present participles and past participles. Present participles end in –ing. Past participles usually end in –d or –ed. Some are irregularly formed. Examples: Mr. Sanchez rescued three people from the burning building. Well trained in gunnery, the soldier successfully carried out her mission. We skated on the frozen pond.

Participial Phrases A participial phrase consists of a participle together with its modifiers and complements. The entire phrase is used as an adjective. A participial phrase should be placed close to the word it modifies. Otherwise the phrase may appear to modify another word, and the sentence may not make sense.

Examples of Participial Phrases Stretching slowly, the cat jumped down from the windowsill. The tornado predicted by the weather forecaster did not hit our area. Reading the assignment, she took notes carefully. Cheering for the team, we celebrated the victory.

Infinitives An infinitive is a verb form, usually preceded by to, that can be used as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb. Examples: To succeed is my goal. My ambition is to teach Spanish. She tried to win. To plus a noun or pronoun (to Washington, to her) is a prepositional phrase, not an infinitive.

Infinitive Phrases An infinitive phrase consists of an infinitive together with its modifiers and complements. It may be used as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb. Infinitive phrases will begin with to and then a verb. Examples: To be a good gymnast takes hard work. (used as a noun) The first person to fly over both the North Pole and the South Pole was Richard Byrd. (used as an adjective) We would like to eat supper on the porch. (used as an adverb)

Gerunds and Gerund Phrases A gerund is a verbal that ends in –ing and acts as a noun. A gerund phrase consists of the gerund with its modifiers and complements. Examples: Singing requires good breathing. My favorite activity is singing. I love singing. Rebecca takes lessons in singing.