Noun Phrase
A group of words that includes a noun and its modifiers, functioning collectively as a noun.
Acts as a subject, object, or complement.
Modifiers + Noun
- The bright red apple caught her attention.
- She adopted a small, fluffy kitten.
Verb Phrase
Consists of a main verb and its auxiliaries (helping verbs).
Expresses the action or state of being in the sentence.
Auxiliary Verb(s) + Main Verb
- She has been studying all night.
- They are going to the concert.
Adjective Phrase
A group of words that includes an adjective and its modifiers, describing a noun or pronoun.
Modifies a noun or pronoun.
Adjective + Modifiers
- The movie was terribly exciting.
- A person smarter than me needs to figure this out.
Adverb Phrase
A group of words that functions as an adverb, modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb.
Modifies verbs, adjectives, or adverbs.
Adverb + Modifiers
- She drives very slowly.
- He completed the task as quickly as possible.
Prepositional Phrase
Begins with a preposition and ends with a noun or pronoun (the object of the preposition).
Functions as an adjective or adverb, providing additional information.
Preposition + Object (Noun/Pronoun)
- She sat on the chair.
- We will meet after the concert.
Appositive Phrase
A noun or noun phrase that renames or explains another noun or pronoun beside it.
Provides additional information about a noun or pronoun.
Noun/Noun Phrase + Appositive (Noun/Noun Phrase)
- My brother, a skilled guitarist, is performing tonight.
- The novel 'Pride and Prejudice', a classic of English literature, remains popular.
Infinitive Phrase
Consists of the infinitive form of a verb ("to" + base verb) along with any complements or modifiers.
Can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb.
To + Base Verb + Modifiers/Complements
- She likes to read before bed. (Functions as a noun)
- He has the ability to solve complex equations. (Functions as an adjective)
Gerund Phrase
A verb form ending in -ing that functions as a noun, along with its modifiers or complements.
Functions as a subject, object, or complement.
Gerund (Verb+ing) + Modifiers/Complements
- Swimming in the ocean is fun.
- She enjoys reading historical novels.
Participial Phrase
A verb form (present participle ending in -ing or past participle ending in -ed) that functions as an adjective, along with its modifiers or complements.
Modifies a noun or pronoun.
Participle (Verb+ing/ed) + Modifiers/Complements
- Running down the street, he tripped and fell.
- Battered by the storm, the ship sank.
Detailed Explanation of Appositive Phrases:
An appositive phrase consists of a noun or noun phrase that renames or identifies another noun or pronoun beside it. Appositive phrases can be either restrictive (essential) or non-restrictive (non-essential):
Restrictive Appositive: Provides essential information about the noun. It is not set off by commas.
My friend Evan James loves video games.
Non-Restrictive Appositive: Provides additional, non-essential information about the noun. It is usually set off by commas.
My stepmother, Rebecca, is a talented clarinet player.