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Chapter 12 of 41

Phrases

Analyze noun, verb, adjective, adverb, infinitive, participial, and prepositional phrases.

38 minutes 10 quick checksBy Subha Prasad
Lesson 12 of 41Course navigation

Lesson content

Read, practise, then check your understanding

A phrase is a word group organized around a head but lacking the full subject-finite-verb structure of a clause. Noun phrases name participants; verb phrases carry the predicate; adjective and adverb phrases modify; prepositional phrases can function adjectivally or adverbially.

Patterns and examples

  • The very old stone bridge collapsed. (noun phrase)
  • has been working (verb phrase)
  • extremely proud of her team (adjective phrase)
  • after the meeting (prepositional phrase)

Notice how form and meaning work together. Read examples aloud, identify the controlling word or clause, and compare them with nearby alternatives before applying the pattern in new writing.

Practice sentences

  • Identify the head word in each phrase.
  • Expand the noun report with a determiner and two modifiers.

After answering, explain the rule in your own words and create one original sentence using the same structure.

Knowledge check

Answer every question correctly to complete this chapter.

Which explanation correctly describes noun phrase?
Which grammar term matches this explanation: A phrase centered on a noun or pronoun.
Which explanation correctly describes verb phrase?
Which grammar term matches this explanation: A main verb with auxiliaries and related elements.
Which explanation correctly describes adjective phrase?
Which grammar term matches this explanation: A phrase functioning as an adjective.
Which explanation correctly describes adverb phrase?
Which grammar term matches this explanation: A phrase functioning as an adverb.
Which explanation correctly describes prepositional phrase?
Which grammar term matches this explanation: A preposition, object, and modifiers functioning adjectivally or adverbially.

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Phrases | Grammar Lesson | Subha Prasad