English Phrases
English phrases are groups of words, without both a subject and a verb, functioning as a single part of speech.This means that while an English phrase is made up of multiple words (all of which have their own function), all of the words work together to perform one larger function. Example: We walked through the park.Through the park is a prepositional phrase. As a whole, the phrase is functioning as an adverb modifying the verb walked. Each word in the phrase has its own job too. Through is a preposition, the is an adjective, and park is a noun (the object of the preposition). But the important thing to note is that all of the words come together to work as one part of speech, an adverb. We'll be exploring these English phrases:
Phrases: The BasicsHere is a brief overview of each phrase and its diagramming basics. You can also see more diagramming on the diagramming phrases page. These function as adjectives or adverbs. The prepositional phrase in the example below (into the pond) functions as an adverb. Notice how it is branching off of the word fell in the diagram? This is because the prepositional phrase is modifying fell.My shoe fell into the pond.
Are you wondering how to diagram prepositional phrases? I thought so. I have a knack for reading people's minds. These function as verbs. Keep in mind that in order to be a verb phrase, the verb must be made up of a main verb and at least one helping verb. Now I must jump into the muck.
Appositive Phrases:The appositive is a noun that renames another noun or pronoun. The appositive phrase is the appositive and all of its modifiers.
In the example below, sister is the appositive which is renaming Esther, and my little sister is the appositive phrase.
Esther, my little sister, threw her shoe in the pond.
VerbalsThe following three phrases (gerunds, participles, and infinitives) are called verbals. This is because they are formed from verbs. (But be careful! They don't function as verbs) These function as nouns. They always end in -ing. I like swimming in ponds.
These act as adjectives. They end in -ing, -d, -t, or -n.
Filled with mud, the shoe was very heavy.
These act as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. They begin with to + a verb. Sometimes they have a "silent to". By that, I mean that sometimes the word to is implied. I swore to tie my shoes tighter in the future.
Understand English phrases? Learn about the types of sentences.Back to English Grammar Home Page
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