Friday 1 July 2011

English Grammar: The Phrase

English Grammar

The Phrase
Definition:

In English Grammar a phrase is a combination or a group of words which gives a sense but not a complete sense.
•    It is a part of a sentence.
•    It does not have a subject or a predicate.
Examples:
•    On the roof
•    A group of colors
•    English Grammar
•    But: I am learning English Grammar from my school.
Note: In the above sentence “English Grammar” is a phrase, which helps in making a complete sense.
Kinds/Forms of the Phrase:
1.    Adverbial Phrase
 Definition:
•    It does the function of an adverb
•    It does not have any subject or predicate
Example:
•    I am writing this letter in a hurry.          (“in a hurry” is an adverbial verb)
•    I hope you will work better in future.     (In future is an adverbial phrase)
2.      Prepositional Phrase:
Definition
•    It has a preposition, its object and modifier.
•    It may be used as an adjective, adverb, or a noun.
Examples:
•    The boy with the long arms is one of my students.
“with the long arms” is a prepositional phrase, used as an adjective.
•    She danced with a hop.
“With a hop” is a prepositional phrase, used as an adverb.
•    After tea, it is the time to relax.
“After tea” is a prepositional phrase.
Adjective Phrase:
Definition
•    It is a group of words without subject or predicate.
•    It does the function of an adjective.
Example:
•    A man of virtues will not tell a lie.
“A man of virtues” is an adjective phrase, which does the function of an adjective.
•    The boy with a black hat is my brother.
“With a black hat” is an adjectivial phrase, which does the function of an adjective.
The Present Participle Phrase:
Definition:
•    It consists of a particple (1st form of the verb + ing) and the related words.
•    It acts/works/functions as an adjective.
Examples:
•    The students, practicing summary-writing, is usually an intelligent student.
“Practicing summary-writing” is a present participle phrase, which acts/works as an adjective.
•    Reaching the field, the farmer began to harvest the crop of wheat at once.
“Reaching the field” is a present participle phrase, which acts/works as an adjective.
•    Not knowing the English language, he found it impossible to get a job in England.
“Not knowing the English language” is a present participle phrase, which acts/works as an adjective.
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3 comments:

  1. very easy and nice to learn it

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