Transcript Phrases
PHRASES
Prepositional Phrases
A prepositional phrase is a group of words that
begins with a preposition and ends with a noun or
pronoun called the object of the preposition.
The
stairs lead to the attic . [attic is the op “to”]
The staircase is too steep for her. [her is the object of
“for”]
The laid carpeting on the stairs. [stairs is the object of
“on”]
For a list of common prepositions, see page 435 or
refer to the rabbit and log theory.
The Rabbit can do anything with the log, he
Go
Go
can:
under
above
Go
around
Go
in
Go
through
Go
over
on
Be
from
behind
beside
against
with
Prepositional Phrases
Adjectives and other modifiers may be placed
between the preposition and its object. Also, a
preposition may have more than one object.
The
staircase leads to the crowded, dusty attic.
The staircase leads to the attic and the roof. [2 objects]
A prepositional phrase acts in the same way an
adjective or an adverb does. Used as an adjective,
a prep phrase modifies a noun or a pronoun. Used
as an adverb, it modifies a verb, an adjective, or an
adverb.
Prepositional Phrases
They used the staircase on the left. [adj. phrase
modifies staircase]
Which of the staircases leads downstairs? [adj.
phrase modifies which]
At midnight you can come downstairs to the
kitchen. [adv. Phrase modifies can come]
My grandfather explained that a daily walk is
healthful for him. [adv. Phrase modifies healthful]
She walks very quickly for a young baby. [adv.
Phrase modifies adv. Quickly]
Appositives and Appositive Phrases
An appositive is a noun or pronoun that is placed
next to another noun or pronoun to identify or give
additional information about it….
My
friend Paulo sends me long letters from Brazil.
An appositive phrase is an appositive plus any
words that modify the appositive.
He
is living and working in Brasilia, the capital city.
Appositives and Appositive Phrases
Use commas to set off any appositive or appositive
phrase that is not essential to the meaning of a sentence.
Paulo’s brother Ernesto also lives there. [The appositive
is essential because Paulo has more than one brother.]
Dora, Paulo’s only sister, lives in New York. [The
appositive phrase is not necessary to identify Dora.]
Usually an appositive or app. phrase follows the noun or
pronoun it identifies or explains. Occasionally an app.
Phrase precedes the noun or pronoun.
A skilled mechanic, Paulo could probably find work
anywhere.
Verbals and Verbal Phrases
A verbal is a verb form that functions in a sentence
as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb.
A verbal phrase is a verbal plus any complements
and modifiers.
There are three kinds of verbals: participles,
gerunds, and infinitives. All three can be expanded
into phrases.
Participles and Participial Phrases
A participle is a verb form that can function as an
adjective.
A present participle is made up of the base form of
the verb plus -ing: falling.
A past participle is usually made up of the base
form plus –ed: burned. Some past participles are
irregularly formed.
Participles and Participial Phrases
Participles are often used as adjectives:
No
one would eat the burned toast.
We were warned to watch out for falling rocks.
The fallen tree blocked the winding road.
A participial phrase contains a participle plus any
complements and modifiers. They can be placed in
various positions in a sentence.
We
watched the best teams playing baseball.
The victors, elated by the victory, shook hands with the
losers.
The badly defeated team accepted its fate with grace.
Gerunds and Gerund Phrases
A gerund is a verb form that ends in –ing and is
used in the way a noun is used.
Eating
is something I enjoy. [as subject]
My grandfather likes strolling. [as direct object]
Tony gives baking his best effort. [as indirect object]
How much enthusiasm do you feel for bowling. [as op]
Rachel’s favorite pastime is painting. [as pred. nom.]
My hobbies, writing and reading, are quiet activities.
[appositives]
Gerunds and Gerund Phrases
A gerund phrase is a gerund plus any complements
and modifiers.
Dancing
the tango is not as easy as it looks.
Fred Astaire’s marvelous dancing will always be
exciting.
The difference between a present participle and a
gerund is that a present participle is used as a verb
or an adjective and a gerund is used as a noun.
Running
around the track, Tommy felt exhilarated. [PP]
Running gives Tommy a sense of well-being. [gerund]
Infinitives and Infinitive Phrases
An infinitive is a verb form that is usually preceded by
the word “to” and is used as a noun, an adjective, or an
adverb.
When you use the word “to” before the base form of a
verb, to is not a preposition but part of the infinitive
form.
To stand can be uncomfortable. [infinitive as subject]
Infants first learn to crawl. [infinitive as direct object]
Her aim is to walk. [infinitive as pred. nom.]
I am happy to run. [infinitive as adverb]
Birds have an instinct to fly. [infinitive as adjective]
Infinitives and Infinitive Phrases
An infinitive phrase contains an infinitive plus any
complements and modifiers.
We
decided to sail across the lake.
The wanted to drive slowly around the park.
To run in a marathon someday is my secret ambition.
A triathlon requires athletes to train diligently.
To complete a triathlon is a success in itself.