What is Phrase?

Sam An Teng

Phrase is a small group of related words standing together as a single unit. This unit functions in the same way as a single word in a sentence.

Look at the examples below.

• The man has bought a very expensive car.

Explanation:
- "The man" is a noun phrase functioning as subject.
- "has bought" is a verb phrase containing main verb and auxiliary verb.
- "a very expensive car" is a noun phrase functioning as object.

• The exam was very long and difficult.

Explanation:
- "The exam" is a noun phrase functioning as subject.
- "very long and difficult" is an adjective functioning as subject complement.

• You university students should be involved in more research.

Explanation:
- "university students" is a appositive phrase adding more information to subject "You".
- "should be" is a verb phrase.
- "in more research" is a prepositional phrase functioning as adverb.

• She is working very hard.

Explanation:
- "is working" is a verb phrase.
- "very hard" is an adverb phrase.

• He is studying in the library.

Explanation:
- "is studying" is a verb phrase.
- "in the library" is a prepositional phrase functioning as adverb.

• The woman with blonde hair is an actress.

Explanation:
- "The woman" is a noun phrase functioning as subject.
- "with blonde hair" is a prepositional phrase functioning as adjective.
- "an actress" is a noun phrase functioning as subject complement.

• He decided to run a small business.

Explanation:
- "to run a small business" is an infinitive phrase functioning as object.

• My teacher suggested finishing the assignment.

Explanation:
- "My teacher" is a noun phrase functioning as subject.
- "finishing the assignment" is a gerund phrase functioning as object.

• The book written by Woods was interesting.

Explanation:
-  "The book" is a noun phrase functioning as subject.
-  "written by Woods" is a participle phrase functioning as adjective.

• We have realized the problems affecting our business.

Explanation:
- "have realized" is a verb phrase.
- "the problems" is a noun phrase functioning as object.
- "affecting our business" is a participle phrase functioning as adjective.

TYPES OF PHRASES

Phrases are classified according to either their forms or functions. They common types of phrases are: noun phrase, appositive phrase, verb phrase, adjective phrase,  adverb phrase, prepositional phrase, gerund phrase,  infinitive phrase, and participle phrase.