Types of Phrases and Examples in English

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Discover the different types of phrases that are used to make meaningful sentences. Read on our blog post to learn more!

A Phrase is a combination of two or more words that make sense but do not complete sense. A phrase cannot stand alone as a clause or a sentence because it contains neither a subject nor a verb. Usually, phrases are used as a component of clauses. A phrase by itself cannot convey a complete thought but it strengthens a sentence to become meaningful. There can be more than one phrase in a sentence and phrase. And when a smaller phrase appears inside a larger one it is called a Nesting phrase. For example,

  • He told me a sad story.
  • I like writing short stories.
  • After a few minutes, I’ll meet you in the cafeteria.

Phrases functions as a noun, adjective, verb, preposition, or an adverb in a sentence. According to their functions, phrases are divided into different types of phrases for instance,

Types of phrases

  • Noun phrase
  • Adverbial phrase
  • Adjective phrase
  • Verb phrase
  • Infinitive phrase
  • Prepositional phrase
  • Gerund phrase
  • Participle phrase
  • Absolute phrase
  • Appositive phrase

Noun phrase

A group of related words that functions as a noun in a sentence. It contains a noun and other associated words (modifiers and determiners) that give us more information about a noun. And it acts as a subject an object or a complement in a sentence.

For example,

  • We enjoy playing cricket.
  • He wants to pass the exam.
  • The teacher is coming to the classroom.
Examples of Noun Phrase
Examples of Noun Phrase – Types of Phrases

Adverbial phrase

A group of words that function as an adverb in a sentence to modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb. An adverbial phrase gives us more information about the verb or a sentence by answering questions like how, when, why, and where an action takes place.

For example,

  • I will do it in a minute. (when)
  • He answered in a very rude manner. (how)
  • The cat is hiding under the table.

50+ Examples of Adverbial Phrases

Adjective phrase

A group of words that functions as an adjective in a sentence. It gives us more information about a noun or a pronoun. An adjective phrase consists of adjectives, modifiers, and other words modifying a noun or a pronoun.

For example,

Life is not a bed of roses.

She is an extremely intelligent girl.

A student from my college won the race.

50+ Examples of Adjective Phrases

Verb phrase

A verb phrase consists of a model or helping verb plus the main verb. A verb phrase plays the role of a verb in a sentence.

For example,

  • Beautiful flowers are blooming.
  • She will go to the party.
  • The students must reach on time for the class.

Sentences of Verb Phrases

Infinitive phrase

An infinitive phrase begins with the infinitive form of the verb (to + first form of a verb) Plus modifiers or other related words. It functions either as a noun or adjective or adverb in a sentence.

For example,

  • I like to see a smiling face.
  • He wants to explore a new world.
  • Pakistan cricket team is trying to win the match.

50+ Sentences of Infinitive Phrases

Prepositional phrase

A prepositional phrase is a group of words that begins with a proposition and includes the object of the preposition ( noun, pronoun, or other modifiers). The prepositional phrase functions either as an adjective or adverb in a sentence.

For example,

  • The earth rotates on its axis.
  • He lives in a small village.
  • She is sleeping on the couch.

Examples of Prepositional Phrase

Gerund phrase

An Ing form of the verb that functions as a noun in a sentence is called a gerund. A gerund phrase consists of a gerund (verb + Ing), its object, and modifiers. It functions as a noun and is used as a subject or object in a sentence.

For example,

  • I love writing comic books.
  • He was accused of smuggling.
  • They are thinking of emigrating.

20+ Examples of Gerund Phrase

Participle phrase

A participle phrase consists of a present participle (verb + ing) or a past participle (2nd form of the verb) and often includes an object or modifier to complete the thought. It functions as an adjective and is separated by commas. For example,

  • The table, made of steel, is very pricey.
  • The girl, standing next to the bus is my sister.
  • I received a mail, mentioning my exam.

Sentences of Participle Phrase

Absolute phrase

An absolute phrase is also called a nominative phrase consisting of a noun, a pronoun, a participle, and another related modifier. It refers to the interdependent group of words that has separate subjects. An absolute phrase is similar to a clause but unlike a clause, it hasn’t any finite verb. It gives us more information about the entire sentence and is separated by a comma.

For example,

  • He, having an injury in his leg, won the race.
  • Their eyes follow, the hook of the ball.
  • Weather permitting, the meeting will be held tomorrow.

Sentences of of Absolute Phrases

Appositive phrase

When we combine two sentences with the help of defining clause, it becomes a phrase in apposition. And these phrases are mostly used in the middle or at the end of a sentence.

For example,

  • Karachi, the first capital of Pakistan, is the most populated city in Pakistan.
  • Ali, my best friend, is very hardworking.
  • The magistrate, the agha khan, was a kind man.

Examples of Appositive Phrase


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