Identifying Phrases (Infinitive, Participle, Appositive, Prepositional, Gerund)

gerund phrase

Ed likes listening to music.

participial phrase

The turkeys running around the yard looked like they would make a tasty dinner.

prepositional phrase

The flight was on time in spite of the storm.

appositive phrase

Miss Smith, my science teacher, got married last week.

infinitive phrase

I want to study for the quiz.

gerund phrase

Nobody seems to be very interested in going to the fireworks display.

prepositional phrase

Jonas said he prefers the bicycle with all terrain tires and the wider, more comfortable seat.

infinitive phrase

In the United States, citizens have the right to speak their minds.

infinitive phrase

Mr. Patel and Mr. Kim recruited neighborhood children to help decorate the storefronts for Independence Day.

gerund phrase

Watching the presidential debates is important for undecided voters.

gerund phrase

My favorite pastime is watching Netflix.

infinitive phrase

to swim in the ocean

appositive phrase

My brother [Mark] joined the Marines last year.

prepositional phrase

[With just two minutes left], our team scored.

participle phrase

[Listening carefully], he understood all the teacher said.

gerund phrase

I enjoy [talking on the telephone.]

infinitive phrase

I wanted [to see the movie.]

participle phrase

The girl [sitting in the last row] just moved here.

gerund phrase

[Running in a marathon] is one of my goals.

prepositional phrase

Four cups [of flour] went into the cake.

prepositional phrase

I went [to the mall] yesterday.

appositive phrase

Biology, [my favorite science class], is only offered on 3rd period.

infinitive phrase

I need [to know the answer.]

participle phrase

[Found only near the ocean], starfish are plentiful here.

infinitive phrase

[To understand the lesson], you must listen carefully.

participle phrase

I plan to take French,[usually taught by Mrs. Milstead].

appositive phrase

Let's watch my favorite movie, [Taken.]

gerund phrase

[Reading a good book] relaxes me on a stressful day.

prepositional phrase

[With a loud shout],the boys entered the room.

participle phrase

The TCAP, [given in April], makes some students nervous.

prepositional phrase

Samuel hid her present [behind the dresser.]

participial phrase

The sun [rising gloriously in the sky] inspired the visitors to the ancient temple.

appositive phrase

The Rock,[Nick's favorite wrestler], will certainly win tonight's match.

infinitive phrase

Clyde plans [to meet his family] on the other side of the mall.

gerund phrase

Does Rick plan on [attending every game] that the Ducks play next year?

prepositional phrase

Did Bill go to the meeting [without his briefcase].

gerund phrase

Before [reaching the summit], the climbers quit.

participial phrase

[Driven by her need to be perfect], Gertrude always did well in her classes

infinitive phrase

David decided [to close the back door] before a raccoon sneaked in.

gerund phrase

The team hopes that [practicing a new offense this week] will improve its chances of winning.

participial phrase

The student, [bored by the lecture], drew pictures in her notebook.

prepositional phrase

[Before the race], the sprinter put a lucky penny in his sock.

appositive phrase

His dog, [a miniature schnauzer], chases away any birds or squirrels that come into the yard.

gerund phrase

After [making a hole in one], Ed decided he should quit golfing.

infinitive phrase

Will has not wanted [to play his saxophone] since the last recital.

participial phrase

The coffee tasted like mud [mixed with motor oil].

gerund phrase

They want to try [jumping from an airplane] without a parachute.

participle phrase

She liked the shirt [given to her by her grandmother. ]

infinitive phrase

Does the captain want us [to lower the sails] before we enter the harbor?

infinitive phrase

[To celebrate their arrival at the villa,] they all enjoyed a glass of Sangria on the terrace overlooking the sea.

gerund phrase

Before [putting too much effort into the project], maybe you should get some guidance from your boss.

appositive phrase

Tom Hanks, [star of "Philadelphia], will be appearing in a new film this holiday season.

participle phrase

[Fascinated by the stalactites and stalagmites in the cave], the tourists took many pictures.

prepositional phrase

Tom visited India while studying the history [of Indian art.]

infinitive phrase

Will someone be here soon [to open the door]?

participle phrase

The candidate [elected by the voters] promised to put "a chicken in every pot."

appositive phrase

Susan Sarandon, [a famous actress], has been very supportive of the striking workers.

gerund phrase

She preferred [eating at the local deli] for lunch.

prepositional phrase

He should discover a gift certificate [for dinner at Cafe Sofia] under his seat at the table.

prepositional phrase

Charlie tip-toed [around the corner]

gerund phrase

I am all too familiar with [waking up at five a.m. daily], considering I am a mom of two young kids

participial phrase

The baby penguin, [wobbling toward its mother], squawked loudly.

infinitive phrase

The best way [to learn a new skill] is to practice

appositive phrase

The aim of standards-based education, [the newest trend in education], is to focus on learning rather than compliance,