Phrases and Clauses

Phrases

Phrases form a component of a clause. It expresses a single idea but does not form a complete sentence.

Prepositional

  • A phrase that begins with a preposition [1] and ends in a noun/pronoun/noun phrase

  • “The keys to the house”: “to the house” tells about the keys, which keys and what they’re for.

  • “I run in the morning”: “in the morning” modifies the verb “run” and tells us when they run.

Participial

  • A verb that functions as an adjective and ends in -ing (present) or -ed, -en, -d, -t, -n, or -ne (past)

  • Removing his coat, Jack rushed to the river.: “removing his coat” is the phrase, “removing” is the word

  • Delores noticed her cousin walking along the shoreline.: “walking along the shoreline” is the phrase, “walking” is the word

Gerund

  • A verb that functions as a noun and ends in -ing

  • Traveling is a good way to expand your worldview: “traveling is the subject”

  • Running with scissors is a favorite activity of mine.: Running with scissors is the gerund phrase, running is the word.

Infinitive

  • A form of verbs that can be used as a noun, adjective, or adverb

  • Grace wanted to wake up early

  • It feels good to give people gifts

Appositive

  • A noun that immediately follows and renames another noun in order to clarify or classify it.

  • My wife, Sarah, is a teacher

  • My best friend, a doctor, is coming to town.

Clauses

Dependent (phrase)

  • A group of words that contains a subject and verb but does not express a complete clause

Independent (complete sentence)

  • A group of words that contains a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought

  • I was tired from working all day.

Footnote:

[1] Prepositions are helper words that show connections or locations. They're small words like "on," "in," or "to" that come before nouns or pronouns. For example: "The cat is on the mat," "The toy is in the box," "We're going to the park." Prepositions help clarify relationships between words in a sentence, acting like bridges to connect different parts and make the meaning clearer.