A phrase is a group or words that express a concept and is used as a unit within a sentence. Eight common types of phrases are: noun, , , infinitive, appositive, participial, prepositional, and absolute.
Noun Phrases
A noun phrase consists of a noun and all its modifiers.
Here are examples:
The bewildered tourist was lost.
The senile old man was confused.
The lost puppy was a wet and stinky dog.
The flu clinic had seen many cases of infectious disease.
It was a story as old as time.
The sports car drove the long and winding road.
Saturday became a cool, wet afternoon.
Verb Phrases
A verb phrase consists of a verb and all its modifiers.
Here are examples:
He was waiting for the rain to stop.
She was upset when it didn't boil.
You have been sleeping for a long time.
You might enjoy a massage.
He was eager to eat dinner.
Gerund Phrases
A gerund phrase is simply a noun phrase that starts with a gerund.
Examples include:
Taking my dog for a walk is fun.
Walking in the rain can be difficult.
Strolling along a beach at sunset is romantic.
Getting a promotion is exciting.
Signing autographs takes time.
Going for ice cream is a real treat.
Singing for his supper was how he earned his keep.
Getting a sore back was the result of the golf game.
Pulling an all-nighter did not improve his test scores.
Sailing into the sunset was the end of the book.
Infinitive Phrases
An infinitive phrase is a noun phrase that begins with an infinitive.
Here are some examples:
Everybody loves to watch movies.
To make lemonade, you have to start with lemons.
I tried to see the stage, but I was too short.
She organized a boycott to make a statement.
To see Niagara Falls is mind-boggling.
He really needs to get his priorities in order.
The company decided to reduce hours for everyone.
To donate time or money is an honorable thing.
I went to Spain to study the language and culture.
Appositive Phrases
An appositive phrase restates a noun and consists of one or more words.
