Phrases and Clauses Phrases – groups of words that function as a part of speech. Noun Phrase: A group of words consisting of nouns or pronouns and their modifiers that function as a noun. All the customers wanted to try the new dish on the menu. Verb Phrase: A group of words consisting of verbs working together and that function as a verb. The chefs knew they would be working hard during dinner time. Prepositional Phrase: A group of words that begins with a preposition and ends with a noun, and functions as an adjective or an adverb. Adrian was warmly welcomed to the kitchen staff as a new chef. Appositive Phrase: A group of words that include all the words that modify an appositive and function as an adjective - IT MUST BE SURROUNDED BY COMMAS. Adrian, a new chef, worked diligently to prepare and cook food for the customers. Verbal Phrases: A group of words that begin with a verbal and ends with a noun. ● Gerund Phrase verb ending in -ing that functions as a noun. Running down the street, the children found the ice cream truck. ● Participial Phrase word ending in -ing (present participle) or -ed (past participle) that functions as an adjective. The customers quickly threw away the disgusting food. ● Infinitive Phrase verb preceded by the word “to” (to read, to study, to write) that function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. The chefs knew their shift started so it was time to cook.
CLAUSES Clauses – groups of words with BOTH a subject and a verb that function as parts of speech. There are TWO kinds: Independent and Dependent (called “Subordinate”)
