Phrases

A phrase is a group of related words which does not contain a subject and a predicate. Its position in
a sentence determines its meaning. A phrase functions as a single part of speech. It may function as
a noun, an adjective or an adverb: The principal types of phrases are:

1. Verb Phrase. This phrase consists of an auxiliary verb and the principal verb.
Examples:

I am reading an interesting book.

Have you read this book!
The mayor might run again next elections

2. Prepositional Phrase. This phrase consists of a preposition and its object .

Examples:

The boys watched TV in the entertainment room.

He met his friend at the lobby.
All offices are closed for the holiday.

3. Verbal Phrase. This phrase consists of a verb form with its complement or modifier and
performs the functions of other parts of speech. Verbal phrases can be classified into three
types:

a. Participial Phrase. It consists of a participle with its complement or modifier. It functions

as an adjective or adverb (verb -ing, ed, -d, en. . . + object)

Examples:

Adjective: The book having torn pages is very interesting.

Adjective: Hunting wild animals, the man was arrested by the forest police.
Adverb: We shall wait until dusk.

b. Gerund Phrase. It consists of a gerund with its complement or modifier. This phrase
functions as a noun. (verb + -ing + object)

Examples:
Direct Object: My children enjoy watching movies.
Subject: Eating fruits is part of my diet.
Object of the Preposition: Mother prays the rosary before going to bed.
Complement: She is driving a car.
Appositive: His hobby, collecting coins, is keep him busy.
 c. Infinitive Phrase. It consists of an infinitive with its complement or modifier. Similar to a
gerund phrase, it functions as a noun, an adjective or an adverb. (to + verb + object)
Examples:

Subject: To see the world is her dream

Predicate Nominative: His ambition is to be an engineer.
Direct Object: Jess hopes to finish his doctorate course.
Adjective: The best way to reach your goals is to work hard for it.
Adverb: He didn't report to work to attend a seminar.

Clauses

A clause is a group of related words containing a subject and a predicate. You have learned in the
previous lesson that a sentence is a word or a group of words that contains a subject and a
predicate. Does this mean that a clause and a sentence are the same? In a way, it is similar. If the
clause can stand alone, it is a sentence. Therefore, an independent clause is a sentence. If it cannot
stand alone, it is called a dependent clause or subordinate clause. Dependent clauses can be used
as adjectives, adverbs and as nouns.

Adjective Clauses

Adjective clauses modify, limit or port our noun or pronouns. These clauses are introduced by
relative pronouns - who, which, that, who, whom, where, when, why. These introductory words may
be used as subjects, as complements, as objects of prepositions or as modifiers.

Examples:

1. A person who perseveres succeeds in life.

In this example, who is used as the subject of the verb perseveres. This clause is used as
an adjective because it modifies the subject person, which is a noun.

2. This is the bag which was given to me by my mother.

Which is used as the subject of the clause and functions as an adjective, because it
modifies the noun, bag.
Adverb Clauses

Adverb or adverbial clauses are clauses that act as adverbs. They modify verbs, adjectives or
adverbs. These clauses may come in different positions or places in a sentence - before, after or in
the middle of the main clauses. Like adverbs, they tell the time manner place, purpose, cause,
condition, concession and result.

Examples:

Time: She arrived before I did.

Manner: The candidate walks as if she were a model.

Cause: His father decided to accept the job abroad because the offer was tempting.

Purpose: He accepted the job offer in order that he could earn more.

Condition: I will go if you are going, too.

Place: The friends parted where the paths separated.

Result: It rained all night that the streets were flooded.

Concession: Although he was late in class, he got perfect in the quiz

Noun Clauses

Noun clauses are used in sentences where nouns are used. They are used as subject direct object,
subjective complement, or object of a preposition. Although other connectives can be used, noun
clauses are usually introduced by that, what, why, how, or whatever.

Examples:

Used as Subject: What he presented convinced the audience.

Used as Direct Object: His boss believes whatever is told to him.

Used as Noun Complement: Janine made him what he is today.

Used as Predicate Nominative: The employee's problem is which job offer to accept.