1 Abstract

This section deals with the general definition of the phrase by giving hints about its
difference from a sentence and a clause, In fact, a place has its own characteristic
according to syntax and linguistics It differs from the structure of sentences and
clauses and this will be proved by various definitions and examples
1.2 Distinguishing phrases from sentences and clauses :
A sentence can be defined as a group of words that consists of a subject and
verb and perhaps the elements following the verb If the elements are important to the
structure of the sentence they will be named as complement if they are optional they
are called adjuncts the following examples will clarify this definition more precisely
the first example does not have a complement or adjunct while the second one has
subject-verb and complement the third example has an adjunct
1 . The last train has arrived
2 . Your uncle left a message
3 . John helped Bill in Central Park
(Young, 2003: 71 )
A clause on the other hand is regarded as a unit of grammatical organization
smaller than the sentence but larger than phrases words or morphemes Traditionally
grammarians classify clauses into two main types ( independent or super ordinate )
and ( dependent or subordinate ) clauses The following example contains two
clauses the first one represents the independent ( or super ordinate ) while the
second one is the dependent ( or subordinate ) .
4 . [ The girl arrived ] [ after the rain started ]
Other grammarians recognize finite and non finite kinds of clauses depending on the
form of the verb and sometimes ( reduced verb less clause ) as in :
5 . When ripe these apples will be lovely
Ana then sub classification depends on the function of clauses inside the sentence
eg as adverbial nominal or adjectival It would also divide clauses as the subject-verb-
object complement and adverb Other types of clauses are Wh _ clauses such as :
6 – I wonder when they will leave
That _ clauses as in :
7. They decided that the journey was too far and Small clauses a term used in
Generative – Bending Theory referring to clauses that contain neither a finite verb
nor infinitival to
8 . I saw [him do it ]
(crystal, 2003: 74 )
A phrase is a group of words that functions in a sentence as a single
Part of speech .A phrase does not have a subject or a verb so it cannot stand
alone a s an independent the unit t can function only as a part of speech
9 . Marci has a scarf with green stripes ( In this example Marci is a phrase consisting
of a single word and functioning as the subject of the sentence )
10 . Screaming loudly the baby was disconsolate ( Here the phrase screaming loudly
is composed of two words and functioned as a pre-modifier for the subject of the
sentence the baby )

(Rozaklis, 2003: 102 )

1
1.3 Basic Definitions of Phrases:
In this item, we will argue the syntactic meaning of phrases by giving
definitions and examples according to different writers and references
Linguists define a phrase as a sequence of words that functions as a
constituent within a simple clause this means that phrases are smaller than clauses
more accurately simple clauses may cand usually do include phrases while simple
phrases do not, in general, include phrases
(Kraeger, 2005: 35 )
Newsan and et al ( 2006 . 60 ) define a phrase as a group of words go
together to form a unit which is the functional equivalent of the proper nouns in the
original sentence we can represent this definition through the following example

11 The Postman Pestered the doctor

Phrase Phrase

The postman pestered the doctor

A Phrase is any syntactic unit that is not a clause but has the function as a
whole with a larger construction In the coming example the subject is a one-word
phrase they the object is a phrase the people in the village which includes the smaller
phrases in the village and the village
12 – They like the people in the village
(Matthews, 2007: 301 )

The last definition of phrase considers it as A group of words forming a unit

and united around a head
(Gelderen, 2010: 45 )
1.4 Features of phrases
In English phrases are characterized by various characteristics depending on
their usage and structure these features are as follows
A phrase can be pronominal zed
13 – She ran [ there ]
B – It can be coordinated with a phrase of the same type
14 – She ran [ to the shop ] and [ to the library ]
C – we can delete it without affecting the meaning of the structure
15 – She ran [ ….. ]
D – we can replace it y wh-element
16 – [ where ] did she run?
E – It is mobile can occur in different slots initial medial and final
17 – [ To the ship ] she ran
18 – She ran [ to the shop ] quickly
19 – She ran [ to the shop ]
F – We can use it as a preform
20 – He calls marry He calls her (ibid.

2
 1.5 phrase structure tree (tree diagram):
The term phrase structure tree can be defined do differently by concentrating
on its form and adman te et in analyzing phrase structure.
Corsairs – McCarthy (2002:146) defines
It as a way of representing the stauncher of the phrase or the sentence in terms of a
branching structure in which the ranching paints (nodes) and the ends of the
branches may contain word class or phrasal labels.
A phrase structure tree is also regarded as a tree which shows the division of
a form in to smaller constituents and labels each as belonging to one or more
categories . for example, a sentence is class, filed in to two elements: boy which is
assigned to the constituent noun (N) and noun phrase (NP), and play well which
belongs to the category verb phrase (VP) . the latter in turn is divided in to play which
is a verb, and well which is an adverb (adv).

NP VP

. N . V Adv

21 Boys Play well

(Matthews, 2007; 302).

Brinton (2000:165), on the other hand, argues that a phrase structure tree can
also is defined as a rule that consists of a set of organized rules named as rewrite
rules A rewrite rule has a single symbol on the right side,
S-NP+VP; NP-D+N; VP-V+adv.
A phrase structure tree has various advantages such as the heart order of
constituents in a sentence in deep structure as well the hierarchical organization of
sentence structure and finally the unlimited generating capacity of language
1.6 The structure of Phrase :
Modern descriptive grammars tend to take phrase structure as basic where
phrase is used very commonly to cover any kind of expansion ( or even potential
expansion ) involving clauses and sentences In this case the grammarians job is to
find the phrases even when they consist of just single word To make the view
concrete where we have recognized a single noun functioning as the subject of a
verb, modern grammar generally finds a noun phrase as the subject of a whole
clause
(Hudson: 2003: 98 )
22 – Small babies cry
In this example we find that babies functions as the subject of cry where they
maintain that small babies are the subject of small babies cry This will make analysis

3
very much complicated for example a single two word sentence like Babies army has
to be given a phrase structure in which babies counts twice one a word and then as a
phrase
(Hudson, 2003: 98 )

1.7 Phrases and Dependencies:

Syntactic dependencies are considered as relations between constituents in a
syntactic representation e.g. between a subject and a verb Here there is an important
distinction between local and nom local syntactic relations local dependencies are
regarded as relations between elements in a syntactic representation that are near to
each other in a hierarchical syntactic structure, for instance, a determiner or
possessor demands to be followed by a noun rather than a preposition
23 – We admired marys sketch of the landscape rather than mays of the sketch the
landscape Another kind of a rather local dependency is the agreement for example
between a subject and the finite verb
24 – The spoiled child throws throw the boys on the floor
(Bicker ton and sat many, 2009: 124)
Violations such as in the previous example have been labeled phrase
structure or word orders violations because they represent a violation of the rule that
governs the order of constituents in a phase phrase structure violations are found
when the phrase structure representation is built
(Bicker ton and Szathmary, 2009: 124 )
Dependency organizes phrase on a horizontal dimension depending on their
relationship of companionship In the term of dependency a noun phrase should
contain a head element ( a noun ) and may optionally have a specifiers ( such as an
article ) as well as other per-head and post-head modifiers These modifiers that
Occur before a head are generally called modifiers other elements that occur after it
may be called complements or adjuncts depending on their relationship to the head
noun some linguists give post-head noun modifiers the name ( qualifiers ) similarly a
verb phrase should have a verb and may have complements and so on
(Asp and de VILLIERS. 2010: 220 )
1.8 Phrases in theories of syntax:
The general use of the term phrase is different from that used by some
phrase structure theories of syntax The everyday understanding of the phrase is that
it includes two or more words while depending on the theory of syntax that one
employs individual words may or may not function as phrases theories of syntax that
depend on x-bar theory on the other hand will consider many individual words as
phrases this practice depends on the fact that sentence structure is organized in
terms of universal schema the x-bar schema which shows that each had projects at
least their levels of structure : a minimal level an intermediate level and a maximal
level so an individual noun such as
25 – John laughed John will belong to an intermediate level ( N ) and a maximal level
( NP ) which states that John functions as a phrase the position of the subject in the
sentence needs to be filled by an NP ignoring whether the subject is a multi-word unit
such as :
26 . The tall man or an individual word giving the same function such as John it is
named as an NP in these theories).

(HTTP: www . Wikipedia. com ) .

4
 This concept of the phrase is considered as a cause of confusion for the
students of syntax many other theories of syntax do not consult the x-bar schema
and are therefore less likely to encounter this confusion for example dependency
grammar do not acknowledge phrase structure in the way that depends on the
association with phrase structure grammars and therefore do not consider single
words as phrases
(HTTP: www . Wikipedia. com ) .
1.9 How to decide that this is a phrase or not :
There are different procedures used to decide whether the sequence of words
you may find in a specific text representing a phrase or not these strategies will be
associated with the following example :
27 – I was reading the letter to John
Before going in to the details we would like to say that it is useful to think
about the relationship between a phrase and the thing it represents in the world, In
this case, the group of words the letter to John in the preceding example represents
a specific object a letter whose feature is that it is (addressed ) to John now it is
worth to deal with the following tests
A – Test Replacement by it If a group of words can be replaced by the word ( it )
without affecting the significant meaning then that sequence of words represents a
phrase so the previous example will be
28 – I was reading it to John
(Fabb, 2005: 3-4-5 )
B – The movement test ( mobility): This test proves that any sequence of words can
be moved together then that group of words is a phrase hence we can say :
29 – The letter to John was being read
C – The replacement test: A phrase including several words can be replaced by a
phrase of the same kind containing a single word such as :
30 – John seems to be very happy with his new car
31 – John seems to be happy.
(Fabb, 2005: 4-5 )

1.10 The Noun Phrase ( NP ) :

A noun phrase can be described as any phrase consisting of a noun as its
head ( or central constituent ) and is capable of functioning as an argument ( e.g
Subject or object ) in a sentence examples in which the head nouns are in bold type,
are :
32 – My big green table
33 – The butter on the table
Some linguists argue that noun phrases are headed by nouns while others
maintain that the head of a noun phrase should be determined ( e.g the definite
article the in the butter on the table )
( Brown and Miller, 1999: 258 )
Dixon (2005: 26), on the other hand, defines the noun phrase as a phrase
that consists of a pronoun ( e.g she ) or a proper noun ( e.g Shirly ) or it can be a
common noun ( e.g mountain, boy ) as a head it is not permissible in English to
delete the noun head , if no specific head is stated , the form cone ) can be used .
34 – The 1big one rather than just the big.

5
1.10.1 The form of the Noun Phrase
Noun phrases with a count nominal head normally demand a determinative
element in English and when the noun phrase referent is definite the determinative
constituent must be a definite determiner like the determinative such as this that or it
may be a non – classifying genitive np, as in :
35 – That English woman's coat is beautiful while in :
36 – by the right of the table.
The word table stands for the table which instantiates the canonical format of definite
noun phrase with a count nominal head named as determinative count nominal
The relationship between the form of the np without a determinative and the
complete form of the np is one of part to whole the nominal head can activate the fall
noun phrase so that table as used in this context is interpreted as an abbreviation of
the table there are some factors for this activation first the co-text which makes the
referent of the np definite ( the table is definite for the reader ) ; second and from a
cognitive point of view the metonymic part-whole relationship between a salient part
of a from and the whole form third this reduced form of the np can be used in a
certain style such as the style of stage directions .
( Panther and et al, 2009: 387 ) .

The head of the noun phrase can be preceded by the following elements :
 An adverb which modifies a complete np, e.g even, simply, really, or what as
in what a scandal.
 a predetermined , e.g all ( of ) , some ( of ) , both ( of ) , etc.
 a determiner such as : (the, a‫ و‬this, my,… etc.).
 a superlative ( tallest), a comparative ( taller); or an ordinary word ( next ) or a
cardinal number ( three ) or a quantifier ( money ) or a qualifier ( some).
 an ordinal number, e.g fourth.
 Adjectival modifier: an adjective may be modified by an adverb, e.g simply,
really.
 A modifier describing composition. e.g wood, vegetable.
 A modifier to describe origin or style e.g British, outside.
 A modifier which describes purpose / beneficially e.g rabbit in rabbit food.
(Dixon, 2005: 36 )
1.10.2 The syntactic functions of the NP:
As already described, the NP is the most flexible phrase type as far as
various syntactic functions are concerned. It is typically used in one of the clausal
functions of subject, object or predictive. However, it can also represent many
other functions (most of them are part of other clausal elements ) as illustrated by the
following examples:
. adjunct in a clause.
38. Mary arrived the day before Yesterday.
.Modifier in an adjective phrase.
39. The nail was two inches long.
.Modifier in an adverb phrase.
40. Mary arrived a whole day later.
.Modifier in a prepositional phrase.
41. The wreck was discovered a mile under the sea
.Supplement. 42. I finally met her sister, a distinguished anthropologist.

6
.Modifier in a noun phrase.
43. She was writing a treatise on the opera German.
. Vocative. 44. Chomsky, your taxi is here. v
(Huddleston and Pullum, 2002:327).

1.10.3 The essential parts of the NP:

Unless a noun is in a generalizing case, a noun phrase or a noun group
consists of the following elements: a determiner and a noun. A determiner may be
one the following:
.an article (the, an, a, some, any ).
.a qualifier (no, few, a few, many, etc ).
.a possessive (my, your, whose, the ).
.a demonstrative (this, that, these, those ).
.a numeral (one, two, three).
. or a question word (how, what ).
A noun phrase can include one or more modifiers a modifier is an adjective,
an adjective phrase, a secondary noun, a prepositional phrase or a relative clause.
e.g. Adjective. The Great Gatsby.
Adjective phrase .a black and white striped vest.
Secondary noun – a beer glass.
The prepositional phrase –the students in our class.
(HTTP: www. Websites and texts .com) .
1.11 The verb phrase:
A verb phrase is defined as any phrase that contains a verb as its head. It is
characterized by the most significant features that it includes the auxiliary verb which
precedes the verb (e.g. words, like, could, should , might , have , be and do ) and
the negation word not ' and it also contains anything which follows the verb in the
same sentence . As the example (45) illustrates:
S

NP VP

Aux NP PP
V
art

N P NP

N
I was reading the letter to Mary
( Fabb , 2005:33).

7
 A verb phrase can also be described bed in different ways . verbs are words
that demonstrate an action such as drink , walk , smell , write , etc .They function as
a connector between the subject of the verb and the information about the subject .
This information is usually descriptive . verb phrases take the verb as one step , plus
the complement , object or adverb . verb phrases as in 46. He was running to the
shop . comprise the verb (running ) and the complement ( to the shop )
(HTTP: www. Your dictionary . com ) .

1.11.1 The organization of the verb phrase in to finite and non – finite:
It is worth emphasizing that the verb forms found in verb phrases are
distinguished into two categories depending on their structural characteristics. these
two categories are called :
Finite and non-finite verb phrases .
a . Finite verb phrases : grammatically , this term has different features and they are
as follows :
. Finite verb phrases have the tense distinction
47. She studied / studies Arabic .
. Finite verb phrase operates as the verb element of a clause . As well as , there are
person and number concord .
I + am You / they / we + are He / she / it / + is
With /lexical / verbs, concord is constrained to a contrast between 3rd and non 3rd
person singular present .
48 . He reads } English everyday .
They read}
. Finite verb phrases have the mood .
B . Non – finite verb phrases : contrastingly , this term differs in that it has
three various forms : the infinitive ( to call ) , the – ing participle ( calling ) and the –
ed participle ( called ) . Non – finite verb phrases consist of one or more such items .
49 . To smoke like that must be dangerous .
50 . I found her cleaning .
51. Having offended before , He was sensitive .
( Quirk and Green Baum , 1973 : 38 – 39 )
1.11.2 The form of the verb phrase :
Generally speaking , the form of the verb phrase is restricted to the three
types which compose it . these three types specify the structure more accurately and
they are called : transitive , intransitive and stative .
a . transitive verb phrase : It can be defined as the phrase that takes a direct object .
A direct object , on the other hand , is a word or group of words that represent the
action of an action verb . In the example (52)
The boy ran across the backyard . and (53) the girl on the beach fell asleep and got
a severe sunburn . the words "ran " and "fell" are action verbs that make the
reader / listener want more information regarding how , where , or when that action
happened . some direct objects used with transitive verbs include ( love , make ,
build , owe , hate , give , send , or show ) . transitive verb phrases may include the
active . or passive forms . for example :
54 . Jon loves mary includes an active verb phrase , whereas in
55 . Mary is loved by Jahn . states a passive verb phrase form .this type of verb
phrases ( Transitive ) is more common in the English language than in other
languages .
( Angell , 2009 : 61 ) .

8
b . Intransitive verb phrase : these are similar yet they differ than transitive verb
phrases . Intransitive verb phrase does not take a direct object nor does it has a
passive verb form . Intransitive and transitive verb phrases may use the same verbs .
In the following examples , the verbs "opened " and "cooked " are used in both the
transitive and intransitive forms .
56 . She opened the window of the apartment . ( transitive form with a direct object ) .
57 . The window of the apartment opened noisily . ( intransitive form with an
adverb ) .
c . stative verb phrase : this type of verb phrase uses a form of the verb " to be " and
is followed by a complement . A complement is regarded as a word that is equal to
the subject . the following examples include sativa verbs . notice how the subject is
equal with the complement or are regarded the same thing .
58 . The boy is a player ( subject = boy ; complement = player ) 59 . He is a doctor
( subject = he ; complement = doctor ) .
( Angell , 2009 : 61 ) .
1.11.3 The importance of the VP in syntax :
Kreyer ( 2010 : 51 ) maintains that the verb phrase is important and central to
the study of syntax because of different reasons :
. The lexical verb in the verb phrase specifies what other clause elements are
obligatory . The verb , give , for instance , needs somebody who gives , something
that is given and somebody who is given something otherwise the sentence will be
incorrect.
. The second cause for the central status of the slot in the declarative sentence and
other clause elements are gathered around the verb phrase . the finite verb phrase
gives information considering the event described in the sentence , such as the of the
event , and so on .
1.12 The Adjective phrase :
The adjective phrase can be defined differently , for example , O'Dwyer (2006
: 110 ) defines it as the syntactic structure with an adjective as its focus ( head ) . An
adjective phrase describes or qualifies a noun or its replacement . the head adjective
of the phrase is commonly the last word , which may be one in series of qualifying
elements usually come before the head adjective , they may also follow it . Examples
will clarify adjective phrase in both slots.
60 . It was cold , biting , snowing weather ( before the noun )
61 . circle ready-made from the hands of chances ( after the noun ) An adjective
phrase is a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or a pronoun . This phrase
answer the question which one ? The adjective phrase follows right after the noun or
pronoun that it modifies or describes. Generally, if you cannot logically move the
prepositional phrase within the sentence, it is most often an adjective phrase .
Remember that an adjective phrase contains no verb.
The adjective phrases are underlined in the following examples :
62 . Some programs at our local library were requested lost week .
( which programs ? the ones in our local library )
63 . These girls in this photograph are my friends . ( which girls ? the ones in the
photograph ) .
( Umstatter , 2010 : 42 ) .
1.12.1 The structure and syntactic functions of the Adjective phrase:
Marques ( 2011 : 113 ) argues that an adjective phrase consists of an
adjective representing the function of its head , modifiers, and qualifiers . Unlike the
head , modifiers are not essential elements in the adjective phrase structure and are

9
commonly recognized by adverbs ( extremely difficult ) and adverb phrases ( very
wonderfully peaceful ) . The adverb " enough " is the only adverb that has the
function of a qualifier in an adjective phrase ( quick enough ) .
Qualifiers are not compulsory and they usually contain prepositional phrases
(advanced for her age ) and complements ( sure of that ) . Besides prepositional
phrases , complements may also be distinguished by finite clauses
64 . Sure of that he can do it .
Some complements may function as the obligatory qualifier in an adjective phrase ,
that is if the adjective functioning as head demands post modification ,
65 . fond of Mary .

The following table illustrates the structure and characteristics of the adjective phrase
.
Adjective phrase

Modifier head adjective qualifier

adverbs 67 John is upset 68. The boy is very cute
and adverb about his head .
phrases mark prepositional phrases
66. That toddler was 69. By the ocean
complement
Incredibly tired
prepositional
phrases
70. The specular
Slept in the cave .
Finite clauses
71. It's raining .
Non- finite clauses
72. I saw him leaving
The room .
( Marques , 2011 : 113 ) .

1.12.2 Adjective phrase US . Adjectival phrase

The term adjectival phrase is occasionally employed instead of the adjective
phrase . However , there is a tendency to name a phrase as an adjectival phrase
when that phrase functions as an actual adjective , for example :
73. Mr. John is a man of wealth . the prepositional phrase ( of wealth ) modifies ( a
man ) the way an adjective would , and it could be rephrased with an adjective by
saying :
74. Mr. John is a wealthy man . similarly ,
75. That girl is the noun and ( a prepositional phrase ) " without a friend " modifies "
girl" Also the term adjectival phrase is used to name any phrase . in attributive
position , whether it is an adjective phrase , noun phrase , or prepositional these may
be more accurately named as phrasal attributives or attributive phrases . This
definition is usually used in the English style guide for writing , in which the terms
attributive and adjective are frequently regarded as synonyms , as attributive phrases
are typically hyphenated , while predicative phrases generally are not , although both
modifying a noun .

10
 (Carnie, 2013: 133) .

1.13 The adverb phrase:

The adverb phrase is defined in several ways depending on its position ,
functions, and form .
David ( 2004 : 92 ) , for instance , maintains that adverb phrases are the most
complex according to the syntactic functions they express . They can be individual or
multiple words elements.
They might be related to the syntactic circumstances of the process of the wider
proposition , but they can represent personal comments , interpersonal formula, and
textual links .
76 . Slowly , fairly smoothly , enough , more powerfully than the other car .
An adverb phrase is also regarded as a sequence of words that provides
information generally referring to the time , place , manner and degree , in which an
action , state or event occurs . In this case , adverb phrases give contextual
information and express our thoughts and assumptions about a specific action ,
event , or state . Although an adverb phrase may include only an adverb as its head ,
it can also contain modifiers ( usually another adverb) , which come before the head ,
and qualifiers , which follow the adverb .
77 . I could no longer say that I was a professional teacher .
78 . I'd always perceived myself as being a professional job .
( de materials , 2011 : 124 ) .
1.13.1 The syntactic functions of the adverb phrase :
In syntax , the adverb phrase has several functions due to its position with the
other constituents of the English sentence . These functions are as follows :
a . An adverb phrase can modify a verb .
79 . We rode during the vocations ( When we rode ) .
80 . We rode across the ranch lands ( Where we rode ) .
81. We rode like professional wranglers ( How we rode ) .
82 . We rode for enjoyment . ( Why we rode) .
b . An adverb phrase can also modify an adjective .
83 . The boy was upset by the weather . ( the adverb phrase modifies the adjective "
upset " ) .
c . An adverb phrase has the function of modifying an adverb .
84 . The ceremonies began early in the noon . ( the adverb phrase modifies the verb
" began" ) .
d . An adverb phrase can act as a predicate adverb .
85 . The books are on the table . ( on the table ) is a complement for the verb ( are ) .
It tells where the books are .
( Turner , 1998 : 42 )
113.2 Adverb phrase positions :
Since they are modifiers of various kinds of categories ( verbs , clauses and
sometimes adjectives ) adverb phrases can be found in a variety of different slots .
for this reason , they are sometimes named as " transportable " , because they have
the ability to move around ( Lobeck and Denham , 2014 : 133 ) .

11
 Sometimes their movement causes the change in meaning , other times , the
different slots of the adverb phrase do not affect meaning much , if at all .
86 . He carefully rubbed the stone .
87 . He rubbed the stone carefully .
88 . carefully , he rubbed the stone .
Though adverb phrases can be found in more than one position in the
clause , there are some position in which they sound less natural , if not
ungrammatical . phrases cannot occur between the verb and its complement .
89 . * He rubbed carefully the stone .
90 . * someone forgot evidently to close the window .
91 . * She believes the moon is made still of green cheese .
Adverb phrases can, therefore, occur in various positions , but not without
some restrictions . In this case , adverb phrases are quite different from phrases of
other categories , whose syntactic positions are much more restricted . One cause
that adverb phrases can be unlike phrases of other categories , they are seldom
selected as complements by verbs ( or any other head , for that matter ) . Rather ,
adverb phrases almost exclusively have the function of modifiers ; giving more
information to a clause or other phrases . It follows , then , that adverb phrases ,
unlike complements with any type of verb .
92 . Fortunately , John seems happy . (linking verb ) .
93 . Fortunately , John kicked the ball . ( transitive verb ) .
( lock and Denham , 2014 : 133 ) .
1.14 The prepositional phrase:
A prepositional phrase is a group of words containing a preposition or
sequence of prepositions followed by a noun phrase or the equivalent , e.g. by
Sunday , out of the classroom . Here , the proposition is the head of the phrase and
noun etc , its complement or object . The accurate application of this term depends
on what is classed as a preposition and what as the equivalent of the noun phrase .
94. Before breakfast , since eating breakfast , or before I had eaten breakfast .
( Matthews , 2007 : 316 )
A prepositional phrase can also be defined as a sequence of words including
prepositions and this sequence of words lacks either a verb or a subject , and that
has the function as a unified part of speech . It normally contains a preposition and a
noun or a preposition and a pronoun . prepositional phrases always have two main
parts at a minimum , the object, and the proposition . prepositional phrases can act
as adverbs or adjectives .. when they are used as adjectives , they have the function
of modifying nouns and pronouns at the same way individual – word adjective do .
when they are used as adverbs , they modify adjectives , verbs, and other adverbs ,
at the same way single – word adverbs clauses do .
95. The cupcake with sprinkles is ours .
96 . The cupcake with colorful sprinkles is ours .
( HTTP : www. Ginger Software . com ) .

1.14.1 The structure and syntactic functions of the prepositional phrase :

Prepositional phrase ( pp ) is an important unit for the nominal group because
of two reasons . The first one is that it is the most prominent type of qualifier . so ,
when a nominal group contains a qualifier it indicates that the structure realizing the
qualifier will be a prepositional phrase . The second one is that the prepositional
phrase has a similarity to the nominal group in the case that it will be used to
introduce a new referent . The chief part of the prepositional phrase is a prepositional

12
element ( p) . This element is always represented by an individual preposition ( e.g .
in , on , with , for , by ) . However , there are other times when the proposition is
modified by another element , and in such eases the prepositional element is
represented by a proposition group
97. right on the table
In addition to the prepositional element , the prepositional phrase has another
element , which is named as a completive ( cv ) . The completive is often recognized
by a nominal group , although there is a possibility for it to be represented by an
embedded clause or a headword plus modifier . In this case, the prepositional phrase
often expresses both prepositional element and the completive element . It is
acceptable for the completive element . It is acceptable for the completive element to
be embedded .
( Fontaine , 2012 : 62 ) .
1.14.2 What makes prepositional phrase different from all
other types of phrases?
Prepositional phrases differ from all other types of phrases in that a
proposition cannot stand alone as the head of a phrase .
Although a proposition is still the head in a prepositional phrase , it must be
completed by another element – or preposition complement – if the phrase is to be
completed .
98. John was searching in the room .
NP VP PP
Now , the prepositional phrase contains the preposition ( in ) which is complemented
by the noun phrase ( the room ) . We could represent this example in either of the
following ways :
[ in the room PP ] .
[ in [ the room Np ] PP ] .
The second example states the structure of the prepositional phrase more
accurately . The noun phrase in the previous example is a simple one because it
consists only of a noun phrase plus the head noun . So , there is no restriction on
the relative simplicity or complexity of noun phrase which complements a preposition
in this way . Now we will add more examples of prepositional phrases .
99. around Cambridge .
100. under a stone .
101 . for my closest friend .
102 . to the best friend ever .
( Ballard , 2013 : 112 – 113 ) .
In addition to being completed by noun phrases . Prepositional phrases can
also contain a preposition follows by an adverb ( or adverb phrase ) : by tomorrow ,
above here , until now . commonly , with nouns , adjectives and adverbs as heads
prepositions can be completed by various kinds of clauses . We now come back to
the matter of prepositional phrases which have the ability to post modify head nouns ,
head adjectives and sometimes head adverbs . This will be dealt with the next
example:
103. Mary gave David a large bouquet .
NP VP NP NP
( Ballard , 2013 : 112 – 113 ) .
1.15 The participle phrase:
Participle phrase can be defined differently ( Hackett and (Hackett ( 2011 :
490 ) , for example , define it as a group of words ( verb phrase ) containing a

13
participle and its complementing elements that can have the function of an adjective
or adjective phrase . participle phrase can be used with helping verbs to make a
clarification of tense or voice . All verbs have the forms of present participle and past
participle . The underlined words represent participle phrases .
104. I saw Arthur running for the bus.
105. Disappointed, she left the room quickly.
participle phrases are also regarded as syntactic structures functioning as
sentence constituents containing a head present participle ( HPP ) or past participle (
HPTP ) as its focus . In this sense , the head participle will be a non - finite verb form
. present and past participles have the non – finite verb forms expressing actions .
there is in actuality in distinguishing the terms present and tense distinction is one of
aspect . As we saw , although participles frequently occur by themselves , they can
also function as the headword in participle phrases .
106. Burned on each side , the toast was inedible .
( O' Dwyer , 2006 : 122 – 123 ) .
1.16.1 Kinds of participle phrases:
Participle phrases have three main types :
a . Present participle within suffix .
107. The existing local government system in northern Irland was established
following the local government .
b . past participle with – ed suffix .
108 . The different specialized branches of the science of medicine correspond to
equally specialized medical professions dealing with special organs of diseases.
c . past participle with – en suffix .
109," In ancient Israel , among the first chosen people , the kings and high priests
were anointed with oil ." ( ibid ) .

1.16.2 The distinction between participle phrases as present and past :

present participle phrases are verb forms used as adjectives . They frequently
end in – ing . Individual adjectives , adjective clauses , or prepositional phrases used
as adjectives are commonly in a fixed slot , that is they do not have the ability to
move around . present participle phrases used as adjectives can take the different
slot in a sentence :
1 . If the phrase the first position of a sentence , it should modify the subject , and it
must be followed by a comma .
110 . Giving the soil good moisture , the rain slowly fell during the night .
2. If the present participle phrase takes the position inside the sentence , it should
have a comma before and after it if it is not essential to the sense of the sentence . It
is , therefore , named , as a non – restrictive phrase .
111. The rain , giving the soil good moisture , slowly fell during the night .
3 . If the present participle phrase takes the position inside the sentence and it is
essential to the sense of the sentence , it is regarded restrictive and demands no
comma .
112 . Everyone driving a car must have a license ( or driver 's license ) .
(Shewan and Sloan, 1995 : 11 , 16 )
4. If the present participle phrase comes at the end of the sentence and immediately
follows the word it modifies it needs no comma to precede it .
113 . we sat in our tent , watching the bald eagle overhead .
Post participle phrases , on the other hand , represent the third essential part
of every verb . In predicates , they demand a helping verb and forming a verb

14
phrase . With regular verbs , the past participle is formed by the addition of – d ,-
ed ,- t to the present ( infinitive ) form of the verb .
114 . The letter [ was written ] Yesterday .
Here , the verb phrase " was written " acts as the predicate verb of the sentence .
past participle phrases can also be used as adjectives in past participles .
115 . The letter written yesterday was never mailed .
Although of the previous differences , present and past participle phrases ,
have five similarities :
1. They contain a verb .
2.They serve as adjectives , and , therefore , they describe nouns and pronouns .
3. They have the ability to move around in the sentence .
4. They retain their power as a verb to have a direct object, a predicate .
5. Both of them have the same punctuation .
( she was and Sloan , 1995 : 11 , 16 ) .

1.17 The infinitive phrase :

The infinitive phrase can be defined in various ways , Peder and frames
( 2002 : 130 ) , for example , define it as a phrase that starts with ( to ) and a verb or
verb phrase . It may also contain one or more complements as well as modifiers .
Infinitive phrases may have the function as nouns or as modifiers . The verb in an
infinitive phrase does not tell anything about any subject in a direct way ; it does not
change form to show agreement . The underlined words illustrate this type of
phrase .
116 .To finish her work is a good thing .
An infinitive phrase can also be regarded as a group of words consisting of
the particle ( to ) and ( the base form of the verb ) and may contain objects and other
complements and modifiers to make a verb phrase called an infinitive phrase . This
phrase can have the function of a noun , an adjective or an adverb . The infinitive
phrase is constructed with the verb in the infinitive form .
117 . To avoid burning another bag of popcorn , Bernard pressed his nose against
the microwave door .
(HTTP : www. English okay . com) .
1.17.1 The syntactic functions of the infinitive phrase:
An infinitive phrase is recognized as such by the infinitive that begins it . Like
all other phrases, an infinitive phrase may include extra words, more phrases or a
combination of objects , individual – words modifiers , and other phrases . These
functions will be explained as the following :
a . Infinitive phrases have the function of the subject .
118 .To take an apple pie demands both patience and the right ingredients.
119 . Baking an apple pie demands both patience and the right ingredients.
b. Infinitive phrases act as objects of verbs.
120 . She wanted to go ; she wanted what ? To go
c. Infinitive phrases serve as objects of gerunds and participles.
121. Known to be ruthless, the great warrior took no prisoner .
d. Infinitive phrases have the function of modifiers.
122. To understand myself completely will take more effort than I'm writing to invest.
e . Infinitive phrase act as complements .
123 . I regard her to be the best candidate for the job .
( Lutz and Stevenson , 2005 : 56 – 57 – 58 )

15
 Conclusion
In many studies, phrases take a steady seat in the English language and
represent an important role in the study of syntax . Their importance in the present
study lies in exploring the syntactic meanings , structures and features of each type .
This exploration leads to the fact that each one of these phrases consists of an
element called " head " . This head specifies the kind of phrase and represents the
core of its structure such as the head noun of the noun phrase , the head verb of the
verb phrase , the head adjective of the adjective phrase , etc . Besides, this study
gives a wide insight into how phrases are different from all other constituents such as
sentences and clauses as well as their role in the theories of syntax and their
relationship with dependencies . The organization of data makes the view wider by
explaining the function and positions of phrases depending on their occurrence in
different contexts . For the vast majority of students it is important to note that they
can control over those phrases by expanding their use in different circumstances and
states . for instance , through exchanges , one can use the noun phrase to address
someone or something , the verb phrase to refer an action or the adjective phrase to
describe someone or something and so on .

16
 References
. Al – Hilali, M.T and khan , m.m. ( 2009 ) : Translation of the meaning of the noble

Quran in the English language . Al- Madinah Al- munawwarah : King FahadComplex

for the printing of the holl y Quran .

. Angell , c. ( 2009 ) : Language development and Disorder : A case study approach .

USA : Johns and Bartlett Publishers , LLC . Asp , E and Devilliers , j. ( 2010 ) : when

language

Breaks down : Analyzing discourse. in Clinical Contexts . cambridge : Cambridge

University press

. Ballard , k. ( 2013 ) : The framework of English : Introducing language structures .

London : malware Macmillan

.. Bickerton , D, and Szathmary , E. ( 2009 ) : Biological Foundation and origin of

syntax Combridge : MIT press .

. Brinton , L . ( 2000) : The structure of modern English . Amsterdam : John

Benjamin's Publishing company
Brown , k and Miller , J. ( 1999 ) : a concise encyclopedia Of grammatical categories
. oxford : Elsevier Science Ltd
. . Cars this – Mccarthy , A. ( 2002 ) : An Introduction to English morphology .
Edinburg: Edinburg University press , Ltd
.. Carnie , A . ( 2013 ) : Syntax : a generative Introduction. Oxford : willy Blackwell
.
. Checkett , G, and Checkett , L. ( 2011 ) : The write Start : sentences to paragraphs
with Professional student readings . cengage learning .
. David , G. ( 2004 ) : Exploration in functional syntax Antony Rowe Ltd .
. de materials , E. ( 2011 ) : Working with words : An Introduction to English
linguistics . Valencia : Universitate de Valencia
. Dixon , R. ( 2005 ) : A semantic approach to English Grammar . new York : oxford
University Press Inc.

17
:
.
.
. Fabb , N . ( 2005 ) : Sentence structure . London : The Taylor and Francis Group
.
. Fountain , L. ( 2012 ) : Analyzing English grammar : A systematic functional Introduction
Cambridge : Cambridge University Press
. Gelderen, E . ( 2010 ) : An Introduction to the Grammar of English . Amsterdam :
John Benjamin's publishing company .
. Hudson , R. ( 2003 ) : English grammar . London : The Taylor and Francis – library

. Kreyer , R. ( 2010 ) : Introduction to English syntax . Peter Len . peter Lang .

. Krieger , p . ( 2005 ) : Analyzing Grammar An Introduction. New York : Cambridge

University Press .

. Lobeck , A and Denham , k . ( 2014 ) : Navigating English Grammar : A guide to

Analyzing real language . London John willy and sons .

.Lutz , G and Stevenson , D . ( 2005 ) : The writer 's Digest Grammar Desk
Reference . China : Writer's Digest books

.
. Marquez , M . ( 2011 ) working with words : An Introduction to English linguistics
. Valencia : Universities de Valencia
.
. Matthews , P . ( 2007 ) : The Concise Oxford Dictionary Of linguistics . London :
Oxford university press .

. Newson , M ; Hardy's , M ; pup , D ; Szecsenyi , k ; Toth , G, and Vincze , V . ( 2006 ) : Basic

English syntax with exercises . Boksesz Konzorcium : Minden joy Fennturva
. O' Dwyer , B . ( 2005 ) : Modern English structures , Second edition : form , function
and Position . Canada : Broadview Press .

18
.Panther , K ; Thornburg , L and Barcelona , A . ( 2009 ) : Metonymy and metaphor in
GrammarAmsterdam : John Benjamin's publishing Company .

. Peder , J, and Franess , J . ( 2002 ) : college writing Skills . USA : collegiate press
.
. Quirk , R and Green Baum , S . ( 1973 ) : A university The grammar of English .
Hong Kong : Longman Group ( FE ) Ltd .

. Rozaklis , L . ( 2003 ) : English Grammar for the utterly Confused . new York . Mc
Graw Hill Companies , Inc

.
. Shewan , E and Sloan , A . ( 1995 ) : Application of Grammar : Mastering
communication skills USA : Christian library press .
.

.Turner , M . ( 1998 ) : The study of the English language . Canada : Ardmore

publishing
.
. Umstatter , J. ( 2010) : The Grammar teachers Activity
-a- Day : 180 Ready lessons to teach
Grammar and usage . USA : John Willy and sons .

. Young , D. ( 2003 ) : Introducing English Grammar . London : The Taylor and

Francis-e- library .

Internet websites
. http: www . Websites and texts .com
.http: www . Your dictionary .com
.http: www . Wikipedia .com
.http: www . English okay .com
http: www . ginger Software .com

19