Phrases

A Phrase is a logical group of words in a sentence that may work as a Noun, Adjective, Verb, Adverb or Preposition. It conveys a single meaning, but its sense is dependent on the sentence as a whole. It does not contain a Finite Verb but it can contain a Non-finite Verb.

Read the following sentences :

As per the rules, the students in secondary classes have to appear in the board exams.

In this sentence, there are three groups in which words are grouped logically. So, these are phrases.

Types of Phrases

1.Noun Phrases : A group of words in a sentence that functions like a Noun is called a Noun Phrase. It may have a Noun or Pronoun as its main word; for example :

The workers of this factory are very devoted.

I called him and asked him his brother's name.

You should work hard to get success.

I found my lost purse on the road.

2. Adjective Phrases : A group of words in a sentence that functions like an Adjective is called an Adjective Phrase; for example :

The classrooms of this school are large and airy.

The workers of this factory earn a lot of money.

The hill was too high to climb.

The old man with a large gun in his hand is a retired officer. 

The students were carrying a flag made from cotton.

3.Verb Phrases : A Verb Phrase contains different forms of Verb forms and functions like a single Verb; for example :

Some students were talking loudly.

He has been studying hard and long.

I should have called you earlier.

We shall have been reaping rich crops.

 4.Adverb Phrases : A group of words in a sentence that functions like an Adverb is called an Adverb Phrase; for example :

She can finish the work quick enough.

They walked along the street.

He continued working with enterprise.

The old friend met me in the street all of a sudden.

Can you come here tomorrow morning?

 5.Prepositional Phrases : A Prepositional Phrases consists of a Preposition and its Object. Note that it may function as an Adverb or an Adjective; for example :

They will come in two days. (Functions like an Adverb)

Let us go for a walk. (Functions like an Adverb)

The old man holding a stick in his hand is a teacher. (Functions like an Adjective)

The classrooms of our school are well-furnished. (Functions like an Adjective)