Can you identify adjective phrases, adverb phrases and noun phrases?
What are phrases?
A phrase is a group of words that makes some sense, but not complete sense. A phrase may contain a non-finite verb like an infinitive, gerund or participle, but it cannot contain a finite verb.
Grammar
An adjective phrase serves the same purpose as an adjective. That means an adjective phrase is used to modify a noun and gives more information about it.
Likewise, an adverb phrase serves the same purpose as an adverb. It modifies a verb and says something about the manner, place, frequency or time of the action. A noun phrase serves the same purpose as a noun. It is the subject or object of a verb. It can also be the object of a preposition or complement of the subject or object.
Underline the phrases in the following sentences and state whether they are adjective phrases, adverb phrases or noun phrases.
1. Napoleon was a boy with a lot of ambition.
2. We sat there admiring the sunset without uttering a word.
3. Mother told the toys to stop teasing the dog.
4. She was wearing a bangle made of platinum.
5. They fought with all their might.
6. I worked to the best of my ability.
7. He ran like wind.
8. A butterfly with bright wings sat on the desk.
9. All of my friends are non-smokers.
10. None of the guests turned up on time.
11. The hostess greeted everyone with a warm smile.
12. Her lovely dark eyes endeared her to everyone.
Answers
1. Napoleon was a boy with a lot of ambition. (Adjective phrase – it says something about the noun boy)
2. We sat there admiring the sunset without uttering a word. (Adverb phrase – it says something about the way we sat)
3. Mother told the boys to stop teasing the dog. (Noun phrase)
4. She was wearing a bangle made of platinum. (Adjective phrase – it modifies the noun bangle)
5. They fought with all their might. (Adverb phrase – it shows the manner in which they fought)
6. I worked to the best of my ability. (Adverb clause – it shows the manner in which I worked)
7. He ran like wind. (Adverb phrase – it shows the manner)
8. A butterfly with bright wings sat on the desk. (with bright wings – adjective phrase; on the desk – adverb phrase)
9. All of my friends are non-smokers. (Noun phrase – it is the subject of the verb are.)
10. None of the guests turned up on time. (Noun phrase – it is the subject of the verb turned.)
11. The hostess greeted everyone with a warm smile. (Adverb phrase – it shows the manner in which the hostess greeted her guests.)
12. Her lovely dark eyes endeared her to everyone. (Noun phrase – here the phrase is the subject of the sentence.)
