18/07/2025
*Great Intellectual Coaching Institute* a subsidiary of *Cissey-Inyass Educational and Global Consults (CGC)*
SUBJECT: ENGLISH LANGUAGE TOPIC “Phrase:. TUTOR CMRD DHIKRULLAHI A.I. CISSEY
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📘 Phrase: Definition, Types & Examples (Advanced Level)
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What is a Phrase?
Phrases and clauses are two of the most fundamental building blocks of English grammar. Clauses provide the essential structure of a sentence — containing a subject and a finite verb — while phrases enrich, specify, and expand that structure to convey precise meaning.
If clauses are the pillars of a building, phrases are the bricks that fill the walls. A phrase is almost always contained within a clause, but a phrase cannot contain a clause.
A phrase is a group of related words without a finite verb that functions as a single unit within a sentence. It acts like a part of speech (noun, adjective, adverb, etc.) to add detail and meaning.
> Oxford Dictionary: “A phrase is a small group of words that form a meaningful unit within a clause.”
Osborne, Putnam & Gross (2011): “In linguistic analysis, a phrase is a group of words (or possibly a single word) that functions as a constituent in the syntax of a sentence, a single unit within the grammatical hierarchy.”
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Types of Phrases
English has many types of phrases. Below are the 11 most common types, with clear explanations and advanced examples.
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1️⃣ Noun Phrase
A noun phrase centers around a noun (or pronoun) and functions as a subject, object, or complement.
Examples:
The sudden loud noise startled everyone in the hall. (Subject: The sudden loud noise)
She bought a beautiful silk dress for the ceremony. (Object: a beautiful silk dress)
His dream of becoming a pilot keeps him motivated. (Subject: His dream of becoming a pilot)
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2️⃣ Adjective Phrase
An adjective phrase functions as an adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun.
Examples:
The students, full of enthusiasm, welcomed the new teacher.
It was a film of extraordinary brilliance.
They live in a house larger than ours.
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3️⃣ Adverbial Phrase
An adverbial phrase acts as an adverb, modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb by expressing time, place, manner, degree, or reason.
Examples:
She sings with great confidence. (Manner)
We will meet after the show. (Time)
He drove with extreme care. (Manner)
They left in a hurry. (Manner)
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4️⃣ Prepositional Phrase
A prepositional phrase begins with a preposition and includes its object and any modifiers. It functions as an adjective or adverb.
Examples:
The book on the top shelf is mine. (Adjective phrase modifying book)
He sat beside his best friend. (Adverb phrase modifying sat)
She looked at me with a smile. (Adverb phrase modifying looked)
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5️⃣ Conjunctional Phrase
A conjunctional phrase acts as a conjunction to connect clauses or sentences. These are fixed expressions that join ideas.
Examples:
In addition to this, we must review the budget.
As far as I know, they are not coming.
In spite of the rain, the match continued.
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6️⃣ Interjectional Phrase
An interjectional phrase functions as an interjection — expressing sudden emotion, surprise, or exclamation.
Examples:
To be honest, I don’t agree with your plan.
Oh my God, what have you done!
By all means, help yourself to more food.
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7️⃣ Absolute Phrase
An absolute phrase modifies the whole sentence, adding extra information. It contains a noun and a participle or other modifiers, but no finite verb.
Examples:
Weather permitting, we will go for a picnic tomorrow.
His homework completed, Tom went out to play.
Her arms folded across her chest, she stared at him in silence.
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8️⃣ Appositive Phrase
An appositive phrase renames or further identifies a noun or pronoun next to it.
Examples:
My sister, a skilled violinist, will perform tonight.
The building, an ancient castle, attracts many tourists.
Nelson Mandela, the first black president of South Africa, is admired worldwide.
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9️⃣ Participle Phrase
A participle phrase begins with a present or past participle and acts as an adjective, modifying a noun.
Examples:
Sitting by the fireplace, she read her favorite book.
Covered in dust, the old trunk lay forgotten in the attic.
Excited about the trip, the children couldn’t sleep.
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🔟 Gerund Phrase
A gerund phrase begins with a gerund (verb + -ing) and acts as a noun.
Examples:
Swimming in the ocean relaxes me. (Subject)
She enjoys reading historical novels. (Object)
His favorite hobby, collecting stamps, takes up most of his time. (Appositive)
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1️⃣1️⃣ Infinitive Phrase
An infinitive phrase begins with to + base verb and acts as a noun, adjective, or adverb.
Examples:
To win the championship is their ultimate goal. (Subject)
She has a book to read before the test. (Adjective phrase modifying book)
He worked hard to earn a promotion. (Adverb phrase modifying worked hard)
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✅ Key Takeaway
A phrase is not a complete sentence on its own — it always works within a clause to add meaning and detail. Mastering phrase types helps you write more complex, precise, and sophisticated sentences.
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