English Grammar Phrases Definition Classification Examples

Phrase and Clause in English Grammar

Phrase and clause occupy the most important place in English grammar. We cannot think of a standard English without phrase and clause. Phrase and Clause is a part and parcel of a sentence and without which a sentence cannot be thought of. Clauses are said to be the centre point of sentences structure and which make the essential element of sentence without which a sentence cannot be made. Phrases add meaning to the sentence, strengthen the sentence. If we compare clauses to the pillars of a building, it is needless to say that phrases are like the bricks of the building. A phrase can usually reside in a clause but a clause cannot reside in a phrase.

Basic difference between a clause and a phrase

It is a good practice to know about the difference between clause and phrase. Frankly speaking, a part of speech has made the two elements different from each other and that element is nothing but a finite verb. A clause must have a finite verb whereas a phrase does not have a finite verb.

Definition of phrase

Based on the discussion above, we can come to the conclusion about the definition of a phrase. A phrase, therefore, is a group of words having no finite verb in it and performs its function of completing the sentence with reasonable meaning. 

Types of Phrases

The phrases can be divided into six types depending on the function it has to do in the sentence.

1. Noun Phrase-

2. Adjective Phrase-

3. Adverbial Phrase-

4. Prepositional Phrase-

5. Conjunctional Phrase-

6. Interjectional Phrase-

What is a Noun Phrase

A noun phrase is usually assembled centering a single noun and works as a subject, an object or a complement in the sentence.

Examples of Noun Phrase:

I like to play football in the afternoon. (An object)

Riding bicycle is a good exercise for your health. (A subject)

The probability of his attending the meeting is very little. (A subject)

We are happy for her success.

What is Adjective Phrase

An adjective phrase acts like an adjective in the sentence and it is formed with an adjective in it.

Examples of Adjective Phrase:

Nazrul is a well-behaved man.

She is a woman of friendly nature.

This is a dress of modern style.

He leads a very simple life.

A lot of people attended the concert.

What is Adverbial Phrase

An adverb phrase acts as an adverb in the sentence and it modifies the verb or the adjective of the sentence.

Example of Adverbial Phrase:

The Chita runs at a great speed.

Tell the story in short.

She replied my message as fast as possible.

She writes very fast but her sister writes very slowly.

What is Prepositional Phrase

A prepositional phrase must have a preposition at the beginning of it and it connects nouns in the sentence.

Examples of Prepositional Phrase:

The freedom fighters sacrificed their life for the sake of our country.

In the end, Rashid was successful.

I am on the way.

By working hard, you will get your success.

In spite of practicing hard, she loses the match.

What is Conjunctional Phrase

A conjunctional phrase acts like a conjunction in the sentence.

Examples of Conjunctional Phrase:

As soon as you reached the station, he left the place.

She had to work hard so that she could win the next match.

I will give you a mobile phone  provided that you stand first in the examination.

Kamal started for college early in order that he could not make late.

What is Interjectional Phrase

When a group of words expresses sudden or strong feelings or emotion, it is called interjectional phrase. Interjectional phrase acts like an interjection in the sentence and must bear an exclamation sign (!).

Example:

What a pity! His father is dead.

What a pleasure! Our team has won the match.

Oh please! Don't be rude on the poor.

Video English Grammar Phrases Definition Classification Examples