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PHRASES

Phrases and their types - Phrases are those parts of sentences, which do not

make a complete sense of their own, but are a group of words.

Grammatically, it can be said that phrases do not follow the s.v. or s.v.o.

pattern, e.g.,

The Sun rises in the east.

Ram sat on a chair.

It was a sunrise of great beauty.

Phrases are of the following types –

Adjective Phrases – are those, which add something to the meaning of

a noun, i.e., works just like an adjective, by describing a noun, e.g.,

I like to see a smiling face.

I like to see a face with a smile on it.

The minister lived in a wooden house.

The minister lived in a house built of wood.

The MLA was a wealthy man.

The MLA was a man of great wealth.

Change adjective into adjective phrases

1. The magistrate was a kind man. (for us – with a kindly nature)

2. The king wore a golden crown. (for us – made of gold)

3. Aishwarya Rai is a green-eyed beauty. (for us – with green eyes)

4. We explored along a jungle track) ( for us-through the jungle)

5. He wanted a blank page. (for us – with no writing on it)

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Change underlined adjective by an adjective phrase of the same

meaning.

1. A gray cloud spread over the sky.

2. He had a bald head.

3. She wore a diamond necklace.

4. It was a horrible night.

5. That was a cowardly act.

Special Note – Not all of the adjective phrases can be replaced by

adjectives, and, vice versa.

Fill in the blanks with suitable adjective phrases.

1. Birds of a feather flock together.

2. Children like books with pictures.

3. He leads a life of a hermit.

4. The leaves of the tree are glossy.

5. The verdict of the judge was in his favour.

Adverb Phrases - are those, which add something to the meaning of a

verb, adjective or another adverb, e.g.,

1. Ram does his work carelessly. (Adverb)

2. Ram does his work without any care. (Adverb Phrase)

3. Manoj is coming now. (Adverb)

4. Manoj is coming at this very moment. (Adverb Phrase)

5. Rita fell down. (Adverb)

6. Rita fell to the ground. (Adverb Phrase)

Change adverb into adverb phrase.

1. The pigeon flies swiftly. (for us – with swiftness/in a swift manner)

2. Gently fell the rain. (for us – in a gentle manner)

3. They have only recently arrived. (for us – a short time ago)

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4. He spoke eloquently. (for us-with eloquence)

5. He tried hard. (for us- with all his might)

Replace the underlined adverb by an adverb phrase of the same

meaning.

1. Ranjan behaves well.

2. He expects to get a promotion soon.

3. Go away.

4. They were hurrying homeward.

5. The labourers worked cheerfully.

Fill in the blanks with suitable adverb phrases.

1. Do not answer at random.

2. I agree to please him.

3. He has behaved in a responsible manner.

4. That happened sometime ago.

5. He failed in his duty.

NOUN PHRASES

A Noun Phrase is a group of words that does the work of a Noun. Noun

Phrases can either be the subject or the object of a sentence.

Grammatically it is the Noun+some words. It is usually a combination of

an INDEFINITE, i.e., TO +VERB or a GERUND = verb + -ing

For e.g. –

1. The boy wants to go home.

2. We enjoy playing cricket.

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The group of words, to go home, is the object of the verb wants, in

sentence 1. Hence this group of words does the work of a noun. The

group of words, to go home is therefore, a Noun Phrase.

EXERCISE (to be dictated)

Pick out the Noun Phrases in the following sentences.

1. His father wishes to speak to the head master.

2. Horses prefer living in dark stables.

3. I should hate to do such a thing.

4. Thinking good thoughts precedes good actions.

5. Promise to come again.

EXERCISE

1. The wicked vizier loves getting people into trouble.

2. He dislikes having to punish his servants.

3. He refuses to answer the question.

4. He denies steeling the money.

5. Have you ever tried climbing a coconut palm?

EXERCISE

Fill in the blanks with suitable Noun Phrases-

1. To behave like that seems dishonest.

2. Do you wish to go home?

3. He wishes to be a lawyer.

4. His father promised to continue his education.

5. Going to McDonald’s gives me no pleasure.

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PHRASES IN USAGE ACCORDING TO FLUENCY

THUNDERSTRUCK - flabbergasted, bewildered, surprised, astonished

e.g. – The town was thunderstruck with the news of scandal.

ROMP – to play happily, but in rough manner

e.g. - Children enjoy romping in garden.

SAUVE - smooth, polished, gracious

e.g. – He is as sauve as a diplomat

PIGHEADED - stubborn, bull headed

e.g. He is 80 pigheaded you can’t reason with him.

PEERLESS – unequal, matchless, supreme, flawless, surpassing.

e.g. Paganini palyed with peerless artistry.

SPUNK – gets, daring, boldness

DREARY – gloomy, cheerless, sad, dismal, mournful, melancholy.

CONVALESCENT – getting better after being ill.

AUDICIOUS – bold and daring.

ITINERARY – travel plan, schedule, and detailed plan for a trip.

ABSOLUTE PHRASE

An Absolute Phrases is a group of words consisting of a Noun or Pronoun. a

participle and related modifiers, and modify the entire sentence by adding

information.

E.g. 1. The season nearly finished, Rahul and Yuraj emerged as true leaders.

2. The two film stars signed autographs into the night, their faces

beaming happily.

3. They new all two well, how all their hard work could be undone, in

an instant.

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ABSOLUTE PHRASE CAN TAKE THE, FORM OF PP, ADJECTIVE P

OR NOUN PHRASE.

INFINITIVE PHRASE

They can act as adjective, adverb and Noun and the Verb is always

preceded by to+vb.

E.g. 1. She wanted to raise taxes.

2. To know her is to love her.

3. John went to college to study medicine.

GERUND PHRASE

They usually end in ING and act as Noun, associated with suitable

modifiers.

For e.g. 1. Gamming for tests is not a good study strategy.

2. John enjoyed swimming in the pool after dark.

3. I’m not interested in studying for the rest of my life.

PARTICIPLE PHRASES

They always act as Adjective, generally end in ING or ED and are used in

combination with modifiers.

E.g. 1. The college staircase having been worn down by generations

of students needs to be replaced.

2. Working around the clock the firefighters finally put out the fire in

the skyscrapers.

4. The pond, frozen over since early Dec., is now safe for ice-skating.

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APPOSITIVE PHRASE

It follows the Noun or Pronoun and changes its meaning , i.e. renames or

amplifies the word that immediately precedes it.

E.g. – 1. My favourite teacher, a good boxer in his own right, has won

several state level tournaments.

2. The best exercise, walking briskly, is also the least expensive.

EXAMPLES OF COMMON PHRASES IN USE

1. Black Market

2. Son of a gun

3. Beat around the bush

4. Saved by the bell

5. Burning the candles at both ends

6. Giving someone the cold shoulders

7. Getting a square meal

8. Eating humble pie

9. Straight from the horses month

10.When the chips are down

11.In the pink

12.Loose cannon

13.Feathers in your cap

14.Over the top

15.The whole nine yards

16. Clean bill of health

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17.In the doldrums

18.Parked with flying colours

19.Tie the knot

20.Under the gun

ADJECTIVE PHRASES – e.g.

1. The Russian navy was defeated.

2. The navy of Russia was defeated.

3. The judge was a generous man.

4. The judge was a man of a generous nature.

5. A valuable document was found yesterday.

6. A document of great value was found yesterday.

7. A golden ring – A ring made of gold.

8. A popular hero – A hero liked by the people.

9. A popular city –A city having a large number of inhabitants.

10.A deserted village –A village without any inhabitants

11.A religious man –A man of religious nature.

12.A silken turban – A turban made of silk.

13.A diamond necklace –A necklace set with diamond.

ADEVRB PHRASES – E.g.

1. She answered rudely.

She answered in a rude manner.

2. He was a magistrate then.

He was a magistrate in those days.

3. God is everywhere.

God is in every place.

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4. Bravely – in a brave manner, or with bravery.

5. Foolishly –in a foolish manner.

6. Undoubtedly –without any care.

7. Carelessly –without any care.

8. Formerly –informer times or once upon a time.

9. Immediately –at once/before very long/in a few moments.

10.Soon –in a short time/before very long/in a few moments

11.Recently –not long ago.

12.There –at, in, or to, that place.

13. Abroad –in or to a foreign country.

14.Upwards –towards a higher place/level.

NOUN PHRASES – e.g.

1. She loves to paint her thoughts.

2. I enjoyed playing badminton.

3. To know one ‘self is a difficult task.

4. Thinking good thoughts make a good man.

5. To err is human.

6. I enjoyed walking in the fields.

7. I hate to oppress a poor helpless man.

8. To dance in the street is disgraceful.

9. I like visiting historical monuments.

10.To forgive one’s enemies is noble.