Word and phrase examples

Phrase definition: A phrase is a grammatical term referring to a group of words that does not include a subject and verb.

What is a Phrase? Examples, Definitions

What are phrases? A phrase is a group (or pairing) of words in English. A phrase can be short or long, but it does not include the subject-verb pairing necessary to make a clause.

Some examples of phrases include:

• after the meal (prepositional phrase)
• the nice neighbor (noun phrase)
• were waiting for the movie (verb phrase)

None of these examples contains a subject doing an action (subject-verb). Therefore, each example is merely a group of words called a phrase.

A phrase will always be more than one word.

Phrases vs. Clauses: a Hierarchy of Word Units

A phrase is any group of words that does not contain a subject completing an action.

When a group of words contains a subject doing an action (subject-verb), it becomes a clause.

Phrases can be added to sentences to make them more complex.

Concepts can begin with a single word and develop into a compound sentence.

Example:

• meal (word)
• after the meal (phrase)
• that mom prepared (clause)
• After the meal that mom prepared I felt full. (sentence)
• After the meal that mom prepared, I felt full because I ate too much. (complex sentence)
• After the meal that mom prepared I felt full, but my brother was still hungry. (compound sentence)

Before we go into different types of grammatical phrases, let’s look at a few more examples of phrases.

• In the air (prepositional phrase)
• Beside the bed (prepositional phrase)
• Along the road (prepositional phrase)
• To live and breathe (infinitive phrase)
• Looking stunning (participle phrase)

As you can see, English phrases can be just about any combination of words so long as they do not contain a subject-verb pairing.

Different Types of Phrase

What is a noun phrase? Noun phrases consist of a noun and its modifiers.

• the nice neighbor
• a soft, comfortable bed

What is a verb phrase? Verb phrases consist of a verb and its modifiers.

• were waiting for the movie
• felt a prick on his arm

What is an adverbial phrase? Adverbial phrases are phrases that act as adverbs. They modify verbs, adverbs, or adjectives.

• around the block (modifying where)
• after the meal (modifying when)
• in silence (modifying how)

What is a gerund phrase? Gerund phrases are essentially noun phrases that begin with a gerund.

• running through the woods
• jumping like a kangaroo

What is an infinitive phrase? Infinitive phrases begin with a verb infinitive and include any modifiers. Infinitive phrases function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.

• to run out of food
• to visit to the countryside

What is an appositive phrase? An appositive is essentially a noun phrase but one that renames another noun in the sentence.

• The tree, a tall redwood, was beautiful.
• The curtains were made of lace, a beautiful and delicate fabric.

What is a participle phrase? A participle phrase begins with a present (-ing) or past (-ed) participle. A participle phrase includes the participle and its modifiers. Participle phrases function as adjectives.

• The girls giggling and playing in the park never seemed to tire.
• Fatigued and dehydrated in the desert the men traveled on.

What is a prepositional phrase? A prepositional phrase is a group of words that includes a preposition and a noun. A prepositional phrase will function as either an adjective or an adverb.

• before church
• under the stairs

What is an absolute phrase? An absolute phrase includes a noun and a participle and any modifiers.

• the flag flying at half-mast
• her hair streaked with sunlight

Summary: What are Phrases?

Define phrase: The definition of phrase is any grouping of words that does not contain a subject and a verb. A phrase is a very basic word unit in English.

• Phrases Examples:
  • Reading a book
  • The tall basketball player

Contents

• 1 What is a Phrase? Examples, Definitions
• 2 Phrases vs. Clauses: a Hierarchy of Word Units
• 3 More Phrase Examples
• 4 Different Types of Phrase
• 5 Summary: What are Phrases?

What Is a Phrase? Definition and Examples in Grammar

Glossary of Grammatical and Rhetorical Terms

Updated on August 09, 2019

In English grammar, a phrase is a group of two or more words functioning as a meaningful unit within a sentence or clause. A phrase is commonly characterized as a grammatical unit at a level between a word and a clause.

A phrase is made up of a head (or headword)—which determines the grammatical nature of the unit—and one or more optional modifiers. Phrases may contain other phrases inside them.

Common types of phrases include noun phrases (such as a good friend), verb phrases (drives carefully), adjective phrases (very cold and dark), adverb phrases (quite slowly), and prepositional phrases (in first place).

Pronunciation: FRAZE
Etymology: From the Greek, «explain, tell»
Adjective: phrasal.

Examples and Observations

«Sentences can be divided into groups of words that belong together. For instance, in the nice unicorn ate a delicious meal, the, nice, and unicorn form one such group, and a, delicious, and meal form another. (We all know this intuitively.) The group of words is called a phrase.

«If the most important part of the phrase, i.e. the head, is an adjective, the phrase is an Adjective Phrase; if the most important part of the phrase is a noun, the phrase is a Noun Phrase, and so on.» — Elly van Gelderen

Types of Phrases With Examples

• Noun Phrase
  «Buy a big bright green pleasure machine!» — Paul Simon, «The Big Bright Green Pleasure Machine,» 1966
• Verb Phrase
  «Your father may be going away for a little while.» — Ellen Griswold in the movie «Vacation,» 1983
• Adjective Phrase
  «It is always the best policy to speak the truth—unless, of course, you are an exceptionally good liar.» — Jerome K. Jerome, «The Idler,» February 1892
• Adverb Phrase
  «Movements born in hatred very quickly take on the characteristics of the thing they oppose.» — J. S. Habgood, «The Observer,» May 4, 1986
• Prepositional Phrase
  «I could dance with you till the cows come home. On second thought, I’d rather dance with the cows till you come home.» —Groucho Marx in «Duck Soup,» 1933

«Prepositional phrases differ from the other four types of phrase in that a preposition cannot stand alone as the head word of a phrase. Although a preposition is still the head word in a prepositional phrase, it has to be accompanied by another element—or prepositional complement—if the phrase is to be complete. Most typically, the prepositional complement will be a noun phrase.» — Kim Ballard

An Expanded Definition of Phrase

A prototypical phrase is a group of words forming a unit and consisting of a head or «nucleus» together with other words or word groups clustering around it. If the head of the phrase is a noun, we speak of a noun phrase (NP) (e.g. all those beautiful houses built in the sixties). If the head is a verb, the phrase is a verb phrase (VP). In the following sentence, the VP is in italics and the verb head is in bold:

Jill prepared us a couple of sandwiches.

«A phrase is only potentially complex. In other words, the term is also used to refer to ‘one-word phrases,’ i.e. non-prototypical phrases that consist of a head only. Thus the sentence Jill smokes is a combination of a noun phrase and a verb phrase.»
— Renaat Declerck, Susan Reed, and Bert Cappelle

Phrases, Nesting Phrases, and Clauses

«Phrases contrast with clauses, which they do, however, resemble. … The main feature of a clause is that it has all the components of a potentially independent sentence, namely a verb and usually a subject, and perhaps objects, too. A part of a sentence with just these components would be called a clause rather than a phrase. A phrase can contain a verb, without its subject, or it may itself be the subject of some verb.» —James R. Hurford

Hurford notes two ways that phrases can appear inside other phrases:

• Conjoining smaller phrases by a conjunction, such as and, but or or
• Nesting a smaller phrase inside a larger one

Hurford’s examples of nesting a smaller phrase inside a larger one as an integral part of it [the nested phrase is in italics]:

• Might in all probability be coming
• Ran away home quickly to his mother
• Five extremely tall basketball players
• Out from under the kitchen table
• Is not very convincingly established

Complex Structures

«Noun phrases and prepositional phrases can have particularly complex structure in written texts, with several layers of phrase embedding. In fact, the complexity of phrases is a very striking measure for comparing the complexity of syntax in different registers of English. The simplest structures occur in conversation and the complexity increases through fiction and newspaper writing, with academic writing showing the greatest complexity of phrase structure.» — Douglas Biber, Susan Conrad, and Geoffrey Leech

Sources

• Van Gelderen, Elly. «An Introduction to the Grammar of English: Syntactic Arguments and Socio-Historical Background.» John Benjamins, 2002, Amsterdam.
• Ballard, Kim. «The Frameworks of English: Introducing Language Structures,» 3rd ed. Palgrave Macmillan, 2012, Basingstoke, UK, New York.
• Declerck, Renaat; Reed, Susan, and Cappelle, Bert. «The Grammar of the English Tense System: A Comprehensive Analysis.» Mouton de Gruyter, 2006, Berlin, New York.
• Hurford, James R. «Grammar: A Student’s Guide.» Cambridge University Press, 1994, Cambridge.
• Biber, Douglas; Conrad, Susan; and Leech, Geoffrey. «Longman Student Grammar of Spoken and Written English.» Longman, 2002, London.

Hi dear English learners!  We often write texts using the same words and phrases which becomes boring after some time. Let’s try to include more variety in your English speech and writing.  Here are 13 different words and phrases to use for giving examples.

• For example
• For instance
• Such as
• E.G.
• I.E.
• Examples include
• Namely
• Specifically
• In particular
• Imagine
• Similarly
• In case of
• In other words

Words and Phrases to Use for Giving Examples

For example

Use for example to introduce the facts that support something or as a list with examples.

• Global warming causes natural disasters, for example, floods, droughts, hurricanes, etc.
• Let’s say, for example, that many women today are capable of bringing their children up by themselves.
• The allergy you’ve got may be related to something you ate, for example, tomatoes or dairy products.

For instance

This is just another way of saying for example.

• This software can translate from a few languages, for instance, Spanish or German, to English.
• In many countries, for instance, Montenegro and Egypt, Christians celebrate Christmas in January.
• What can you do, for instance, if a hotel guest gets stuck in an elevator?

Words and Phrases to Use for Giving Examples

Such as

Use such as to give examples of something.

• People on low-carb diets avoid eating carbohydrates such as bread, rice or potatoes.
• House appliances such as air conditioning and dishwasher are no longer luxury. 
• People with poor vision usually wear corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses.

E.G.

An abbreviation e.g. stands for Latin phrase exempli gratia, meaning for example. We use it in writing rather than in speaking language.

• On farms, people keep domestic animals, e.g. cows, pigs, chickens, etc.
• Always use the definite article the before the names of the states which are groups of countries or islands, e.g. The USA, The Philippines…
• When looking for an apartment, people usually choose the ones that are near some institutions, e.g. schools, hospitals, and similar.

Words and Phrases to Use for Giving Examples

I.E.

An abbreviation i.e. (Lat. id est, meaning that is, or in other words) is also be used for giving examples.

• Please, find enclosed documents, i.e. CV, cover letter and copy of diploma.
• This film is only for adults, i.e. for people over 18.
• When you are out with your dog you need to have a litter collector i.e. plastic bag, tissue or similar to collect the litter after your dog.

Examples include

Use the phrase to introduce several examples.

• The college offers a few courses taught in French. Examples include the French language, French History and Culture and Literature Written in French.
• There were so many significant inventions in the 20th century that changed the world. Examples include airplanes, cars, television, computer and the internet.

Words and Phrases to Use for Giving Examples

Namely

Use it to give a specific example.

• The Rainbow Bridge connects two countries; namely, the USA and Canada.
• Two students were awarded, namely Robert Mitcham and Michael Thorough.
• The film was inspired by a life of a real person, namely Mary Connor.

Specifically

Use the word to give a specific reason or purpose for something.

• These coats were designed specifically for men.
• We went to Spain specifically to visit Barcelona.

Words and Phrases to Use for Giving Examples

In particular

Use the phrase to give a specific example.

• He mentioned a few reasons for concern when it comes to children’s safety, but he stressed drugs in particular.
• The things I liked about the house we saw are in particular the heating system and the kitchen.

Imagine

Use imagine when you want people to visualise examples.

• Of course, you mustn’t talk on your mobile while driving. Imagine what it would be like if people were allowed to talk and drive.
• Imagine a situation where you are retired and your children left home and have families of their own.

Words and Phrases to Use for Giving Examples

Similarly

Use similarly to add a similar example.

• We taught our children to respect elderly people. Similarly, we taught them to be modest.
• His first book had a huge success. Similarly, his second book made him a fortune because they made a film after it.

In case of

Use it to give an example of something.

• All people present in the building should leave it through the emergency exit in case of fire or earthquake.
• They built a wall along the river in case of a flood.

Words and Phrases to Use for Giving Examples

In other words

Use the phrase to introduce a clarification or explanation.

• A number of people are protesting in front of the government building. In other words, they want their requests to be considered.
• The tax will affect people whose earnings are over £500,000 a year; in other words, rich.

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1. What is a Phrase?

A phrase is a group of two or more words that work together but don’t form a clause. In truth, “phrase” is a very broad term that we often use as a name for sayings, quotes, or other parts of every day speech, but this article will discuss phrases as they work in grammar.

It’s important to know the difference between a phrase and a clause. As you might know, a clause must include a subject and a predicate. A phrase, however, doesn’t contain a subject and a predicate, so while it’s found within a clause, a phrase can’t be a clause. Instead, a phrase can be made up of any two or more connected words that don’t make a clause. For example, “buttery popcorn” is a phrase, but “I eat buttery popcorn” is a clause.

Because it isn’t a clause, a phrase is never a full sentence on its own.

2. Examples of Phrases

Phrases are a huge part of speaking and writing in English.  Here are a few you are probably familiar with, and their types, which will be explained later:

• Once in a blue moon (prepositional phrase)
• Reading a book (present participle phrase)
• To be free (infinitive phrase)
• Totally delicious food (noun phrase)
• Running water (gerund phrase)

As you can see, none of the groups of words above are full sentences, but they still work together—which is why we have phrases!

3. Types of Phrases

The English language has an endless number of phrases. Different types of phrases serve different purposes and have different functions within sentences. All of the types here are both important and used all of the time in our everyday language. In fact, you probably use all of these types and just don’t know their names!

a. Prepositional Phrase

A prepositional phrase is a phrase that begins with a preposition and ends with a noun, pronoun, or clause (called the object of the preposition). For example,

The dog is at the county fair.

In this sentence, “at the county fair” begins with a preposition (at) and ends with a noun (carnival), making it the prepositional phrase.

b. Participle Phrase

A participle phrase begins with a past or present participle, and is usually combined with an object or modifier. Present participles always end in ing, but past participles vary; regular verbs end in ed while irregular words are different. Participle phrases work like adjectives, describing something in the sentence:

• I saw the dog running towards the county fair  (present participle)
• The dog ran towards the county fair. (past participle)

In the first sentence, the participle phrase “running towards the county fair” works as an adjective. It combines the present participle “running” with “towards the county fair” to describe the dog. In the second, the past participle “ran” does the same. Here are two more examples:

• Eating popcorn, the dog was very happy.
• The dog’s belly was stuffed with popcorn.

The participle phrase underlined in the first sentence describes the dog, and the participle phrase in the second describes the dog’s belly.

c. Noun Phrase

A noun phrase has a noun or pronoun as the main word, and acts like a noun in a sentence. Sometimes it includes a modifier, like an adjective, for example “big dog” and “brown fur.” Or, a noun phrase can be longer, like “the big dog with brown fur.” Here’s a full sentence:

The big dog with hot popcorn ran to the county fair.

You can tell that the underlined phrase acts as a noun because you could switch it with a single noun, like dog, and the sentence would still be correct. Here’s another example:

I bought a neon green ten-speed bicycle.

Again, let’s switch out the underlined phrase with a single noun to make sure the noun phrase works properly:

I bought a bicycle.

So, you can see that replacing the noun phrase with the single noun “bicycle” still gives us a correct complete sentence.

d. Infinitive Phrase

Quite simply, infinitive phrases start with an infinitive (to + simple form of a verb), and include modifiers or objects.

The dog likes to eat popcorn.

The phrase above uses the infinitive “to eat” combined with the object “popcorn.” Here’s another:

I want to pet the dog.

e. Gerund Phrase

A gerund phrase begins with a gerund (a word ending in ing), and includes modifiers or objects.

 The dog ate steaming popcorn.

Here, the gerund “steaming” is combined with the object “popcorn” to create a gerund phrase. Here’s another example:

Running water is hard to find in this small village.

Like noun phrases, gerund phrases always work as nouns, and that’s how you tell the difference between a gerund phrase and a present participle phrase. A gerund phrase can replace a noun, while a participle phrase works like an adjective. Compare these two sentences:

The dog ate steaming popcorn.                             Gerund phrase showing what the dog eats (noun)

The dog was steaming popcorn for the party.       Participle phrase describing the dog’s action (adjective)

f. Appositive Phrase

An appositive phrase is a noun or noun phrase that gives another name to the noun next to it. It makes a sentence more descriptive:

• The dog’s favorite food, popcorn
• The dog’s favorite food, hot, salty, buttery popcorn

In both lines above, the underlined parts are appositive phrases that give another name to the noun phrase “the dog’s favorite food.” Here’s are two more:

• The popcorn-eater was a big fluffy beast, a dog.
• The popcorn-eater was a dog, a beagle.

The first sentence describes the dog, and then names what it is. The second sentence says dog, and then specifies what type of dog. Appositive phrases always follow this form.

g. Absolute Phrase

An absolute phrase combines a noun, a participle, and sometimes other modifiers or objects that go with them. It is used to modify a whole clause or sentence.

This absolute phrase has a noun (popcorn) and a participle (popping):

• Popcorn popping, the dog was ready for the movie.
• “Popcorn popping” modifies the clause “the dog was ready for the movie.”

Absolute phrases are optional parts of sentences, so if you one out, the sentence should still work normally—for instance, if you remove “popcorn popping,” “The dog was ready for the movie” still forms a complete sentence.

This absolute phrase has a noun phrase (the dog’s mouth), a participle (watering), and modifier (with excitement):

Mouth watering with excitement, the dog dreamed of eating popcorn.

Here, the absolute phrase modifies the clause “the dog dreamed of eating popcorn.”

4. How to Write a Phrase

Phrases are pretty easy to use in every day writing and speaking. In fact, most logical combinations of words (that aren’t clauses, of course) are phrases. They can take on all kinds of forms and combinations. They can be short, like “the furry dog,” or long, like “the furry dog that liked eating popcorn every day for breakfast.” Being able to distinguish phrases from clauses is what’s most important when writing and identifying them in writing or speech. The best way to do that is to break a sentence or group of words down into parts.

So, let’s make sure the difference between phrases and clauses is clear. To review, a phrase can contain a noun and a verb, but it doesn’t have the subject-predicate combination required to make a clause. A clause follows the pattern Subject + Predicate. Let’s look at this phrase:

The running dog

Here, “the running dog” is a phrase that includes the noun “dog” and the verb “running;” but, there is no predicate—it follows the pattern Verb + Noun, and does not have a subject. But, we can use this phrase to make a full sentence. To make a complete sentence, the phrase “the running dog” works as the subject:

The running dog is hungry.

Here, the subject “the running dog” combined with the predicate “is hungry” makes a full sentence. So, the phrase itself does not have a subject and a predicate, but is part of the subject-predicate combination that makes a sentence.