Phrases and clauses
Phrases and clauses each have an important role in English grammar.
A phrase of two or more words acts just like another part of speech. A good example of this is the prepositional phrase, which begins with a preposition and ends in a noun or pronoun. The noun or pronoun at the end of a prepositional phrase is called the object of the preposition. The prepositional phrase can also contain adverbial information.
(near the ocean)
(in a white house)
(with purple shutters.)
Phrases in English can act just like the part of speech of a single word.
A noun phrase contains two or more words beginning with a noun.
- The new employee brought lunch.
The noun phrase may be replaced with a single noun or pronoun and would still make sense.
For example: He brought lunch.
An adjective phrase may contain prepositional phrases that modify nouns or pronouns by showing what kind or which one.
- I sent my aunt in Chicago a gift. (which aunt?)
- He owns Italian leather shoes. (what kind of shoes?)
An adverb phrase may modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs.
- She spent her money too quickly.
Clauses are groups of words with a subject and verb.