Phrase Types

A phrase is a group of words or singular word acting as a unit.

Verb Phrases

main verb + helping verb (aka auxiliary verbs)
: is running
: are waiting

main verb + adverb
: walked quickly

main verb + preposition
: ran under the bridge

main verb + modal verb (conditionality)
: should eat
: might go

subjunctive verb phrase
typically will feature the words that or if

gerund phrase (verb as noun, subject)
: dreaming of the ocean

infinitive phrase (verb as noun, direct object)
: wants to get to the beach

past participle adjective (verb as adjective)
: stranded motorist

present participle adjective (verb as adjective)
: losing team

absolute phrase (noun + particle (verb used as an adjective) )
: leaning across the road

gerund phrase (verb as noun, subject)
: dreaming of the ocean

infinitive phrase (verb as noun, direct object)
: wants to get to the beach

: Taking off his coat

absolute phrase (noun + participle)
absolute phrase (noun + a verb used as an adjective)

Modifies the whole sentence. (Different than a participial phrase which modifies a single noun.)

cigarette lit
feet up
hips grinding
body buckling
hand vibrating
voice cracking
being necessary

Uses:
add detail without using adjectives
add a focusing detail
explain the cause of something
explain the condition

Uses: add detail without using adjectives or adjective clauses
“concise ways of describing or defining a person, place, or thing. “ (Nordquist, 2008)