Phrase
A phrase is a group of words that work together as a unit within a sentence but do not contain both a subject and a verb. Unlike a clause, a phrase cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It functions as a part of speech, such as a noun, verb, adjective, adverb, or preposition.
Examples of Phrases:
- Noun Phrase: The black cat sat on the wall. (The black cat acts as a noun.)
- Verb Phrase: She has been working all day. (has been working is the verb phrase.)
- Adjective Phrase: The cake on the table looks delicious. (on the table modifies “cake.”)
- Adverbial Phrase: He ran very quickly. (very quickly modifies “ran.”)
- Prepositional Phrase: She lives in a small village. (in a small village describes “lives.”)