What is a Phrase?

A phrase is a group of words that work together as a single unit in a sentence. It does not contain both a subject and a verb, so it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

Types of Phrases

• Noun Phrase: the red ball
• Verb Phrase: has been eating
• Adjective Phrase: full of joy
• Adverb Phrase: in a hurry
• Prepositional Phrase: under the table

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🎯 Quiz: Identify the Phrase Type

1. Behind the house

Noun Phrase Prepositional Phrase Verb Phrase

2. The big black dog

Noun Phrase Adjective Phrase Adverb Phrase

3. Could have been dancing

Verb Phrase Noun Phrase Prepositional Phrase

4. Full of energy

Adjective Phrase Adverb Phrase Noun Phrase

5. Running very fast

Verb Phrase Adverb Phrase Noun Phrase

6. On the table

Prepositional Phrase Verb Phrase Adjective Phrase

7. Very happy

Adjective Phrase Adverb Phrase Noun Phrase

8. After the rain

Prepositional Phrase Verb Phrase Adverb Phrase

9. The tall, dark stranger

Noun Phrase Adjective Phrase Prepositional Phrase

10. Slowly but surely

Adverb Phrase Verb Phrase Noun Phrase

Tip: A phrase lacks both a subject and a verb. If both are present, it’s a clause!