Phrases!

1. Phrases! By Mrs. H-D

2. The definition of “phrase” a group of words that: ● does not have both a subject and a verb -and- ● is used as a single part of speech (adjective, noun, or adverb)

3. 1) Prepositional Phrases • A group of words that starts with a preposition • Used as a single part of speech • Is usually used as a “modifier” • (adjective or adverb) – to describe or tell more about something • EXAMPLE: He stumbled to the sink and emptied the contents of his stomach into the sink

4. Can you find the prepositional phrase? • A few years ago, our family visited South Dakota and saw a famous monument to great American leaders. • My mom took the pictures on the next page when we were visiting this scenic spot at Mount Rushmore • Matt is good at tree-climbing but better at needlepointing flowers. • Is 6 hours too long for a study session? • Over the years, his hairline has headed north.

5. VERBALS • Tricksey little things that look like verbs but don’t act like ‘em!! • Example 1: • Savannah burps frequently. • Burping is Savannah’s favorite activity • Example 2: • Mrs. H-D, your lectures exhaust me. • The exhausted student lost her finger in the doorway. • Example 3: • On Saturdays, I work. On Sundays, I rest. • There is a time to work and a time to rest.

6. TYPE 1: The Participial phrase • Participle: A verb form that can be used as an adjective • Examples • The incredibly tiring lecture left all of the students in ineffable pain and ennui. • I was comforted when Mrs. Dash rubbed ointment onto the place where my ear used to be. • NOTE: Participles often show up as predicate adjectives. • He was angered. UNC fans are tired of losing.

7. Therefore, a participial phrase is… • A phrase that starts with a participle! • Examples • Pausing for a moment to consider the implications of his actions, Jeremiah plunged the sword into the king’s puppy. • We saw Hannah running rapidly to the window with a twelve foot python in her arms.

8. Give it a shot: ID the Participial phrase • Having worked hard, Erin threw herself on the sofa. • Today’s newspaper, printed last night, gave all sorts of details about the election. • The notes given to Mr. Hicks’ classes helped immeasurably. • Annoyed by the incessant babbling, the English teacher threw himself out of the window.

9. Type Two: The Gerund Phrase • Now where the hey did the name “Gerund” come from? A family name? • Gerund: A verb form ending in –ing that is used as a noun • Examples • I enjoy running. • Bethany gave up sniffing glue 10 years ago. • Studying is worse than sandpapering your elbow.

10. The gerund phrase: a phrase that starts with a gerund, duh! • Examples: • Refusing to laugh at Mrs. H-D’s jokes can result in poor academic health. • Harper Lee’s most publicized achievement was writingTo Kill a Mockingbird.

11. Give it a shot: ID the Gerund Phrase • The gentle pattering of the rain was a welcome sound. • Frodo feared going to Mount Doom alone. • Exciting and challenging, wildlife photography is surprisingly similar to pursuing prey on a hunt. • Scouting out locations is important to both the hunter and the photographer.

12. Type Three: The Infinitive Phrase • Infinitive – Definition: Verb form usually preceded by “to;” used as a noun or a modifier (adj or adv). • NOTE: You may be more familiar with foreign language, where the infinitive is often one word (Spanish: “to talk” = “hablar”) • Examples • To stumble would be most uncool. (used as a noun subject) • No one wants to leave. (used as direct object) • Her goal is to win (predicate nominative). • “There must be a way to break Mr. Hicks’ will,” said Donna. (used as an adjective)

13. NOTE: Sometimes the word “to” is omitted (which can make it VERY confusing!!) • Example: • Help me [to] clean out my ear. • The clowns made her [to] have nightmares. NOTE #2: Unlike other verbals, an infinitive is allowed to have a subject. It becomes an “infinitive clause” – that still acts as a single part of speech. DANG – that’s confusing!! • We asked Travis to buy us all monkeys. • Many consider HP IV to be the best of the HP books. • I wanted him to help me with my PreCal.

14. So the infinitive phrase is… • …a phrase that starts with an infinitive • Examples • Trey vowed to steal Mrs. H-D’s UNC mug as soon as the bell rang. • Michael earned enough extra credit to make an A++++ on his quiz. • Dania tries to steal Jackson’s wallet every day (without him knowing it).

15. Give it a shot • “Dancing with the Stars” is the show to watch this year. • I’ll help you get that beetle out of your ear. • Daddy says that it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird, Mrs. Maudie. • Don’t you dare steal my magic shoe! • Would Christina like me to give her all the answers on the quiz? You betcha!

16. A Last type of phrase: The Appositive • Def – appositive: A noun or pronoun set beside another noun to help identify it. • Example: • My student Will is actually a Norweigian spy. • Heroin, a drug, is not the same thing as a female hero. • The appositive phrase? I don’t even need to say it.

17. Appositive phrase – make your own definition! • Examples: • My paper, the best piece of writing ever known to man, is 640 pages long (size 4 font). • Jackie’s new hat, a tasty pimiento-cheese design that never goes bad, tastes quite delicious. • Michelle’s dog, a Swiss Alsatian, growled at me and encouraged me to change her essay grade from “A” to “A+.”