(1) Phrases
There are three types of phrases:
1. Adjective phrases
2. Adverb phrases
3. Noun phrases
1. Adjective Phrases
An adjective phrase is a group of words that does the work of an adjective.
Here are some adjectives and their corresponding adjective phrases:
A golden ring: a ring made of gold
A black coat: a coat of black colour
A brown cow: a cow with a brown skin
A blue-eyed girl: a girl with blue eyes
A deserted city: a city without any inhabitants
A blank cheque: a cheque with no amount mentioned on it
The Sri Lanka flag: the flag of Sri Lanka
A heavy load: a load of great weight
A beautiful girl: a girl who is beautiful
A ferocious dog: a dog that is ferocious
A dishonest person: a person who is dishonest
A populous country: a country with a large population
A readable book: a book that can be read with ease
We use a noun to name a person, place or thing.
Emperor Asoka ruled India.
Sri Jayewardenepura is the capital of Sri Lanka.
The rose is a beautiful flower.
2. Adverb Phrases
An adverb phrase is a group of words that does the work of an adverb. Here are some adverbs and their corresponding adverb phrases:
Bravely: in a brave manner
Unwisely: in an unwise manner
Swiftly: in a swift manner
Beautifully: in a beautiful style
Formerly: in former times
Recently: at a recent date
Soon: at an early date
Abroad: in a foreign country
3. Noun Phrases
A noun phrase is a group of words that does the work of a noun.
In the following sentences noun phrases are underlined:
Early to bed is a good maxim.
I hope to win the first prize.
Children enjoy playing cricket.
He loves to watch cartoon films.
To win a lottery is his ambition.
Popular phrases
Study the following phrases and how they are used in sentences:
The decision has been taken and for better or worse we can’t change it.
Who is at the bottom of such rumours?
She was at her wit’s end worrying about how to settle the debt.
On the face of it he appears to be telling the truth.
He is writing a novel in fits and starts because of other commitments.
Poverty and crime go hand in hand.
Putting up a house is out of the question.
The farmers were covered with mud from head to foot.
The new director acts with a high hand.
Some policemen are hand in glove with criminals.
These days you can buy many things at a discount.
I’m saving money bit by bit to buy a laptop.
In the course of my life I’ve seen many political changes.
I’ll accept a cheque in lieu of cash.
In a trice he was gone.
Prepositional phrases
A prepositional phrase is a group of words composed of a preposition and the words that follow.
They can be used in front, middle or end position of a sentence.
On Monday the principal will preside over the staff meeting.
The bank is closed for annual repairs.
The Heads of States will meet in New York.
CCTV cameras are fixed for security.
The corporation’s loss of Rs. 10 million has shocked the board of directors.
The dimple on her cheek is the most striking feature of her beauty.
Many plants provide animals with food and habitat.
Cobras are among the most venomous snakes.
I am happy to know of your marriage.
Rain forests stand as a buffer against floods.
Take your umbrella with you in case of a downpour.
This oven is meant for baking bread.
The robbers used a hammer for breaking the cupboard.
Doctors use the stethoscope for listening to the heart beat.
We use the thermometer for measuring the temperature.
