<aside> 💡 A phrase is a group of words that do not include both a subject and a verb. A group of words that has a subject and verb is a clause (see ‣).

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In English grammar, phrases are groups of words that function as a single unit but don't necessarily have both a subject and a verb. There are several types of phrases based on the central word or function:

  1. Nominal (noun) phrases (NP): These are centered around a noun. They can consist of just one noun or a pronoun, or they can have modifiers.
  2. Verb Phrases (VP): These consist of a main verb and sometimes one or more helping verbs (auxiliary verbs).
  3. Adjective Phrases (AdjP): These are built around an adjective. They can consist of just one adjective or an adjective with its modifiers and complements.
  4. Adverb Phrases (AdvP): Centered around an adverb, these can consist of just one adverb or an adverb with its modifiers.
  5. Prepositional phrases (PP): These begin with a preposition and end with a noun or pronoun, which is called the object of the preposition.
  6. Infinitive phrases: These begin with the word "to" followed by the base form of a verb and can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.
  7. Gerund phrases: Your English action heroes: These begin with a gerund, which is the -ing form of a verb, and function as nouns.
  8. Participial phrases: These begin with a present or past participle (typically ending in -ing, -ed, -en, etc.) and function as adjectives.
  9. Absolute phrases: These are a group of words that modify an independent clause as a whole. They often combine a noun and a participle with accompanying modifiers or objects.
  10. Appositive phrases: These rename or re-identify a noun or pronoun nearby, often set off by commas.

It's worth noting that phrases can sometimes combine. For instance, a noun phrase might include a prepositional phrase as a modifier. Each type of phrase serves a unique function in a sentence, helping to provide clarity and detail.