1.
Prepositional Phrase– begins with a
prep. and ends with a noun
Adjective Phrase – describes the word in
front of it
The girl in the front row is tired.
Adverb Phrase – answers how, when,
where, why
In the morning I will sleep late.
2.
Participial Phrase – functions as an
adjective and describes the word in
next to it…usually ends in –ing or –ed
Working quietly at his desk, Matthew
listened to Mrs. Hogue.
Encouraged by her friends, Alisa gave
her speech.
3. Gerund Phrase – functions as a noun and ends
in –ing
 Playing the guitar is enjoyable to me. (S)
 Marley stopped picking on her brother. (DO)
 She gave baking a cake her best effort. (IO)
 By saving all of her money, Julia was able to
buy a new car. (OP)
 The hardest part of our hike was climbing up
the hill. (PN)
4. Infinitive Phrase – to + verb – used as an adj.,
n., or adv. (Remember…to + n. = prep. ph.)
 To go to Italy has always been a dream of
mine. (noun - S)
 The team’s desire to win the game was
evident. (adj.)
 Because of his sprained ankle, Chris was
unable to play in the football game. (adv.)
5. Appositive Phrase – no verbs – renames,
usually set off with commas
 Mrs. Hogue, my favorite teacher, will now
read the trivia for the day.