A phrase is something we always encounter when we learn a language. It is a group of related words which comes in many types. We often see and use it in a sentence. A phrase can be used as a noun, verb, adjective, adverb, or preposition, depending on the functions. It is important to remember that a phrase is different from a clause. The main characteristic of a phrase is it has neither a subject nor a verb, whereas a clause consists of a subject and a verb. Additionally, phrases cannot stand alone, unlike clauses.

            There are types of common phrases we often find in a sentence:

1. Noun phrase

            A noun phrase consists of a noun and modifiers built around it. Modifiers can be adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, etc. In sentences, a noun phrase can function as a subject, an object, or a subject complement.

e.g:      - My sister liked that red, sparkling dress.  

            - The new girl in my classroom invited me to her party.

2. Verb phrase

            A verb phrase consists of the main verb and its helping verbs or auxiliaries. This can confuse you with phrasal verbs. In fact, verb phrases are totally different from phrasal verbs. As explained above, verb phrases contain a main verb with its helping verbs built around it. In contrast, phrasal verbs are the combination of a verb with other lexical categories, such as verb-preposition or verb-verb. You can check the examples below for a better understanding.

Verb phrase: was running, will attend, were eating, has been mentioned

Phrasal verb: take care, put on, sit down, grow up.

e.g:      - The principal will attend her co-workers’ farewell party next Monday.

            - They were eating sandwiches when I arrived at the café.           

3. Prepositional phrase

            A prepositional phrase consists of a preposition and an object of a preposition. Sometimes it also contains a modifier or an article. Prepositional phrases can be used to modify nouns and verbs.

e.g:      - The blue umbrella beside the fireplace is my mother’s.

            - She has been looking at the door since morning.

4. Adjective phrase

            An adjective phrase consists of an adjective and its modifiers. Commonly the modifiers are in form of adverbs.

e.g:      - Their performances were surprisingly amazing!

            - That big, fat, furry cat is mine.

5. Infinitive phrase

            An infinitive phrase always has an infinitive (to sleep, to take, to add, etc) with its objects and modifiers. Normally, infinitive phrases take a role as nouns in a sentence, although it is also possible that they can be adjectives or adverbs.

e.g:      - I have decided to throw away my old stuff.

            - To solve everyone’s problem is what she wants.

6. Gerund phrase

            A gerund phrase includes a verb ending with -ing and its modifiers. Gerund phrases always function as nouns in sentences.

e.g:      - Spending his parents’ money is what he’s good at.

            - They talked about having a pet as a companion for their daughter.

Sources:

https://www.albert.io/blog/identifying-phrases/

https://www.vedantu.com/english/types-of-phrases

https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-adjective-phrase-1689065

Pict source:

https://www.briancroxall.net/dh/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/worldswife.jpg