Learn about groups of words that function as adjectives or adverbs. Perfect for Class 9-10 students. Master phrases that modify nouns and verbs.
1. What are Phrases?
A phrase is a group of words that works together as a single unit but does NOT have a subject-verb combination.
| Type | Function | Example | Modifies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adjective Phrase | Describes a noun/pronoun | The girl with blue eyes smiled. | girl (noun) |
| Adverb Phrase | Describes a verb/adjective/adverb | She ran with great speed. | ran (verb) |
| Key Point: Phrases act like single adjectives or adverbs but contain multiple words | |||
2. Adjective Phrases (Modify Nouns)
Adjective phrases answer: Which one? What kind? How many?
| Structure | Example | Noun Modified | Question Answered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preposition + Noun | The book on the table is mine. | book | Which book? |
| Infinitive Phrase | She has work to complete. | work | What kind of work? |
| Participial Phrase | The boy standing there is my brother. | boy | Which boy? |
| With Relative Clause | The house that we bought is big. | house | Which house? |
| Multiple Modifiers | A gift of great value and beauty. | gift | What kind of gift? |
3. Adverb Phrases (Modify Verbs/Adjectives/Adverbs)
Adverb phrases answer: How? When? Where? Why? To what extent?
| Question | Example | Word Modified | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| How? (Manner) | She spoke with confidence. | spoke (verb) | Manner phrase |
| When? (Time) | We will meet in the evening. | meet (verb) | Time phrase |
| Where? (Place) | They played in the park. | played (verb) | Place phrase |
| Why? (Reason) | He came to help me. | came (verb) | Reason phrase |
| To what extent? (Degree) | She is smart to a great extent. | smart (adjective) | Degree phrase |
4. Position of Phrases
| Phrase Type | Common Position | Example | Can It Move? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adjective Phrase | Right after the noun | The man in black suit is my uncle. | Usually fixed |
| Adverb Phrase (Manner) | End of sentence | She danced with grace. | Sometimes movable |
| Adverb Phrase (Time) | Beginning or end | In the morning, we exercise. We exercise in the morning. |
Flexible |
| Adverb Phrase (Place) | End of sentence | They live in Delhi. | Usually fixed |
| Adverb Phrase (Reason) | End of sentence | She studied hard to pass the exam. | Usually fixed |
5. Phrases vs Clauses
| Aspect | Phrase | Clause | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | Group of words without subject-verb | Group of words with subject-verb | Phrase: on the table Clause: which is on the table |
| Subject-Verb | No subject-verb combination | Has subject and verb | Phrase: running fast Clause: who is running fast |
| Completeness | Incomplete thought | Complete or incomplete thought | Phrase: in the garden (incomplete) Clause: She is in the garden (complete) |
| Can Stand Alone | Cannot stand as sentence | Independent clause can stand alone | Phrase: ✗ Clause: ✓ (if independent) |
| Function | Part of sentence | Can be whole sentence or part | Phrase modifies Clause can be main or subordinate |
6. Transforming Single Words to Phrases
| Single Word | Phrase Version | Type | Enhancement |
|---|---|---|---|
| The tall man | The man of great height | Adjective → Adjective Phrase | More descriptive |
| She spoke softly | She spoke in a soft voice | Adverb → Adverb Phrase | More detailed |
| The wooden table | The table made of wood | Adjective → Adjective Phrase | More specific |
| He came yesterday | He came on the previous day | Adverb → Adverb Phrase | More formal |
| A beautiful garden | A garden full of beautiful flowers | Adjective → Adjective Phrase | More vivid |
7. Quick Practice (5 Questions)
8. Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Wrong ❌ | Right ✅ | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| The man is with blue eyes. | The man with blue eyes is tall. | Adjective phrase should modify noun directly |
| She spoke in a loud voice yesterday in the park. | She spoke loudly in the park yesterday. | Too many phrases together sounds awkward |
| The book which is on the table it is mine. | The book on the table is mine. | Don't use both phrase and pronoun for same noun |
| To pass the exam studying hard. | She studied hard to pass the exam. | Phrase needs complete sentence structure |
| The house red with roof. | The house with a red roof. | Correct adjective phrase structure |
🔍 Phrase Finder Game
Identify the phrases and their types:
1. The girl with long hair is my friend.
"with long hair" - Adjective phrase (modifies "girl")
2. She works with great dedication.
"with great dedication" - Adverb phrase of manner
3. We will meet in the evening.
"in the evening" - Adverb phrase of time
4. The book to read is on the table.
"to read" - Adjective phrase, "on the table" - Adverb phrase
Highlight dark blue areas to see answers
9. Memory Aids & Tips
Phrase Identification:
Look for groups of words that:
1. Don't have subject-verb pair
2. Act as single adjective or adverb
3. Answer questions like Which one? What kind? How? When? Where? Why?
4. Can often be replaced by single adjective/adverb
Common Phrase Starters:
Adjective Phrases: with, of, having, containing, made of, full of
Adverb Phrases: in, on, at, with, to, for, during, because of, in order to
Test: Can you remove it and still have complete sentence?
If yes → It's a phrase (adds detail but not essential)
If no → It might be essential clause
Example: "The book on the table" → "The book" (✓ complete) → phrase
Exam Tip:
1. Identify what word the phrase modifies
2. Check if it has subject-verb (clause) or not (phrase)
3. Adjective phrases answer: Which one? What kind?
4. Adverb phrases answer: How? When? Where? Why?
5. Practice transforming single words to phrases
📝 Practice Adjective & Adverb Phrases
Test with our 25-question worksheet on phrases!
Download Phrases WorksheetIncludes answer key • Identification • Transformation • Printable PDF
