2. Learning Objectives
To understand how a phrase is formed.
To enhance sentences using phrases.
3. Introduction
Phrases are defined as: A group of words without
a subject or verb or both.
Note that if there's a subject AND a verb, a
sentence is formed instead.
1) Sit up.
2) The garden city.
3) Can you sit up?
'Sit up' and 'The garden city' are phrases as
they're either missing a subject or a verb.
'Can you sit up?' is a sentence as it has both.
4. Creating Phrases
Creating Phrases is easy.
With each Key Part of Speech, just add at least
one more word to it.
1) city – garden city : Noun Phrase
2) give – give up : Phrasal Verb
3) big – big wooden : Adjectival Phrase
4) again – again and again : Adverbial Phrase
Q: Can you think of a sentence for each of
these phrases?
5. Sentences with Phrases
Sentences with phrases have greater meaning.
Please hand in your overdue English homework.
(Adjectival Phrase and Noun Phrase)
Don't you give up every now and then (Phrasal
Verb and Adverbial Phrase)
From 4 Key Parts of Speech, we have 4 key
phrases – Noun, Adjectival, Verb and
Adverbial phrases.
6. Phrases becoming Sentences
With subjects AND phrases, sentences are
formed:
1) Please hand in your homework.
2) Don't you give up.
3) You need to stand up.
4) She sits down.
7. Phrasal Verbs
These phrases are used most commonly in a
classroom.
1) Hand in.
2) Give up.
3) Stand up.
4) Sit down.
These are phrases related to verbs or actions
and hence, are called phrasal verbs.
8. Noun Phrases
A noun phrase contains a head noun
(highlighted). Adding words in front or behind
create the phrase.
1) The Singapore skyline is beautiful.
2) My health-conscious and sporty friends enjoy a
morning walk.
3) I could not find my way home.
Q: Without the head noun, what would the
underlined words be?
9. Adjectival Phrases
An adjectival phrase has the function of an
adjective, but longer. They describe the noun
(highlighted).
1) Brinda is a very successful pianist.
2) My watch is quite cheap.
3) This is an extremely lovely gift.
4) The big red wooden table belongs to my sister.
Like other phrases, an adjectival phrase gives
the sentence greater meaning without using a
connector.
10. Adverbial Phrases
Adverbial phrases have the function of adverbs,
but longer. They describe the verb's how, when,
where or why.
1)The dancers performed extremely well. (how)
2)The dancers performed in the Esplanade.
(where)
3)The dancers performed at the graduation
cerermony. (when)
4)The dancers performed for the honoured
guests. (why)
11. Learning Activity
Identify the phrases that are underlined.
1) I shouted again and again.
2) The alert security guard chased the thief.
3) We build up a beautiful garden city.
4) We build up a beautiful garden city for
everyone.
5) We build up a beautiful garden city.
6) We build up a beautiful garden city.
12. Learning Activity Answers
Identify the phrases that are underlined.
1) I shouted again and again. (Adv)
2)The alert security guard chased the thief. (Adj)
3) We build up a beautiful garden city. (V)
4) We build up a beautiful garden city for
everyone. (Adv)
5) We build up a beautiful garden city. (N)
6) We build up a beautiful garden city. (Adj)
13. Discussion
What is a phrase
What is its use?
How do you create NAVA phrases?
14. In Summary
A phrase is a group of words that do not form a
complete sentence, missing a verb or a noun.
A phrase is used to give a sentence greater
meaning.
We take the one key part of speech and expand
it to two words or more.
