Grammatical functions 1 (phrase)

We can't dive into the ocean of sentence without fishing out the dolphin of phrase. This means, if we need to discuss extensively, what sentences entail; then we have to start with phrase.

Phrase in its simple and common definition is a group of words that does not have a finite verb, or we can say a phrase is a group of words that does not make a complete sense.

For example: in the Bush, on the tree, on a mountain, etcetera. You can't just meet your friend on the way and tell him on a mountain .You knows he/she will find it disgusting or uncomprehending.

There are different kinds of phrase relating to the parts of speech, but we shall discuss few of them here for better understanding. We are also going to pick our references from the past WAEC questions.

Phrases occurred mostly in the comprehension passages and majority of students find this aspect difficult to answer, which is why we are here for you to solve the puzzle together.

ADJECTIVAL PHRASE

Examples:

1a. the vizier was a wealthy man.

b. The vizier was a man of great wealth.

2a. The chief lived in a stone house.

b. The chief lived in a house built of stone.

Example 1a and 2a are in simple sentences form, while example 1b and 2b constitute in them, phrases. "Great wealth and built of stones" these two are adjectival phrases.

Def: An adjectival phrase is a group of words that does the work of an adjective.

We all know that an adjective qualifies a noun or a pronoun, in this case, adjectival phrase will qualifies the noun or the pronoun that exists in the same sentence as it is in it.

For example: A golden crown.

A crown made of gold.

In these two sentences, we will observe that the GOLD qualifies the crown. Which means if MADE OF CROWN in sentence two is to stand alone; it won't give a complete meaning. In that case, the grammatical name for sentence 2 is adjectival phrase while its grammatical function is' it qualifies the noun  ..... Which noun? Crown, correct!

More examples are in the past WAEC questions.

ADVERBIAL PHRASE

Examples:

1a. Adam ran quickly (how).

b. Adam ran a great speed (how).

2a. He is coming now (when).

b. He is coming in this very moment (when).

We can observe that example 1a and 2a constitute of simple sentences which still make sense. But example 1b and 2b constitute of sentences with phrases therein.

Def: An adverbial phrase is a group of words that does the work of an adverb. It modifies a verb,  an adverb and an adjective.

For example: sagbene entered the Den bravely.

Sagbene entered the Den in a brave manner or with brevity.

The rules of adverbial phrase is applicable to any of its types,   I.e. either adverb of manner, time,  place or frequency and so on. Therefore for sentence 2 above:

Its grammatical name is 'adverbial phrase of manner' since the mode of sagbene's entrance is with brevity.

Its grammatical function is ' it modifies the verb.... Which verb comes before the phrase?  Correct! Entered. That's good of you, now let's move on.

NOUN PHRASE

Examples:

1. The boy wants something.

2. The boy wants to go home.

Sentence 1 is a simple sentence while sentence 2 contains a phrasal noun.

Def: A noun phrase is a group of words that does the work of a noun.

For example: 1. I will be given a prize.

2. I expect to get a prize.

The grammatical name of the underlined words is ' a noun phrase'

Its grammatical function is 'object of the verb, expect’.

For better understanding, more examples can be found in the past questions as we have mentioned above.

Our next topic will be grammatical function 2 (clause).