PHRASES

Adjective Phrases
We have seen that sometimes a group of words does the work of
an adjective . Now examine the following pairs of sentences:1. (a) The vizier was a wealthy man. (b) The vizier was a
man
great
wealth. was a kind man. (b) The magistrate was a
2.
(a)of
The
magistrate
3.
(a)with
The achief
lived
in a stone house. (b)The chief lived in
man
kindly
nature.
4.
(a) I like
to of
see
a smiling face. (b) I like to see a
a house
built
stone.
5. (a)with
The acoolies
belonged
to a hill tribe. (b) The coolies belonged
face
smile on
it.
to a tribe dwelling in the hills.
In each of the above pairs of sentences, we have first a single word
describing the person or thing denoted by the noun, and then a
group of words describing the person or thing denoted by the
For
instance,
same
noun. the group of words of great wealth tells us what sort
of man the vizier was. It qualifies the noun man just as an
Adjective does. It therefore does the work of an Adjective and is
called an Adjective Phrase.

An Adjective Phrase is a group of words that does the

work
anfollowing
Adjective.
Studyof
the
Adjectives and the Adjective Phrases that
are equivalent
Adjectivesto them:Adjective Phrases
A golden crown.
A crown made of gold.
A purple cloak.
A cloak of purple colour.
A white elephant. An elephant with a white skin.
A jungle track.
A track through the jungle.
A blue-eyed boy. A boy with blue eyes.
A deserted village.
A village without any inhabitants.
A blank page.
A page with no writing on it.
The longest day.
The day of greatest
flag of Spain.
The Spanish flag. The
length.
A heavy load.
A load of great
weight.

Exercise . Pick out the Adjective Phrases, in the

following sentences:1. A man in great difficulties cameAtoman
me in
forgreat
help.difficulties
a person renown.
of very considerable renown.
2. He is a person of very considerable
3. Wild beasts in small cages areaasorry
sorrysight.
sight.
4. A man without an enemy is a man with
few
friends.
a man
with
few friends.
5. He tells a tale with the ring
truth
it. ring of truth
a of
tale
withinthe
6. A friend in need is a friend
in deed.
a friend
in deed.
7. A stitch in time saves
nine.
A stitch
in time
A in
bird
inbush.
the hand
8. A bird in the hand is worth two
the
9. Gardens with cool shady trees surround
with the
coolvillage.
shady
10. Only a man with plenty of money buys a car of such
a man with plenty of money
beauty and power.
the tale of his cruel wrongs.
the
of the
noble Padmini
11. In a low voice he told the tale
of story
his cruel
wrongs.
a lad
great
promise
12. Do you know the story
ofof
the
noble
Padmini?
a banner with a strange device.
13. He was a lad of great promise.
a man of one of the criminal trib
14. He bore a banner with a strange device.

In each of the following sentences replace the Adjective in italics

by an Adjective Phrase of the same meaning:1. A grey cloud spread over the
sky.
2. He dwelt in a wooden hut.
3. He had a bald head.
4. She wore a diamond necklace.
5. It was a horrible night.
6. They went by Siberian railway.
7. A grassy meadow stretched
before us.
8. An earthen pitcher stood on a
three-legged table.
9. The French flag flew at the
top of the highest mast.
10. That was a cowardly act.
11. He is well.
12. A valuable ring was found

15. Numerical superiority is a great

advantage.
16. The Rajputs were passionately fond of
martial glory.
17. I have passed two sleepless nights.
18. He is a professional cricketer.
19. This book contains many biblical
quotations.
20. She wants medical advice.
21. A tall soldier stepped forth.

Replace each of the following Adjective Pharoses in italics by an

Adjective
the same
meaning:He wore aofturban
made
of silk.

He has done a deed of shame.

He led a life devoid of blame.
He had a bold held.
It was a horrible night.
They went by Siberian railway.
I met a little girl from a cottage.
Balu was a man with plenty of impudence.
From this village in the mountains came a chieftain of a great fame.
The Rajput leader was a soldier full of hope and free from fear. Nelson
was a boy without fear.
Nobody likes a person with a bad temper.
I admit that he is a man of sense.
The tops of the mountains were covered with snow.
He is an author of great versatility. It is of no use.
Note:- Not all Adjective Phrases can be replaced by Adjectives, for
instance : He never felt the witchery of the soft blue sky.

in the blanks with suitable Adjective Phrases:1.An elephant --- is considered searched by
some people.
2. Birds --- flock together.
3. He leads a life ---.
4. Children like books ---.
5. He lost a diamond ---.
6. The old sage spoke words ---.
7. She is a woman ---.
8. John Gilpin was a citizen ---.
9. Draw a picture ---.
10. The leaves --- are glossy.
11. He heard the sound ---.
12. Listen to the sound ---.
13. The verdict --- was in his favour.
14. The doors --- closed upon him.
15. The water --- is very deep.
16. The road --- is very muddy.

II. Adverb Phrases

Just as the work of an Adjective is often done by a group of words
called an Adjective Phrase. so the work of an Adverb is often done
dy the
of sentences carefully:by afollowing
group ofpairs
words.
1. (a) Rama ran quickly. (How?) (b) Rama ran with
2.
(a) He
answered
great
speed.
(How?)rudely. (How?) (b) He answered in a very
rude
3.
(a)manner.
He does(How?)
his work carelessly. (How?) (b) He does his work
without
care. (How?)
4.
(a) Heany
is coming
now (When?) (b) He is coming at this very
moment.
(When?)
5.
(a) No such
diseases were known then. (When?) (b) No such
diseases were known in those days. (When?)
6. (a) The arrow fell here. (Where?) (b) The arrow fell on
this
spot.
7.
(a)
You (Where?)
can buy it everywhere. (Where?) (b) You can buy it in
all
places.
(Where?)
8. (a)
He fell
down. (Where?) (b) He fell to the
ground. (Where?)
In each of the above pairs of sentences we have first a single word
(an Adverb) modifying a verb, and then a group of words
modifying a verb in the same way. For instance, the group of words
with great speed tells us how Rama ran. It modifies the verb ran
just as the Adverb quickly does. It therefore does the work of an

An Adverb Phrase is a group of words that does the

work
anAdverb
AdverbPhrase, like an Adverb, may modify also an
Note:-ofAn
Adjective or Adverb: as, Quinine is good for malaria. I have done
well
onthe
thefollowing
whole. Adverbs and the Adverb Phrases that are
Study
equivalent
them.Phrases
Adverbs to
Adverb
BravelyIn a brave manner, or with bravery.
Unwisely
In an unwise manner, or without wisdom.
SwiftlyIn a swift manner, or with swiftness.
In a beautifully style.
Beautifully
In former times, or once upon a time.
Formerly
RecentlyJust now, or at a recent date.
Soon Before very long, or at an early date.
At that place.
There
To another place.
Away
To (in) a foreign
Abroad
country.

out the Adverb Phrases in

the following sentences:-

1. She lived in the middle of a great wood.

2. Nothing can live on the moon.
3. Come into the garden, Maud.
4. Three fishers went sailing over the sea.
5. O'er her hangs the great dark bell.
6. Down in a green and shady bed, a modest
violet grew.
7. On your conscience this will lie.
8. They sat for a while on the bank.
9. Honesty is written on his face.
10. The gun went off with a loud report.
11. There dwelt a miller hale and bold,
beside the river Dee.
12. I stood on the bridge at midnight.
13. To the northward stretched the desert.
14. Beside a green meadow a stream used

16. In her ear he whispers gaily.

17. Beside the ungathered rice he lay.
18. They fought to the last man.
19. He persevered in the face of all
obstacles.
20. The shoe is pressing on my toe.
21. Keep him at arm's length.
22. Make yourself at home.
23. It must be done at any price.
24. Pauperism increases at a fearful rate.
25. He has painted him in his proper
colours.
26. He has his finger on the pulse of the
nation.
27. He lives by his pen.
28. The shepherd shouted lo them at the
top of his voice.

In each of the following sentences replace the Adverb in italics by

an Adverb Phrase of the same meaning:1.The pigeon flies swiftly.
2. Did Rama behave well?
3. Go away.
4. The dying man replied feebly.
5. Gently fell the rain.
6. We will pitch the tents just here.
7. He expects to get promotion soon.
8. He built his house yonder.
9. They have only recently arrived.
10. Although hungry, the soldiers worked
cheerfully.
11. He spoke eloquently.
12. Soon the sun will set.
13. Do your work thoroughly.
14. They were hurrying homeward.
15. The door was suspiciously open.

Replace each of the following Adverb Phrases by an Adverb of

the
same
meaning:1.The
bodies
were mangled in a terrible
manner.
2. Let us cease work from this very
truthfulness.
3. It was just on this spot that he died.
4. The child replied with perfect
5. He arrived at that moment.
6. I hope that he will come at a very early
date.
7. He seems to have acted with great
promptitude.
8. No one would dare to answer him in an
impudent way.
9. I accept your statement without
reserve.
10. I thank you with all my heart.
11. He succeeded in the long run.

ill in the blanks with suitable Adverb Phrases:1.The knight fought ---.
2. The Rajah treated his
vizier ---.
3. The woodman struck the
wolf ---.
4, Do not answer ---.
5. I agree ---.
6. He has behaved ---.
7. He does his homework ---.
8. He treated his relatives
---.
9. The police handled the
bombs ---.
10. The sailor climbed ---.
11. That happened ---.

1. The crowd in the bazaar was

very
noisy.
2. The
crowd
halted in the bazaar.
In sentence 1, the phrase in the bazaar tells us which crowd
was very noisy; that is, it qualifies the noun crowd. It is
therefore
an2,
Adjective
Phrase.
In
sentence
the phrase
in the bazaar tells us where the
crowd halted; that is, it modifies the verb halted. It is therefore
an Adverb
Phrase.
Hence
we see
that the same phrase may be an Adjective Phrase
in one sentence and an Adverb Phrase in another sentence.
We cannot say what kind of Phrase a given Phrase is until we
examine the work which it does in a sentence.
Say which of the following are Adverb Phrases and which
are
Adjective
Phrases:1. Have
you heard
of the man in
the moon?
2. How could a man be in the
moon?
3. They live on an island.

6. Then why did she look

beneath her?
7. Is this the train to
Peshawar?
Use the following phrases in
8.
usually
goes
to
sentences:In It
a loud
voice;
without
further delay; with one voice; for
Peshawar,
Sir.
certain; just
in time; up in arms; of no consequence; out of
fashion; with great satisfaction; in the twinkling of an eye; on
either side of the street; in a shady nook; to the last man; with a
smile; at sixes and sevens; at the eleventh hour; on the top of
the hill; in future; at nine o'clock.

III. Noun Phrases

Examine the following sentences:1. The boy wants
something.
2.
The
boysomething
wants to go
The
word
is a Noun and it is the Object of the verb
home.
wants, in sentence 1. Similarly the group of words, to go home, is
the Object of the verb wants, in sentence 2. Hence this group of
words does the work of a Noun. The group of words, to go home,
A
Phrase
is a group
of words that does
is Noun
therefore
a Noun
Phrase.
theexamples
work of a of
Noun.
Further
Noun Phrases:Early to bed is a good maxim. He hopes to win the first prize. We
enjoy playing cricket. He loves to issue harsh orders. Did you
enjoy reading this book? I tried to get the sum right. To win a
prize
is my
Standing
about
in a cold wet wind did me no
Pick out
theambition.
Noun Phrases
in the
following
good.
sentences:1. His father wished to speak to the Headmaster.
2. The wicked vizier loves getting people into
trouble.

4. He dislikes having to punish his

servants.
5. Horses prefer living in dark stables.
6. I should hate to do such a thing.
7. Have you ever tried climbing a coconut
palm?
8. Thinking good thoughts precedes good
actions.
9. He refuses to answer the question.
10. To write such rubbish is disgraceful.
11. Promise to come again.
12. Why do you like visiting such a man?
13. Travelling in a hot dusty train gives
me no pleasure.
14. He denies stealing the money,
15. Your doing such a thing surprises me.

Supply a Noun Phrase:1. I want ---.

2. --- delights me.
3. We all hope ---.
4. Pretend
5. --- seems
dishonest.
6. --- surprised my
mother.
7. Do you wish ---?
8. My father hates
---.
9. --- gives me no
pleasure.
10. I don't intend ---.
11. --- is not easy.
12. I do not expect

Pick out the Phrases and say whether they are

Adjective Phrases, Adverb Phrases, or Noun
Phrases:- 1. He speaks like a born orator. 2. It
grieved me to hear of your illness. 3. Beyond a
doubt this man is honest. 4. He failed in spite of
his best efforts. 5. He won the prize by means of
trickery. 6. Do not talk like that. 7. I have
forgotten how to play this game. 8. He gained
their affection in spite of many faults. 9. I do not
expect such treatment at your hands. 10. He
speaks too fast to be understood. 11. 1 do not
know what to do. 12. I do not understand how to
solve this problem. 13. He persevered amidst
many difficulties. 14. He succeeded in the long
run. 15. Birds of a feather flock together. 16. This
is a matter of no importance. 17. The train is
behind time. 18. He is a man of means. 19. It lies
near his heart, 20. He keeps the necklace under
lock and key. 21. He is a person of no importance.
22. I want to go to the cinema to-day. 23. I love to
hear the watch-dog's honest bark. 24. I did it of my
own free will. 25. Show me how to do it, 26. His
car ran over a dog. 27. Things are in a bad way. 28.
She is a woman of wonderful patience. 29. I have

= Tubal Cain, was a man of his might 4. Stone

walls do not make a prison. = Stone walls, do not
make a prison5. The singing of the birds delights
us. = The singing of birds, delights us6. Miss Kitty
was rude at the table one day = Miss Kitty, was
rude at the table one day7. He has a good
memory. = He, has good memory8. Bad habits
grow unconsciously. = Bad habits, grow
unconsciously9. The earth revolves round the sun.
= The earth, revolves round the sun10. Nature is
the best physician. = Nature, is the best
physician11. Edison invented the phonograph. =
Edison, invented the phonograph12. The sea hath
many thousand sands. = The sea, hath many
thousand sands13. We cannot pump the ocean dry.
= We, cannot pump the ocean dry14. Borrowed
garments never fit well. = Borrowed garments,
never fit well15. The early bird catches the worm.
= The early bird, catches the worm16. All matter is
indestructible. = All matter, is indestructible17.
Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan.= Islamabad, is
the capital of Pakistan18. We should profit by
experience. = We, should profit by experience19.
All roads lead to Rome. = All roads, lead to
Rome20. A guilty conscience needs no excuse. = A