Pharses

Phrases

A phrase is a group or words that express a concept and is used as a unit within a sentence. Eight common types of phrases are: noun, verb, gerund, infinitive, appositive, participial, prepositional, and absolute.

Noun Phrases

A noun phrase consists of a noun and all its modifiers.

Here are examples:

·         The bewildered tourist was lost.

·         The senile old man was confused.

·         The lost puppy was a wet and stinky dog.

·         The flu clinic had seen many cases of infectious disease.

·         It was a story as old as time.

·         The sports car drove the long and winding road.

·         Saturday became a cool, wet afternoon.

Verb Phrases

A verb phrase consists of a verb and all its modifiers.

Here are examples:

·         He was waiting for the rain to stop.

·         She was upset when it didn't boil.

·         You have been sleeping for a long time.

·         You might enjoy a massage.

·         He was eager to eat dinner.

Gerund Phrases

A gerund phrase is simply a noun phrase that starts with a gerund.

Examples include:

·         Taking my dog for a walk is fun.

·         Walking in the rain can be difficult.

·         Strolling along a beach at sunset is romantic.

·         Getting a promotion is exciting.

·         Signing autographs takes time.

·         Going for ice cream is a real treat.

·         Singing for his supper was how he earned his keep.

·         Getting a sore back was the result of the golf game.

·         Pulling an all-nighter did not improve his test scores.

·         Sailing into the sunset was the end of the book.

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Infinitive Phrases

An infinitive phrase is a noun phrase that begins with an infinitive.

Here are some examples:

·         Everybody loves to watch movies.

·         To make lemonade, you have to start with lemons.

·         I tried to see the stage, but I was too short.

·         She organized a boycott to make a statement.

·         To see Niagara Falls is mind-boggling.

·         He really needs to get his priorities in order.

·         The company decided to reduce hours for everyone.

·         To donate time or money is an honorable thing.

·         I went to Spain to study the language and culture.

Appositive Phrases

An appositive phrase restates a noun and consists of one or more words.

Examples are:

·         My favorite pastime, needlepoint, surprises some people.

·         Her horse, an Arabian, was her pride and joy.

·         My wife, the love of my life, is also my best friend.

·         A cheetah, the fastest land animal, can run 70 miles an hour.

·         His goal, to retire at 40, is unrealistic.

·         My idea, to recycle the paper, was accepted by the boss.

·         The Florida panther, the state animal of Florida, is an endangered animal. 

Participial Phrases

A participial phrase begins with a past or present participle.

Examples are:

·         Washed with my clothes, my cell phone no longer worked.

·         Knowing what I know now, I wish I had never come here.

·         I am really excited, considering all the people that will be there.

·         We are looking forward to the movie, having seen the trailer last week.

·         Grinning from ear to ear, she accepted her award.

·         The happy dog ran the entire length of the park, pausing only to sniff the dandelions.

·         Painted a brilliant white, the small room appeared bigger.

·         The lake, frozen over all winter, was finally thawing.

Prepositional Phrases

A prepositional phrase begins with a preposition and can act as a noun, an adjective or an adverb.

Examples are:

·         The book was on the table.

·         We camped by the brook.

·         He knew it was over the rainbow.

·         She was lost in the dark of night.

·         He was between a rock and a hard place.

·         I waited for a while.

·         She smelled of strawberries and cream.

·         He won the challenge against all odds.

Absolute Phrases

An absolute phrase has a subject, but not an acting verb, so it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It modifies the whole sentence, not just a noun.

Examples are:

·         His tail between his legs, the dog walked out the door.

·         Picnic basket in hand, she set off for her date.

·         The guys attacked the pile of nachos, their fingers getting the last bit of cheese off the plate.

·         Their heads hanging down, the whole group apologized.

·         The entire team, their uniforms muddy and stained, shouted for joy.

These are examples of all of the eight different kinds of phrases. 

Uses of Phrases

5 Phrases for Apologizing 1. I’m sorry that… [ex. I was so rude yesterday] 2. It’s my fault. (= I am taking responsibility for the problem) 3. Oops, sorry. (for very small problems) 4. I should have… [ex. called you and told you I’d be late] 5. (formal) I apologize for… [ex. the delay]

5 Ways to Respond to an Apology 1. That’s OK. 2. It happens. 3. No problem. 4. Don’t worry about it. 5. I forgive you. (for serious problems)

10 Phrases for Asking for Information 1. Can you tell me...? 2. Could you tell me...? 3. I'd like to know... 4. Do you know... 5. Do you have any idea...? 6. Could anyone tell me...? (use this phrase when asking a group of people) 7. Would you happen to know...? 8. I don't suppose you (would) know...? 9. I was wondering… 10. I’m calling to find out… (use this phrase on the telephone)

5 Ways to Say “I don’t know” 1. I have no idea/clue. 2. I can’t help you there. 3. (informal) Beats me. 4. I’m not really sure. 5. I’ve been wondering that, too.

10 Phrases for Asking for Someone’s Opinion & Giving Your Opinion 1. What do you think about...? 2. How do you feel about…? 3. What's your opinion of...? 4. What are your views on...? 5. In my opinion… 6. I'd say... ~ 11 ~ English Speaking Courses www.espressoenglish.net/english-speaking-courses 7. Personally, I think/believe... 8. If you ask me... 9. The way I see it... 10. From my point of view…

5 Phrases for Not Having an Opinion 1. I’ve never given it much thought. 2. I don’t have strong feelings either way. 3. It doesn’t make any difference to me. 4. I have no opinion on the matter. 5. (very informal) Whatever.

10 Phrases for Agreeing 1. Exactly. 2. Absolutely. 3. That’s so true. 4. That’s for sure. 5. I agree 100% 6. I couldn’t agree with you more. 7. That’s exactly what I think. / That’s exactly how I feel. 8. (informal) Tell me about it! / You’re telling me! 9. (informal) I’ll say! 10. I suppose so. (use this phrase for weak agreement – you agree, but reluctantly)

10 Phrases for Disagreeing 1. I don’t think so. 2. I beg to differ. ~ 12 ~ English Speaking Courses www.espressoenglish.net/english-speaking-courses 3. I’m afraid I don’t agree. 4. I’m not so sure about that. 5. That’s not how I see it. 6. Not necessarily. 7. Yes, but… [say your opinion] 8. On the contrary. 9. (very informal) No way! 10.(very strong) I totally disagree.

5 Phrases for Responding to Good News 1. Congratulations! 2. That’s great! 3. How wonderful! 4. Awesome! 5. I’m so happy for you!

5 Phrases for Responding to Bad News 1. Oh no… 2. That’s terrible. 3. Poor you. (Use this to respond to bad situations that are not too serious) 4. I’m so sorry to hear that. 5. I’m sorry for your loss. (Use this only if someone has died)

10 Phrases for Invitations 1. Are you free… [Saturday night?] 2. Are you doing anything… [Saturday night?] 3. Let me check my calendar. 4. (informal) Do you wanna… [see a movie?] ~ 13 ~ English Speaking Courses www.espressoenglish.net/english-speaking-courses 5. (formal) Would you like to… [join me for dinner?] 6. I’d love to! 7. Sounds great! 8. I’d love to, but I have another commitment. 9. I don’t think I can. 10. Maybe another time.

5 Ways to Make & Respond to an Offer 1. (more formal) Would you like a drink? 2. (informal) Do you want some water? 3. Can I get you something to eat? 4. That’d be great, thanks. (= yes) 5. No, thanks. I’m OK. (= no) 6 Phrases for Talking About Future Plans 1. I’m going to… 2. I’m planning to… 3. I hope to… 4. I’d like to… 5. I might… / I may…

5 Ways to Make a Suggestion 1. How about… [ex. trying something new]? 2. Why don’t you… [ex. talk to your boss]? 3. Maybe we should… [ex. do more research]. 4. I’d recommend… [ex. going to the doctor]. 5. Have you thought about… [ex. buying a new computer]?