Phrases and Their Functions

The sky (grew) black.

• verb phrase

• adverb phrase

• adjective phrase

• noun phrase

I was (very glad to meet him) on that winter's day.

• noun phrase

• adverb phrase

• prepoisitonal phrase

• adjective phrase

I may see the horses (after the storm.)

• noun phrase

• prepositional phrase

• adverbial phrase

• adjective phrase

(the whole family) went to town.

• verb phrase

• adverb phrase

• adjective phrase

• noun phrase

(some grapes) would be (nice)

• adjective phrase and noun phrase

• noun phrase and adjective phrase

• verb phrase and adverb phrase

• noun phrase and adjverb phrase

Every adult must take (some responsibility).

• adverb phrase

• adjective phrase

• noun phrase

• prepositional phrase

The children are (really fast learners)

• adjective phrase

• adverb phrase

• verb phrase

• noun phrase

The old lady reached the doorstep (of her home).

• noun phrase

• prepositional phrase

• adverb phrase

• adjective phrase

The ball was thrown and the window (was broken)

• verb phrase

• adverb phrase

• noun phrase

• adjective phrase

The beauty of the evening contrasted (with my solemn mood).

• noun phrase

• adverb phrase

• prepositional phrase

• adjective phrase