phrases

In the sentence, "The student with the highest grade will receive an award," what type of phrase is underlined?

• Adjective phrase

• Adverb phrase

• Noun phrase

• Verb phrase

Answer explanation

The phrase 'with the highest grade' is a prepositional phrase that functions as an adjective because it modifies the noun 'student'. Adverb phrases modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.

Which sentence contains an underlined phrase that functions as an adjective?

• The dog in the backyard is barking loudly.

• She walked toward the loud noise.

• He finished his homework before dinner.

• They played the game with great enthusiasm.

Answer explanation

The phrase 'in the backyard' is an adjective phrase because it describes 'which dog'. The other underlined phrases are adverb phrases, modifying the verbs 'walked', 'finished', and 'played'.

In which sentence does the underlined phrase function as an adverb?

• The girl waited for the bus.

• The book on the table is mine.

• A man of great courage spoke up.

• That is a story about pirates.

Answer explanation

The phrase 'for the bus' is an adverb phrase because it modifies the verb 'waited', answering the question 'waited for what?'. The other phrases function as adjectives, modifying 'book', 'man', and 'story'.

Complete the sentence with a noun phrase that functions as the direct object: "For the project, we decided ______."

• to build a model volcano

• very quickly

• because it seemed fun

• in the library

Answer explanation

The infinitive phrase 'to build a model volcano' functions as a noun, acting as the direct object of the verb 'decided'. The other options are an adverb phrase, an adverb clause, and a prepositional phrase.

What is the complete verb phrase in the sentence: "You should have been listening more carefully."

• should have been listening

• have been listening

• been listening

• listening

Answer explanation

A complete verb phrase includes the main verb ('listening') and all its auxiliary (helping) verbs ('should have been'). The other options are incomplete parts of the verb phrase.

Which of the following sentences is the 'odd one out' because it does not contain a prepositional phrase?

• The soccer team traveled home.

• The keys are on the kitchen counter.

• We walked along the sandy beach.

• He hid the gift behind his back.

Answer explanation

This sentence does not have a prepositional phrase; 'home' is used as an adverb telling where they traveled. The other sentences contain the prepositional phrases 'on the kitchen counter', 'along the sandy beach', and 'behind his back'.

Which option best replaces the single-word adverb 'bravely' with an adverb phrase? "The firefighter ran bravely into the building."

• with great bravery

• a brave person

• being brave

• to be brave

Answer explanation

The prepositional phrase 'with great bravery' functions as an adverb phrase, modifying the verb 'ran' just like the single word 'bravely' did. The other options are a noun phrase, a participle, and an infinitive.

True or False: In the sentence, "She put the groceries on the table," the underlined phrase is an adjective phrase.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The statement is false. The prepositional phrase 'on the table' is an adverb phrase because it modifies the verb 'put', answering the question 'where?'.

Read the sentence: "To win the game was their only goal." Which option correctly pairs the underlined phrase with its function?

• Infinitive Phrase; functions as a noun (subject)

• Infinitive Phrase; functions as an adverb

• Prepositional Phrase; functions as an adjective

• Gerund Phrase; functions as a noun (subject)

Answer explanation

The phrase 'To win the game' is an infinitive phrase that acts as the subject of the verb 'was'. It functions as a single noun in the sentence.

Identify the appositive phrase in the sentence: "The Mississippi River, a major North American river, flows to the Gulf of Mexico."

• The Mississippi River

• a major North American river

• flows to the Gulf of Mexico

• to the Gulf of Mexico

Answer explanation

An appositive phrase renames or gives more information about a nearby noun. Here, 'a major North American river' renames 'The Mississippi River'.