Phrases and Clauses
Definition
Phrase: A phrase is a collection of related words without both subject and verb
Clause: A clause is a group of words with a verb and a subject.
Nonfinite verb
1. Infinitive=noun=to+v1
2. Gerund=noun=v1+ing
3. Participle=adjective
a. Present participle=v1+ing
b. Past participle=v3
c. Perfect participle=having+v3
Classification
1. Noun phrase/Gerund phrase/Infinitive phrase
2. Adjective phrase/Participle phrase
3. Adverbial phrase/prepositional phrase
Identification
1. Noun phrase/Gerund phrase/Infinitive phrase=it (use it instead of phrase)
2. Adjective phrase/Participle phrase/Verbal phrase
a. noun+Adjective phrase+verb
b. verb +Adjective phrase+ noun
c. starts with relative pronoun/relative adverb
3. Adverbial phrase=starts with preposition/adverb
prepositional phrase=starts with preposition
Kinds of phrases
Noun Phrase: He is wearing a nice red shirt. She brought a glass full of water. The boy with brown hair is laughing. A man on the roof was shouting. A story as old as time, A cool wet afternoon. All the kids were sleeping. The boy in the blue jeans says he’ll do it. He bought her a beautiful red dress. Mom baked tasty chocolate cookies. Julia was thinking about her friends back home. Will you talk with these rude people? You are a true hero. My dog is my best friend.
Adjective Phrase: He is wearing a nice red shirt. The girl with brown hair is singing a song. He gave me a glass full of water. A boy from America won the race. The movie was not too terribly long. A person smarter than me needs to figure this out. The final exams were unbelievably difficult. This pie is very delicious and extremely expensive. Everyone was extremely delighted when the winner was announced. The new outfit was very pricey but really beautiful. Mom said the cost of a car is way too high. Faster than a speeding bullet, Superman was finished in no time. Students upset about the rising cost of tuition staged a rally. That complex has quite small but cheap apartments. Her eyes were very mesmerizing to the young man. The highly emotive actor gave a wonderful performance. Your apple pie smells very tempting. Eating out is usually not very healthy.
Adverbial Phrase: He always behaves in a good manner. They were shouting in a loud voice. She always drives with care. He sat in a corner of the room. He returned in a short while. He opened it extremely easily. I’ll do it quite soon. I ran so fast. He was quite unexpectedly kind. He came very surprisingly quickly. The air was warm, stirred only occasionally by a breeze. Only occasionally is there a rumble in the sky or a hint of rain. The carpenter hit the nail with a hammer. The woman who lives next door is a doctor. We must finish our project before the holidays. Nadia buys two CDs every month. Jack bought the flowers for his mother.
Verb Phrase: He is eating an apple. She has finished her work. You should study for the exam. She has been sleeping for two hours. I am always disobeying the speed limit. Taking my dog for a walk, Walking in the rain, Strolling along a beach at sunset, Getting a promotion, Signing autographs, Going for ice cream, Singing for his supper, Getting a sore back, Pulling an all-nighter, Sailing into the sunset.
Prepositional phrase: A boy on the roof is singing a song. The man in the room is our teacher. She is shouting in a loud voice. He always behaves in a good manner. The book with the tattered cover has been read many times. All the passengers aboard the runaway train were frightened. The present inside the big box is mine. Our boss put out a memo regarding the new rule. The clues within the first few chapters will lead to the murderer. His is only one voice among many, but it will be heard. The extra blanket is in the box under the bed. Saul, unlike many others, will remain there. The car beside the red one is the one I want to buy. The area outside the boundary is dangerous to cross. All rooms below deck are for sleeping.
Infinitive Phrase: He likes to read books. To earn money is a desire of everyone. He shouted to inform people about fire. He made a plan to buy a car. She wanted to raise taxes. To know her is to love her. To study hard will increase your chances of getting into college. I stopped to smoke. The school promised to help me find an apartment. He wants to be a lawyer. To win at chess requires much concentration. Mary was glad to be invited to the party. Koli intends to work hard. To be objective in my decision is hard. Ellen is able to swim six lengths of the pool. I was happy to give you a ride home. To move to a larger house would be unwise for us now. Fred was frightened to be alone in the old house. Megan is trying to practice the piano an hour a day. To be a doctor is Ann’s ambition. Mr. and Mrs. Mamun plan to go to Sylhet this summer. The mayor decided to call me.
Gerund Phrase: I like writing good essays. She started thinking about the problem. Sleeping late in night is not a good habit. Weeping of a baby woke him up. Cramming for tests is not a good study strategy. John enjoyed swimming in the lake after dark. Blowing bubbles on a windy day is a fun activity for children. Traveling might satisfy your desire for new experiences. Swimming is good exercise. You will gain skill by practising. Swimming laps is good exercise. Anik likes fishing from the dock. You will gain skill by practising the kazoo daily. Sam appreciated my helping him. Natalie was proud of having won the tournament. Irena was upset at having been passed over for the job. They do not appreciate my singing.
Participle Phrase: The kids, making a noise, need food. I received a letter, mentioning about my exam. The table, made of steel, is too expensive. We saw a car, damaged in an accident. The pond, frozen over since early December, is now safe for ice-skating. Having been on the road for four days, they were exhausted. That song, sung by Munni, is my favorite. Climbing slowly, we approached the top of the hill. Surprised by my question, Mrs. Osmond blushed. He, worn out by his long trip, slept for twelve hours. Watching me closely, the dog came toward me. Staring out the window at the rain, Bob became more and more impatient. The plates, bought from Denmark by my grandmother, are on display in the dining room. The cookies, baked this morning, were all gone by five o’clock. Having come out in the cool night air, Mr. Troy looked up at the sky. The children, waiting for the play to begin, grew bored. Working hard all day, the boys finished the job by dinner time. Driven from their homelands, many people each year seek refuge in the USA. Jumping up and down, the cheerleaders urged the team on.
Some important common phrases and idioms
A |
All |
A bed |
All in all (সর্বেসর্বা) |
A dark |
All moonshine (বাজে) |
A far |
All on a sudden (হঠাৎ) |
A hard |
All the same (একই) |
A lame |
An angel of light দেবদূতস্বরূপ ব্যক্তি |
A |
A slow |
A short |
An apple of discord(বিবাদেরবিষয়) |
Through thick and thin(বাধা বিপত্তিসত্ত্বেও) |
An irony of fate (ভাগ্যের পরিহাস।) |
A white |
Above |
Above |
As if /As though (যেন) |
An open secret(সবার জানা গোপনীয়তা) |
As usual (স্বভাবত) |
Achilles |
Ask for ( অনুরোধ করা ) |
After |
At a dead lock (অচল অবস্থা) |
All |
At a loss (হতবুদ্ধি) |
At |
A white lie (ক্ষতিকারক |
Bear |
Bad |
Beyond all doubt (সমস্ত সন্দেহের ঊর্ধ্বে) |
Bid adieu (বিদায় |
Bag and |
Big guns (রুই কাতলা) |
Be |
Black and white (লিখিতভাবে) |
Beat |
Block head (গোবর গনেশ) |
Beauty |
Blue blood (আভিজাত্য) |
Beck |
Bone of contention (বিবাদের বিষয়) |
Before |
Bring about (ঘটনা) |
Beggar |
Bring to book (শাস্তি) |
Bell |
Bring to light (প্রকাশিত) |
Beyond one’s means |
Bring up (লালন–পালন করা) |
Call up |
Cold war (ঠান্ডা |
Call in |
Come across (হঠাৎদেখা) |
Call |
Come by (সংগ্রহ |
Call to |
Come down (নামা) |
Capital |
Come off (অনুষ্ঠিত হওয়া) |
Carry |
Come round (সুস্থ হওয়া) |
Carry |
Come to term (চুক্তিতে আসা) |
Catch |
Conducive to (উপকারী) |
Cry in the wilderness (সাড়া |
Chicken |
Dead |
Die out (শুকিয়ে যাওয়া) |
Dead |
Dilly dally (Mwogwm) |
Eat |
Epoch making (যুগান্তকারী ঘটনা) |
End in |
Every inch (পরিপূর্ণরূপে) |
Far |
Find fault with(ত্রুটি ধরা) |
Face |
First and foremost (সর্ব প্রধান) |
Fag end |
Fish out of water (অস্বস্তিকর অবস্থা) |
Fair |
For good (চিরতরে) |
Fall |
For nothing (অকারনে) |
Get by |
Give vent to (কষ্ট |
Get rid |
Give in (হাত |
Gift of |
Go a long way (দূর পর্যন্ত যাওয়া) |
Give |
Go ahead (সামনে অগ্রসর হয়া) |
Give |
Go through (ভালোভাবে পড়া) |
Hard |
Herculean task (`~in KvR) |
Hanker |
Hold good (প্রযোজ্য) |
Heart |
Hue and cry (শোরগোল) |
In a |
In pursuit of (অনুসরণ করা) |
In a |
In quest of (খোঁজে) |
In a |
Tell |
In |
In store for (ভাগ্যে) |
In lieu |
In the guise of (ছদ্মবেশে) |
In no |
In the least (GKUzI) |
Jump at an offer (ঝাঁপিয়ে |
In |
Keep |
Keep pace with(তাল মিলিয়েচলা) |
Keep |
Well to do (সচ্ছল) |
Lead |
Likely to (সম্ভাবনা) |
Leave |
Lion’s share (সিংহভাগ) |
Let |
Look down upon (অবজ্ঞা) |
Midas |
Make haste (`ªZ Kiv) |
Maiden |
Make out (eyS‡Z cviv) |
Make |
Make room (জায়গা করা) |
Make |
Make up (cwic~iY Kiv) |
Nook |
Not cricket |
Nip in |
Now and then (মাঝে মাঝে) |
Of |
On the instant (তৎক্ষণাৎ) |
Of |
On the instant (ZrLbvZ) |
Of late |
On the sly (গোপনে) |
On the |
Yellow dog (হীন ব্যক্তি ) |
On easy |
On the threshold of (Øvi cv‡šÍ) |
On |
On the verge of (শেষপ্রান্তে) |
On the |
On the wane (ক্ষয়/হ্রাস) |
Pave |
Play truant (স্কুল পালানো) |
Part |
Pros and cons (খুঁটিনাটি) |
Pick a |
Put down (‡jLv) |
Pass |
Rank and file (সাধারণ লোক) |
Step by |
Set out (যাত্রা করা) |
Safe |
Silver tongue (wgó fvlx) |
Salt of |
Sine die (অনির্দিষ্ট কালের জন্য বন্ধ) |
Scape |
Skim though (হাল্কাভাবে পরা) |
Take |
Throw dust in one’s eye (ধুলো দেয়া) |
Take |
Throw dust in one’s eye(ফাঁকি দেওয়া) |
Take to |
To the backbone (হাড়েহাড়ে) |
Mind your Ps and Qs |
To the utmost ( যথাসাধ্য) |
Null and void (বাতিল) |
Out of date (সেকেলে) |
Weal |
Over head and ears (আপাদমস্তক) |
On the whole (মোটের উপর) |
Put off (খুলে ফেলা/ফেলে রাখা) |
Once for all (‡kl ev‡ii gZ) |
Put on (পরিধান করা) |
Once in blue moon |
Put up with (সহ্যকরা) |
Out and out (হাড়েহাড়ে) |
Red tape (অফিস সংক্রান্ত বাধা) |
Slip of the tongue(বলায় সামান্য ভুল) |
Tooth and nail (প্রাণপণে) |
Stone’s throw (Aí `~i‡Z¡) |
Tough cookie (M¤¢xi cÖK…wZi) |
Sugar coated (মোড়ক) |
Turn a deaf ear to (কানে না তোলা) |
Sum and substance (সারমর্ম) |
Make up one’s mind (মনস্থির) |
Kith and kin (আত্মীয়স্বজন) |
With flying colour (বিজয় গৌরবে) |
Kick off |
Milk and water |
Lose heart (নিরাশ হওয়া) |
Go to astray (গোল্লায় যাওয়া) |
Lump sum |
Go to the dogs (গোল্লায় যাওয়া) |
To the backbone (হাড়ে হাড়ে ) |
Golden age (স্বর্ণ যুগ) |
In the teeth of (বিপত্তিসত্ত্বেও) |
Good at/Excel in/At home (দক্ষ) |
In vain (বিফলে) |
Gordian knot (KwVb mgm¨v) |
In vogue (প্রচলিত) |
Hurley barley (ˆn ‰P) |
Ins and outs (খুঁটিনাটি) |
For the time being (AvcvZZ) |
Foregone conclusionপূর্বেই অনুমিত ফলাফল) |
Without delay/fail (অবিলম্বে) |
Hush money (ঘৃণা) |
French leave (বিনা অনুমতিতে প্রস্থান) |
From hand to mouth (দিন আনে দিনখায়) |
Well up |
In the long run (পরিনামে) |
Up and |
Utopian scheme (আকাশ কুসুম কল্পনা) |
Do away with (লোপ করা) |
Cut off (বিছিন্ন |
Drop out (S‡i cov) |
Evening star |
Cut out (বাদ দেত্তয়া) |
Fight |
Cut short (সংক্ষিপ্ত) |
For the sake of (Rb¨) |
Ups and downs (উত্থান পতন) |
By leaps and bounds (অতিদ্রুত) |
By the by (প্রসঙ্গক্রমে) |
By means of (সর্ব উপায়ে) |
Crying need (অত্যন্ত প্রয়োজনীয়) |
Curry favour |
By chance (দৈব ক্রমে) |
Wild goose chase(ex_v kÖg) |
By dint of/by virtue of (গুনে/বলে) |
By fits and starts (মাঝেমধ্যে উৎসাহদেখিয়ে) |
Cut a sorry figure(মন্দ করা) |
At dagger’s drawn (সাপে নেউলে) |
By hook or by crook (যে কোন মূল্য) |
At first sight (প্রথম দর্শনে) |
At a |
At large (স্বাধীনভাবে) |
At a stretch (একটানা) |
At length (অবশেষে) |
At the eleventh hour (শেষ মুহূর্তে) |
At length (অবশেষে/বিস্তারিতভাবে) |
Turn down (bvKP Kiv) |
At a time (এক সময়) |
At stake (বিষণ্ণ বিপদে) |
At all (আদৌ) |
By |
At one’s sweet will (‡m”Qvq) |
By all means (সর্বউপায়ে) |
At sixes and sevens (এলোমেলো) |
By and by (kxNª / AwP‡i) |
At any rate |
At once (তৎক্ষণাৎ) |
Burning question (গুরুত্বপূর্ণ বিষয়) |
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Clauses
Definition: A clause is a group of words that have a subject and a predicate and is used as a sentence or part of a sentence.
Classification of Clauses: Clauses are of 3 types.
1. Principal clause or Independent clause or main clause: It is a group of words that contains a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought. An independent clause is a sentence.
2. Subordinate or Dependent clause: It is a group of words that contains a subject and verb but does not express a complete thought. A dependent clause cannot be a sentence.
3. Co-ordinate clause: It is a conjunction which coordinates or joins two or more sentences, main clauses, phrases, words, or other parts of speech which are of equal importance.
One Clause
=Principal clause
= Sub+ finite verb (nonfinite verb)
Two or more Clauses
= Principal clause + FANBOYS + Principal clause
FANBOYS (F=for, A=and, N=nor, B=but, O=or/otherwise, Y=yet, S=so)
Two or more Clauses
=Principal clause + Subordinating conjunction+ Subordinate clause
= Subordinating Conjunction + Subordinate clause + Principal clause
Subordinating conjunction: although, though , as, since, when, as long as, as much as, as soon as, because, as if, as though, while, than, even if, even though, in order that, so that, that, how, who, when, whenever, where, wherever, which, what, whom, whose, why, after, before, till, until, unless, lest, in case, provided, provided that, providing that, if
Identify clauses from the following sentences
I heated my coffee because it was too cold. She did not cheat on the test, for it was wrong. I will buy the red car or I will lease the blue one. She hoped to win the first prize. She returned the computer after she had damaged it. They got there early and they got really good seats. Wherever you go, you can always find beauty. Although the movie was very long, it was still very enjoyable. The museum was very interesting as I expected. I who was thoroughly trained, was at a loss to explain. When she was younger, she believed in fairy tales. There was no ice cream in the freezer, nor did they have money to go to the store. Everyone was busy, so I went to the movie alone. Though he was very rich, he was still very unhappy. When the cost goes up, customers buy less clothing. Without practicing much, you can’t show better performance. I really want to go to work, but I am too sick to drive. I am counting my calories, yet I really want dessert. He ran out of money, so he had to stop playing poker. I would have gotten the promotion, but my attendance wasn’t good enough. We should start class now, or we should wait for everyone to get here. As she was qualified, she became the manager. You, my best friend, lead a very decent life. We found him smoking behind the shed. After twenty years, he still had feelings for her. After the tornado had hit the town, there was little left standing. Let’s go back to the restaurant where we had our first date. I really didn’t like the play although the acting was very good. Everyone laughed when he got a cream pie smashed in his face. Some people tell me that money can’t buy happiness. It was getting dark, and we weren’t there yet. Cats are good pets, for they are clean and are not noisy. We have never been to Asia, nor have we visited Africa. He didn’t want to go to the dentist, yet he went anyway. Joynal waited for the train, but the train was late. I looked for them but they arrived at the station. They had got on the bus before I arrived. Rana and Dana arrived at the bus station before noon, and they left on the bus before I arrived. They left on the bus before I arrived at the bus station. You may watch TV or you can go out to play. You should either sit quietly or go out. The old man could neither see nor hear. He took the test several times but he couldn’t pass. He is famous, yet he is very humble. She was angry, still she kept her cool. The thieves not only robbed the man of his possessions, but also inflicted injuries on him. We can go to either Greece or Spain for our holiday. You can either take it or leave it. Both cricket and football are popular in Bangladesh. Both English and Welsh are spoken in Wales. Not only is he a professional footballer, but also he’s a successful businessman. In sport, what counts is not the winning but the taking part. Neither Norway nor Switzerland is in the European Union. Marriage is neither heaven nor hell, it is simply a dilemma. Whether you love them or hate them, you have to admit that the Rolling Stones are very popular. I don’t know whether I’m coming or going. No sooner had I finished watering the garden than it started raining. Either my brother or my mum looks after our cat when we’re away on holiday. Either my brother or my parents look after our cat when we’re away on holiday. Neither the manager nor his assistant is here today. Neither the manager nor his assistants are here today.
Subordinate clauses can be divided into 3 parts.
1. Noun Clause: A noun clause is a dependent or subordinating clause that works as a noun to name a person, place, thing, or idea. It can be the subject of a sentence, an object, or a complement.
Noun clauses always begin with certain words.
The most common of these words are words that we also use to form questions:
Who, What, Why, Where, When
We can also begin noun clauses with pronouns:
Which, That, Whoever, Whatever, Wherever, Whenever
Example
I know that the students studied their assignment. I wonder what is making Tracy so unhappy. I believe that everything happens for a reason. I remember what you said yesterday. The goal of our company is what is explained in the profile. Whatever you decide to do is fine with me. How you made that decision baffles me. Why we chose not to include you is none of your business. The school requires students to complete all courses. I asked her to help me. The manager urged his employees to provide exceptional customer service.
2. Adjective clause
An adjective clause is a dependent clause that functions as an adjective in the sentence. Adjective clauses can also be called relative clauses. An adjective clause begins with a relative pronoun or a relative adverb.
Here is a list of relative pronouns: who, whom, which, that, whose
Here is a list of relative adverbs: when, why, where
Example
The carpets which you bought last year have gone moldy. The film which you recommended scared the kids half to death. The follies which a man regrets most in his life are those which he didn’t commit when he had the opportunity. Rana, a person who talks when you wish him to listen. The lady who lives across the street is my aunt. The book that is on the chair belongs to Marvin. I do not like people who are mean to animals. Did you go to the school where my friend Jim goes? The moment when the clown burst in to surprise the teacher was great! The reason why I left is a secret. Can you see the bird that is on the fence? The cat whom we are watching just caught a mouse! The boy whose shoes are on the floor is my little brother. I like pizza, which is also the favorite of my sister Jean.
3. Adverbial Clause
An adverb clause is a dependent clause that acts as an adverb in the sentence. Adverb clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions. Unlike an adjective clause, in which the introductory word serves as the subject, the subordinating conjunction does not serve as the subject. The subordinating conjunction is often an adverb itself.
Time: after, when, until, soon, before, once, while, as soon as, whenever, by the time
Condition: if, whether or not, provided, in case, unless, even if, in the event
Cause and effect: because, as, since, so, in order that, now that, inasmuch as
Contrast: though, although, while, whereas, even though
Example
Because he has a college degree, he got a great job. When the storm started, she was at the store. Bob wore the coat that I gave him. Whether you like it or not, you have to go to bed now. She likes the red car more than her husband does. If you pay your bills, you will have a good credit score. Unless you run fast, you will miss the bus. So that she would have a tan for her vacation, she went to a tanning salon. Marty kept his schedule open, in case of emergencies. Because he loved her, he didn’t believe she had an affair. Once they saw the car coming, the birds flew away from the street. Although she has a business degree, she is working as a retail clerk. You must keep practicing the etude until you get it right. In order to have six-pack abs, he works out at the gym. As we bought the tickets, the overture was beginning. Before we go on vacation, we must make reservations. Give us a call when you get back from your trip. I won’t allow you to see that movie, even though you are old enough. We’ll go to the bar where they asked us to wait. Since I’ll be working late, I’ll eat downtown. Wherever there is a beach, sun worshippers will gather. While others saw the glass half empty, Barry saw it half full. The fireworks show will start after the sun goes down. That is the last of the soda, as far as I know. Whenever you promise to so something, you need to keep it. Now that everyone has left the party, we need to start cleaning. No matter how many times I try to stop, I just can’t give up chocolate. Insofar as it can be determined, this is the best car on the market. We can get some new clothes provided the store is open this late. The cat made herself at home in the apartment as if she had always lived there. Frank ran the race as though his life depended on it. The people of Italy and Greece are similar in that they live near the Mediterranean Sea. He remembered to wear his jacket lest he catch a cold. We can swim in the pool as soon as we put on plenty of sunscreen. Even if all around you are losing their heads, you need to remain calm. Supposing your son took the car without permission, what would your punishment be? Delaware was the first state that signed the Constitution. Inasmuch as I would like to recommend you for the position, I just can’t do it. I never knew how wonderful life could be till I met you. There may come a time when I would do this, though I can’t imagine when that would be.