| phrase |
| Definition -
A collection of grammatically related words without a subject or a predicate that act as a single unit in a sentence. Note: As opposed to a clause, which is a collection of grammatically related words that includes both a predicate and a (sometimes implied) subject. |
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Example - (1) the store across the street (this is a noun phrase because it starts with a noun); (2) across the street (a prepositional phrase because it begins with the preposition across); (3) run fast (a verb phrase because it starts with a verb); (4) green grass (an adjectival phrase); and (5) very carefully (an adverbial phrase because it starts with the adverb very) |
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Etymology - The word derives via Late Latin from the Greek phrasis, speech or way of speaking. |
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Oxford English Dictionary - Its first citation in this sense is from 1852: "The predicate may be extended in various ways:—1. By an adverb, or an adverbial phrase." (Morell Anal. Sent. §17) |
