SUBJECT: ENGLISH LANGUAGE

TOPIC: STRUCTURE SUB-TOPIC: PHRASES LESSON #3: Prepositional Phrases, Gerund Phrases and Infinitive Phrases TEACHER: Anthony Simukonde

I. Prepositional Phrases

Prepositional phrases consist of a preposition and its object. They most commonly function as adverbs, but they can also be adjectival. Prepositional phrase examples and how they appear in a sentence

• on the wall — preposition on + object the wall

Sentence: We hung the painting on the wall. (adverbial prepositional phrase)

• in the driveway — preposition in + object the driveway

Sentence: The car in the driveway is my uncle’s. (adjectival prepositional phrase)

II. Gerund Phrases

A gerund phrase is formed when a gerund (the “- ing” form of a verb used as a noun) is

accompanied by any modifiers and/or objects. The entire phrase functions as a noun,

meaning it can be the subject of a clause or an object of a verb or preposition.

Gerund phrase examples and how they appear in a sentence

swimming every day — gerund swimming + adverbial phrase every day

Sentence: Swimming every day is good for your health.

• reading books in the dark — gerund reading + object books + adverbial prepositional phrase in the dark

Sentence: I would not recommend reading books in the dark.

III. Infinitive Phrases

Infinitive phrases are composed of the infinitive of a verb (the base form + the particle to) along with any objects or modifiers associated with it. Infinitives and infinitive phrases can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs in a sentence. Infinitive phrase examples and how they appear in a sentence

• to help one another — infinitive to help +

object one another

Sentence: (a) We must all try to help one another. (functions as a noun, the direct object of try)

• to stop for today — infinitive to stop +

adverbial prepositional phrase for today Sentence: (b) This is a good place to stop for today. (functions as an adjective, modifying the noun place)

• to send my brother a letter — infinitive to send + indirect object my brother + direct object a letter

Sentence: (c) I am going to the post office to send my brother a letter. (functions as an adverb, modifying the verb going

Exercise

In each of the following sentences, identify the prepositional phrases by way of underlining.

1. Sechelani thinks this is the beginning of a great friendship.

2. I always think I rescued you from the lion’s jaws.

3. In this town, the fewer people you know the better.

4. My father always said life was like a box of chocolates.

From 5 to 7, identify the gerund phrases, and from 8 to 10 identify the infinitive phrases

5. Running away was a great mistake. 6. Muwelanji earns lots of money by selling insurance policies.

7. She doesn’t anticipate having much time for a vacation this summer.

8. More than anything else, I wanted some time alone to read.

9. Our grandmother told us that we have been put on this earth to share, to care, to give and to receive.

10. As the bus was moving, Musunganji

attempted to jump off it.