Test: Phrases- 1 - Class 4 MCQ

A phrase is defined as a group of words that express a single idea. It does not have to be a complete sentence, and it typically does not include a subject-verb combination that would make it a clause or a full sentence.

Explanation of Incorrect Options

• Option A: A complete sentence is an independent clause that contains a subject and a predicate. This is not the definition of a phrase.
• Option C: A punctuation mark is a symbol used in writing to separate sentences and clarify meaning. It is not related to the definition of a phrase.
• Option D: A verb tense indicates the time of action or state of being of a verb. This concept is separate from the definition of a phrase.

A prepositional phrase typically consists of a preposition and its object. In this case, the correct option is Under the table, as it contains the preposition 'under' and the noun 'table'.

Explanation of Incorrect Options

• The dog barked loudly. - This is a complete sentence, not a prepositional phrase.

• She ran quickly. - This is also a complete sentence, lacking a prepositional phrase.

• Jumping high - This phrase lacks a preposition and is not a prepositional phrase.

The correct answer is Swimming in the pool, as it is the gerund phrase in the sentence.

Explanation of Incorrect Options

• is fun: This is a predicate that describes the subject but does not contain a gerund phrase.
• the pool is fun: This phrase is a complete clause and does not represent a gerund phrase.
• in the pool is fun: Similar to option B, this is a clause and does not include a gerund phrase.

The correct answer is On the shelf because it describes the noun "book" and provides additional information about its location. An adjective phrase typically includes adjectives and any modifiers that work together to describe a noun.

Explanation of Incorrect Options

• The book is not an adjective phrase; it is a noun phrase comprising the noun "book" and the determiner "the".
• is mine is a predicate, not an adjective phrase, as it describes the state of the subject rather than modifying a noun.
• The book on the shelf is a noun phrase that includes the adjective phrase "on the shelf" but is not itself an adjective phrase.

Explanation of Correct Answer

The correct answer is Gerund phrase. A gerund phrase consists of a gerund (a verb ending in -ing that functions as a noun) along with any modifiers or objects. Since gerunds act as nouns, a gerund phrase can indeed function as the subject of a sentence. For example, in the sentence "Swimming is fun," the phrase "Swimming" is a gerund phrase serving as the subject.

Explanation of Incorrect Options

• Prepositional phrase: This type of phrase begins with a preposition and cannot function as a subject. For example, "in the park" is a prepositional phrase that provides location but does not serve as a subject.
• Infinitive phrase: An infinitive phrase includes the infinitive form of a verb (to + verb) and can function as a noun, but it is not primarily used as a subject. For example, "to run a marathon" can be the subject, but it is less common than a gerund phrase in this role.
• Participial phrase: This phrase includes a participle (a verb form that acts as an adjective) and is used to describe nouns rather than function as a subject. For instance, "running quickly" describes a noun but does not serve as a subject.

In the sentence, the participial phrase is Exhausted from the long journey. This phrase acts as an adjective, describing the subject, Sarah. It provides context about her state when she fell asleep.

Explanation of Incorrect Options

• from the long journey: This is a prepositional phrase, not a participial phrase, as it does not contain a participle.
• Sarah fell asleep: This is a complete clause containing a subject and a verb, not a participial phrase.
• The long journey: This is a noun phrase and does not function as a participial phrase.

The correct answer is Infinitive phrase. An infinitive phrase typically begins with the infinitive form of a verb, which is the word "to" followed by the base form of the verb (e.g., to run, to eat).

Explanation of Incorrect Options

• Prepositional phrase: This type of phrase begins with a preposition and does not involve an infinitive verb form.
• Gerund phrase: A gerund phrase begins with a gerund, which is a verb ending in -ing, and is not initiated by an infinitive.
• Participial phrase: This phrase begins with a participle (present or past) and is not based on an infinitive verb form.

The correct answer is With grace, as it describes how she sings, functioning as an adverbial phrase.

Explanation of Incorrect Options

• She sings: This is the subject and verb of the sentence, not an adverbial phrase.
• She: This only identifies the subject and does not provide any information about the action.
• Sings with grace: This includes the verb and the adverbial phrase but does not isolate the phrase itself.

A phrase in a sentence helps to create a complete thought. It adds more detail and meaning to what we want to say. Here are some important points:

• A phrase can be a group of words that act together.
• It gives more information but does not stand alone.
• Phrases make sentences more interesting and clear.

For example, in the sentence "The cat on the roof is sleeping," the phrase "on the roof" gives extra information about the cat.

The correct answer is The big red apple because it is the complete noun phrase that includes the determiner "The," the adjectives "big" and "red," and the noun "apple." This phrase functions as the subject of the sentence.

Explanation of Incorrect Options

• Fell from the tree: This is a verb phrase and does not contain a noun.
• The tree: While this is a noun phrase, it does not represent the subject of the sentence.
• The big apple: This is also a noun phrase, but it is not the correct phrase from the original sentence.