Test: Phrases- 2 - Class 4 MCQ

Explanation of Correct Answer

The correct answer is Infinitive phrase. An infinitive phrase is a group of words that includes the infinitive (to + verb) and can express purpose or reason, such as in the sentence 'He went to the store to buy milk.'

Explanation of Incorrect Options

• Prepositional phrase: This type of phrase begins with a preposition and provides information about location, time, or direction, but it does not inherently express purpose or reason.
• Gerund phrase: A gerund phrase begins with a gerund (verb ending in -ing) and can function as a noun. While it may describe an action, it does not specifically indicate purpose or reason.
• Participial phrase: This type of phrase starts with a participle (a verb form used as an adjective) and describes a noun, but like the gerund phrase, it does not convey purpose or reason.

The correct answer is an artist, which is the appositive phrase providing additional information about Alex. An appositive phrase renames or identifies a noun, and in this case, it clarifies that Alex is an artist.

Explanation of Incorrect Options

• My friend Alex is not the appositive phrase but rather the subject of the sentence.
• painted a beautiful mural is the main verb phrase of the sentence and does not function as an appositive.
• the sentence has no appositive phrase is incorrect, as there is indeed an appositive phrase in the sentence.

The correct answer is B: Clauses have subjects and verbs, while phrases don't. This distinction is fundamental in grammar.

Explanation of Incorrect Options

• A: Phrases do not contain verbs, which is why this statement is incorrect.
• C: The length of clauses and phrases can vary; clauses are not necessarily longer than phrases.
• D: Both phrases and clauses can be used in questions and statements; this statement does not accurately reflect their grammatical functions.

An absolute phrase adds extra information to a sentence, but it doesn’t change the main meaning. It often includes a noun and a participle (like a verb but used as an adjective).

Here are some details about the option that is an absolute phrase:

• Running quickly is a phrase that gives extra information about the athlete.
• This phrase describes how the athlete won the race.

The other options do not contain this extra information format, so they are not absolute phrases.

The correct answer is with the blue door. This phrase describes the house and functions as an adjectival phrase, providing more information about which house is being referred to.

Explanation of Incorrect Options

• The house is mine does not serve as an adjectival phrase; it is a complete sentence providing information about ownership.
• The blue door is a noun phrase but does not describe the house directly.
• The house with the blue door is a complete noun phrase that identifies the subject but does not isolate the adjectival phrase.

The correct answer is Prepositional phrase. A prepositional phrase can indicate contrast or exception, often introduced by words such as "except" or "but." For example, in the sentence "Everyone attended the meeting except John," the prepositional phrase "except John" shows an exception.

Explanation of Incorrect Options

• Gerund phrase: This type of phrase functions as a noun and does not inherently indicate contrast or exception.
• Infinitive phrase: Infinitive phrases typically express purpose or intent and do not serve to show contrast.
• Participial phrase: Participial phrases describe nouns and do not indicate contrast or exception.

Explanation of Correct Answer

The main function of an adverbial phrase is to modify verbs, adjectives, or adverbs. This type of phrase provides additional information about how, when, where, or to what extent something occurs, which directly influences the meaning of the verb, adjective, or adverb it modifies.

Explanation of Incorrect Options

• To describe nouns: This is the function of adjectival phrases, not adverbial phrases.
• To introduce questions: This function is typically performed by interrogative words or phrases, not adverbial phrases.
• To connect clauses: This is the role of conjunctions, not adverbial phrases.

The correct answer is learn how to play the piano. This is because an infinitive phrase consists of the infinitive form of a verb and any modifiers or complements associated with it. In this case, 'to learn' is the infinitive, and 'how to play the piano' acts as a complement explaining what she wants to learn.

Explanation of Incorrect Options

• Option A: 'She wants' is not an infinitive phrase; it is simply the subject and verb of the main clause.
• Option B: 'to play the piano' is an infinitive phrase but does not include the verb 'learn', hence it does not represent the complete action that 'she wants'.
• Option C: 'how to play the piano' is a noun clause but does not include the main verb 'learn', making it incomplete as an infinitive phrase.

Explanation of Correct Answer

The correct answer is Participial phrase. A participial phrase begins with a present participle, which is the -ing form of a verb, and it typically functions as an adjective to modify a noun.

Explanation of Incorrect Options

• Prepositional phrase: This type of phrase begins with a preposition and does not start with a present participle.
• Gerund phrase: Although a gerund phrase also starts with a present participle, it functions as a noun rather than an adjective.
• Infinitive phrase: An infinitive phrase begins with the infinitive form of a verb (to + verb) and does not start with a present participle.

The correct answer is to visit the museum, which is the verbal phrase in the sentence. A verbal phrase includes a verb form and its complements or modifiers and functions as a single part of speech.

Explanation of Incorrect Options

• They plan: This is a simple verb phrase consisting of the subject and verb, but it does not include a verbal phrase.
• visit the museum: This is a noun phrase that indicates the action but does not include the infinitive verb form that characterises a verbal phrase.
• They: This is just a pronoun and does not form a phrase that expresses an action or state.