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Phrases
a group of words that functions in a sentence as a part of speech
Prepositional
- function as either adjectives or adverbs
o as adjective answers “what kind” or “which one” and modifies a noun
or pronoun
 can modify any sentence part that is acting as a noun
o as adverb answers where, when, in what way, or to what extent
 when modifying a verb, may come before or after the modified
word
1. Caves occurring in nature can be formed in different ways.
2. Caves formed by the long-term effect of acidic water are called solution caves.
3. Most of these caves are formed from limestone, which dissolves easily in slightly
acidic water.
4. In certain geographic areas, water tends to absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide and
other acidic compounds.
5. Over time, this acidic ground water eventually eats away at the rock, leaving an
underground chamber or cave.
Appositive
- when an appositive is accompanied by one or more modifiers, it becomes a
phrase
- placed next to a noun or pronoun in order to add information and details
- can modify or rename any sentence part acting as a noun
- can be essential in which no commas are used to offset it
- can be non-essential and offset by commas meaning it can be removed from
the sentence without altering its meaning
1. Caves, natural subterranean cavities, have many unique characteristics.
2. Calcium carbonate, a chemical compound, leaches from the rock to form
structures found only in caves.
3. Speleothems, the scientific name for these structures, form after the cave itself has
developed.
4. Stalactites, hanging formations on the roof of a cave, are formed when water rich
in calcium carbonate drips through cracks in the rock above.
5. Stalagmites, formations on the ground, are formed when this mineral-rich water
drips to the floor of the cave.
•

Phrase: group of words that functions in sentence as part of speech

Prepositional Phrase: functions as either adjective or adverb and contains
preposition (see your handout) and noun/pronoun called the object of the
preposition (may have modifiers and may be compound)
o Adjective Phrase: modifies noun/pronoun by stating what kind / which
one
 Can modify any sentence part that acts as noun
o Adverb Phrase: modifies verb, adjective, or other adverb by pointing out
where, when, in what manner, or to what extent
 When modifying a verb, adverb phrase may come before or after
modified word

Appositive Phrase: noun/pronoun placed next to another noun/pronoun in
order to add information and details
o Can modify any part of sentence acting as a noun
o Set off by commas (or other punctuation) if it contains nonessential (can be
removed from sentence without altering its meaning) material
o No commas are used if material in essential
Prepositional Phrase - Answers
1. Caves occurring in nature can be formed in different ways. (adv, adv)
2. Caves formed by the long-term effect of acidic water are called solution caves.
(adv,adj)
3. Most of these caves are formed from limestone, which dissolves easily in slightly
acidic water. (adj, adv, adv)
4. In certain geographic areas, water tends to absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide and
other acidic compounds. (adv, adj)
5. Over time, this acidic ground water eventually eats away at the rock, leaving an
underground chamber or cave. (adv, adv)
•
Appositive Phrase - Answers
1.
Caves, natural subterranean cavities, have many unique characteristics.
2.
Calcium carbonate, a chemical compound, leaches from the rock to form
structures found only in caves.
3.
Speleothems, the scientific name for these structures, form after the cave itself has
developed.
4.
Stalactites, hanging formations on the roof of a cave, are formed when water rich
in calcium carbonate drips through cracks in the rock above.
5.
Stalagmites, formations on the ground, are formed when this mineral-rich water
drips to the floor of the cave.