Page 149 - SpringBoard_Writing_Workshop_Grade7_Flipbook

Activities 3.8, 3.17
Lesson: Phrases Learning Target
• Explain the function of phrases in general and their function in specific sentences.
Sentences are made of words, phrases, and clauses. A phrase is a word group that does NOT have both a subject and a verb and that functions as a part of speech, such as a noun or modifier (adjective or adverb). There are many different kinds of phrases.
A noun phrase is usually made of a noun or pronoun and its modifiers. It stands for a person, place, thing, or idea and functions as a noun: it can be a subject, object, object of a preposition, etc.
The sandy Gulf Coast beaches are home to many animals. [The phrase acts as the complete subject.]
Sea turtles lay eggs in nests on sandy Gulf Coast beaches every summer. [The phrase acts as the object of
the preposition on.]
A verb phrase includes a main verb and one or more helping verbs. It expresses action or a state of being.
Do they lay many eggs?
Yes, they can lay hundreds of eggs in one nest.
A prepositional phrase is introduced by a preposition and includes a noun or pronoun that is the object of the preposition, as well as any modifiers of that object. A prepositional phrase usually acts as a modifier (an adjective or adverb), adding detail.
The female turtles return to the beach where they were born. [The phrase acts as an adverb modifying return.]
The nest under that dune should hatch next week. [The phrase acts as an adjective modifying nest.]
A participial phrase includes a participle (a verb form that can be used as an adjective) and any modifiers or
objects of the participle.
Incubating for weeks or months, the eggs hold tiny turtles. [The phrase modifies eggs.] The eggs buried in the sand are protected from predators. [The phrase modifies eggs.]
An absolute phrase acts as a modifier. It includes a noun or pronoun and a participle or participial phrase. Absolute phrases typically focus on a specific detail.
One night, a bright moon shining on the water, the hatchlings will emerge from the nest.
Their tiny fins making slow headway, the hatchlings will scramble toward the ocean. [The phrase modifies hatchlings.]
Grammar Activities • Unit 3 3
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