Analyzing Phrase Structure

Phrase

In simple explanation, phrase is a group of word or interrelated words. It can be moved around inside clauses as a single unit; here, we concentrate on the fact that in such groups we recognize various links among the words, between heads and their modifiers. This relationship of modification is fundamental in syntax. It will play an important role in the account of different types of clause. And of course, different phrase will be different clause.

There are five kinds of phrase. They are noun phrase, adjective phrase, adverb phrase, verb phrase, and prepositional phrase.

1.      Noun Phrase

-          The head is noun

-          Modify by determiner (article, demonstrative, quantifier), adjective

Examples 

 

2.      Adjective phrase

-          The head is adjective

-          Modify by adjective

-          In sentence, it can see from the basic function (adjective modify noun)

Examples

 

3.      Adverb phrase

-          The head is adverb

-          Modify by adjective

Example

 

4.      Verb phrase

-          The head is verb

-          Modify by Copula (auxiliary, linking verb, modal)

Example

 

  

5. Prepositional phrase

The head is preposition

-          Modify by determiner, noun

Example

Analyzing the structure of noun phrase (NP), adjective phrase (AdjP), Adverb phrase (AdvP), verb phrase (VP), Preposition phrase (PrepP) by using three diagram.

There are two approaches in analyzing kinds of phrases in using three diagram. They are Top-Down, and Bottom-Up. Top-Down begin from the largest phrase to the smallest phrase. In contrary, Bottom-Up start from the smallest phrase to the largest one.

 Source

- Miller. 2002. An introduction of English Syntax .Edinburgh University Press 

Exercise 2.

Determine the part of speech of each phrases below, after that analyze kind of phrases (NP,AdjP,AdvP,Vp,PrepP). In the end, do not forget to make three diagram. (@20)

1. The refugees from Iran

2. From behind the cloud

3. The burglar with a big gun

4.These diligent worker

5. Ate soup at home

6. Will fly to India

7. The agreement between two companies

8. Girl in a blue dress

9.  House with a large field

10. cute pink pencil on the table