Identifying Phrases (Infinitive, Participle, Appositive, Prepositional, Gerund)
gerund phrase
Before [reaching the summit], the climbers quit.
prepositional phrase
[Before the race], the sprinter put a lucky penny in his sock.
gerund phrase
*Watching the presidential debates* is important for undecided voters.
participial phrase
[Driven by her need to be perfect], Gertrude always did well in her classes
participle phrase
[Fascinated by the stalactites and stalagmites in the cave], the tourists took many pictures.
participle phrase
[Found only near the ocean], starfish are plentiful here.
participle phrase
[Listening carefully], he understood all the teacher said.
gerund phrase
[Reading a good book] relaxes me on a stressful day.
gerund phrase
[Running in a marathon] is one of my goals.
infinitive phrase
[To celebrate their arrival at the villa,] they all enjoyed a glass of Sangria on the terrace overlooking the sea.
infinitive phrase
[To understand the lesson], you must listen carefully.
prepositional phrase
[With a loud shout],the boys entered the room.
prepositional phrase
[With just two minutes left], our team scored.
gerund phrase
Before [putting too much effort into the project], maybe you should get some guidance from your boss.
gerund phrase
After [making a hole in one], Ed decided he should quit golfing.
appositive phrase
Biology, [my favorite science class], is only offered on 3rd period.
prepositional phrase
Charlie tip-toed [around the corner]
infinitive phrase
Clyde plans [to meet his family] on the other side of the mall.
infinitive phrase
David decided [to close the back door] before a raccoon sneaked in.
prepositional phrase
Did Bill go to the meeting [without his briefcase].
gerund phrase
Does Rick plan on [attending every game] that the Ducks play next year?
infinitive phrase
Does the captain want us [to lower the sails] before we enter the harbor?
gerund phrase
Ed likes *listening to music.*
prepositional phrase
Four cups [of flour] went into the cake.
prepositional phrase
He should discover a gift certificate [for dinner at Cafe Sofia] under his seat at the table.
appositive phrase
His dog, [a miniature schnauzer], chases away any birds or squirrels that come into the yard.
gerund phrase
I am all too familiar with [waking up at five a.m. daily], considering I am a mom of two young kids
gerund phrase
I enjoy [talking on the telephone.]
infinitive phrase
I need [to know the answer.]
participle phrase
I plan to take French,[usually taught by Mrs. Milstead].
infinitive phrase
I want *to study for the quiz.*
infinitive phrase
I wanted [to see the movie.]
prepositional phrase
I went [to the mall] yesterday.
infinitive phrase
In the United States, citizens have the right *to speak their minds.*
prepositional phrase
Jonas said he prefers the bicycle *with all terrain tires and the wider, more comfortable seat.*
appositive phrase
Let's watch my favorite movie, [Taken.]
appositive phrase
Miss Smith, *my science teacher,* got married last week.
infinitive phrase
Mr. Patel and Mr. Kim recruited neighborhood children *to help decorate the storefronts for Independence Day.*
appositive phrase
My brother [Mark] joined the Marines last year.
gerund phrase
My favorite pastime is *watching Netflix.*
gerund phrase
Nobody seems to be very interested in *going to the fireworks display.*
prepositional phrase
Samuel hid her present [behind the dresser.]
participle phrase
She liked the shirt [given to her by her grandmother. ]
gerund phrase
She preferred [eating at the local deli] for lunch.
appositive phrase
Susan Sarandon, [a famous actress], has been very supportive of the striking workers.
appositive phrase
The Rock,[Nick's favorite wrestler], will certainly win tonight's match.
participle phrase
The TCAP, [given in April], makes some students nervous.
appositive phrase
The aim of standards-based education, [the newest trend in education], is to focus on learning rather than compliance,
participial phrase
The baby penguin, [wobbling toward its mother], squawked loudly.
infinitive phrase
The best way [to learn a new skill] is to practice
participle phrase
The candidate [elected by the voters] promised to put "a chicken in every pot."
participial phrase
The coffee tasted like mud [mixed with motor oil].
prepositional phrase
The flight was on time *in spite of the storm.*
participle phrase
The girl [sitting in the last row] just moved here.
participial phrase
The student, [bored by the lecture], drew pictures in her notebook.
participial phrase
The sun [rising gloriously in the sky] inspired the visitors to the ancient temple.
gerund phrase
The team hopes that [practicing a new offense this week] will improve its chances of winning.
participial phrase
The turkeys *running around the yard* looked like they would make a tasty dinner.
gerund phrase
They want to try [jumping from an airplane] without a parachute.
appositive phrase
Tom Hanks, [star of "Philadelphia], will be appearing in a new film this holiday season.
prepositional phrase
Tom visited India while studying the history [of Indian art.]
infinitive phrase
Will has not wanted [to play his saxophone] since the last recital.
infinitive phrase
Will someone be here soon [to open the door]?
infinitive phrase
to swim in the ocean