1. PHRASES A phrase is a group of words that acts as a part of speech rather than as a complete sentence. You already know the function of a noun, adjective, or adverba phrase merely takes on one of those functions. A phrase does not have a subject and a verb. By far the most common kind of phrase is the prepositional phrase, which begins, incredibly, with a preposition, and ends with a noun. Because she was (in a snit), lovely Wanda walked quickly (with a towel) (to the beach). Each prepositional phrase is in parentheses. in a snit describes Wanda, so it is an adjective phrase. with a towel also describes Wanda; it, too, is an adjective phrase. to the beach describes where Wanda walked, so it is an adverb phrase. All these phrases are still prepositional phrases, and prepositional phrases usually at as adjectives or adverbs. Occasionally a prepositional phrase acts as a noun. (Before dinner) is a good time to do homework. Before dinner is the subject of is. A quick way to determine if a phrase is a noun phrase is to replace the phrase with it. If the sentence makes sense, then the phrase must be the subject of the verb, so therefore a noun phrase. Before dinner is a good time to do homework. It is a good time to do homework Practice sentences:1. In a huff, Deidre marched to the party.2. Her boyfriend, in a new suit, stood out in the crowd.3. Many of the partygoers wore socks on their hands. From Grammar Smart: A Guide to Perfect Usage