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Class 9 & Class 10 Resources Center

02-11-2026 English Grammar, Ch.2 , Phrase.

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Grammar Workbook: Phrases

Adjective Phrases · Adverb Phrases · Noun Phrases

Exercise 1: Adjective Phrases

Pick out the adjective phrases in the following sentences.

Grammar rule: An adjective phrase is a group of words that works like an adjective. It describes a noun or pronoun and usually answers “which?” or “what kind?”. It is often introduced by a preposition such as of, in, with, without.
  1. A man in great difficulties came to me for help. Why: The phrase “in great difficulties” tells us which man came to me.
  2. He is a person of very considerable renown. Why: The phrase starts with “of” and describes the noun “person”.
  3. Wild beasts in small cages are a sorry sight. Why: The phrase tells us which beasts are meant, so it describes “beasts”.
  4. A man without an enemy is a man with few friends. Why: Both phrases describe “man”. The first says he has no enemy, and the second says he has few friends.
  5. He tells a tale with the ring of truth in it. Why: The phrase describes the noun “tale” by telling us its quality.
  6. A friend in need is a friend indeed. Why: “In need” describes the noun “friend”, telling us what kind of friend is meant.
  7. A stitch in time saves nine. Why: “In time” describes the noun “stitch”. It is a proverb, so the phrase is used in its fixed form.
  8. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Why: “In the hand” describes “bird”, and “in the bush” describes “two” (birds).
  9. Gardens with cool shady trees surround the village. Why: The phrase describes the noun “gardens” by telling us what they have.
  10. Only a man with plenty of money buys a car of such beauty and power. Why: The first phrase describes “man”, and the second describes “car”.

Exercise 2: Adjective Phrases

Replace the adjective in italics with an adjective phrase of the same meaning.

Grammar rule: A single adjective can often be replaced by a phrase with of, made of, or full of plus a noun. For example, “wooden” becomes “made of wood”.
  1. A grey cloud spread over the sky. Answer: A cloud of grey colour spread over the sky. Why: “Grey” describes colour, so we use “of grey colour”.
  2. He dwelt in a wooden hut. Answer: He dwelt in a hut made of wood. Why: “Wooden” shows the material, so we use “made of wood”.
  3. He had a bald head. Answer: He had a head without hair. Why: “Bald” means having no hair, so we use “without hair”.
  4. She wore a diamond necklace. Answer: She wore a necklace made of diamonds. Why: “Diamond” here shows the material, so we use “made of diamonds”.
  5. It was a horrible night. Answer: It was a night full of horror. Why: “Horrible” describes a quality, so we use “full of horror”.
  6. They went by Siberian railway. Answer: They went by the railway of Siberia. Why: “Siberian” shows origin, so we use “of Siberia”.
  7. A grassy meadow stretched before us. Answer: A meadow covered with grass stretched before us. Why: “Grassy” means covered with grass.
  8. An earthen pitcher stood on a three-legged table. Answer: A pitcher made of earth stood on a table with three legs. Why: “Earthen” shows material, and “three-legged” shows number of legs.
  9. The French flag flew at the top of the highest mast. Answer: The flag of France flew at the top of the mast of greatest height. Why: “French” shows origin, and “highest” is expressed as “of greatest height”.
  10. That was a cowardly act. Answer: That was an act full of cowardice. Why: “Cowardly” describes a quality, so we use the noun “cowardice” with “full of”.

Exercise 3: Adjectives

Replace each adjective phrase in italics with an adjective of the same meaning.

Grammar rule: This is the reverse of Exercise 2. A phrase such as “made of silk” or “full of shame” can be replaced by a single adjective, such as “silken” or “shameful”. Adjectives usually come before the noun.
  1. He wore a turban made of silk. Answer: He wore a silken turban. Why: “Made of silk” becomes the adjective “silken”.
  2. He has done a deed of shame. Answer: He has done a shameful deed. Why: “Of shame” becomes the adjective “shameful”.
  3. He led a life devoid of blame. Answer: He led a blameless life. Why: “Devoid of blame” means without blame, so the adjective is “blameless”.
  4. He is a man without a friend. Answer: He is a friendless man. Why: “Without a friend” becomes “friendless”.
  5. They came to a path covered with mud. Answer: They came to a muddy path. Why: “Covered with mud” becomes “muddy”.
  6. He carried a sword stained with blood. Answer: He carried a bloody sword. Why: “Stained with blood” becomes “bloody”.
  7. I met a little girl from a cottage. Answer: I met a little cottage girl. Why: The phrase “from a cottage” shows origin, so “cottage” is used as an adjective before “girl”.
  8. Balu was a man with plenty of impudence. Answer: Balu was an impudent man. Why: “With plenty of impudence” becomes “impudent”.
  9. From this village in the mountains came a chieftain of great fame. Answer: From this mountainous village came a famous chieftain. Why: “In the mountains” becomes “mountainous”, and “of great fame” becomes “famous”.
  10. The Rajput leader was a soldier full of hope and free from fear. Answer: The Rajput leader was a hopeful and fearless soldier. Why: “Full of hope” becomes “hopeful”, and “free from fear” becomes “fearless”.

Exercise 4: Adjective Phrases

Fill in the blanks with suitable adjective phrases.

Grammar rule: The blank must describe the noun before it, so the phrase should be a prepositional group such as of, with, in.
  1. An elephant with a long trunk is considered sacred by some people. Why: “With a long trunk” describes the noun “elephant”.
  2. Birds of a feather flock together. Why: “Of a feather” describes “birds”. It means birds of the same kind.
  3. He leads a life of ease. Why: “Of ease” describes the noun “life”.
  4. Children like books with colourful pictures. Why: The phrase describes the noun “books”.
  5. He lost a diamond of great value. Why: “Of great value” describes the noun “diamond”.
  6. The old sage spoke words of wisdom. Why: “Of wisdom” describes the noun “words”.
  7. She is a woman of great beauty. Why: “Of great beauty” describes the noun “woman”.
  8. John Gilpin was a citizen of London. Why: “Of London” describes the noun “citizen” by telling us where he belongs.
  9. Draw a picture of a beautiful garden. Why: “Of a beautiful garden” describes the noun “picture”.
  10. The leaves of the mango tree are glossy. Why: “Of the mango tree” describes the noun “leaves”.

Exercise 5: Adjective Phrases

Write five sentences containing adjective phrases.

Method: Write a sentence with a noun, then add a phrase after it that describes that noun. The answers below are examples, and your own sentences can be different.
  1. The boy with curly hair is my brother. Why: “With curly hair” describes the noun “boy”.
  2. She lives in a house near the river. Why: “Near the river” describes the noun “house”, telling us which house.
  3. I bought a table made of wood. Why: “Made of wood” describes the noun “table”.
  4. The man of great wisdom addressed the gathering. Why: “Of great wisdom” describes the noun “man”.
  5. We saw a bird with beautiful feathers. Why: “With beautiful feathers” describes the noun “bird”.

Exercise 6: Adverb Phrases

Pick out the adverb phrases in the following sentences.

Grammar rule: An adverb phrase is a group of words that works like an adverb. It modifies a verb and answers “where?”, “when?”, “how?”, or “why?”.
  1. She lived in the middle of a great wood. Why: Answers “where did she live?” (place).
  2. Nothing can live on the moon. Why: Answers “where?” (place) and modifies “live”.
  3. Come into the garden, Maud. Why: Answers “where should she come?” (direction and place) and modifies “come”.
  4. Three fishers went sailing over the sea. Why: Answers “where?” (place) and modifies “went sailing”.
  5. She replied in a very rude manner. Why: Answers “how did she reply?” (manner).
  6. Down in a green and shady bed, a modest violet grew. Why: Answers “where did the violet grow?” (place) and modifies “grew”.
  7. On your conscience this will lie. Why: This is a figurative place, meaning “in your mind”. It modifies “will lie”.
  8. They sat for a while on the bank. Why: “For a while” answers “how long?” (time). “On the bank” answers “where?” (place).
  9. Honesty is written on his face. Why: Answers “where is it written?” (place).
  10. The gun went off with a loud report. Why: Answers “how did the gun go off?” (manner).
  11. There dwelt a miller hale and bold, beside the river Dee. Why: Answers “where did he dwell?” (place) and modifies “dwelt”.
  12. I stood on the bridge at midnight. Why: “On the bridge” answers “where?” and “at midnight” answers “when?”.
  13. To the northward stretched the desert. Why: Answers “where did the desert stretch?” (direction) and modifies “stretched”.
  14. Beside a green meadow a stream used to flow. Why: Answers “where did the stream flow?” (place) and modifies “flow”.
  15. I have read Bacon to my great profit. Why: Answers “with what result?” (result or benefit) and modifies “read”.

Exercise 7: Adverb Phrases

Replace the adverb in italics with an adverb phrase of the same meaning.

Grammar rule: A single adverb can often be replaced by a phrase starting with a preposition such as with, in, at, to, before. For example, “swiftly” becomes “with swiftness”.
  1. The pigeon flies swiftly. Answer: The pigeon flies with swiftness. Why: “Swiftly” describes how it flies, so we use “with swiftness”.
  2. Did Rama behave well? Answer: Did Rama behave in a good manner? Why: “Well” describes manner, so we use “in a good manner”.
  3. Go away. Answer: Go to another place. Why: “Away” describes direction or place, so we use “to another place”.
  4. The dying man replied feebly. Answer: The dying man replied in a feeble manner. Why: “Feebly” describes manner, so we use the adjective “feeble” in the phrase “in a feeble manner”.
  5. Gently fell the rain. Answer: In a gentle manner fell the rain. Why: “Gently” describes manner, so we use “in a gentle manner”.
  6. We will pitch the tents just here. Answer: We will pitch the tents at this very place. Why: “Just here” describes place, so we use “at this very place”.
  7. He expects to get a promotion soon. Answer: He expects to get a promotion before very long. Why: “Soon” describes time, so we use “before very long”.
  8. He built his house there. Answer: He built his house at that place. Why: “There” describes place, so we use “at that place”.
  9. They have only recently arrived. Answer: They have only arrived at a recent date. Why: “Recently” describes time, so we use “at a recent date”.
  10. Although hungry, the soldiers worked cheerfully. Answer: Although hungry, the soldiers worked in a cheerful manner. Why: “Cheerfully” describes manner, so we use “in a cheerful manner”.

Exercise 8: Adverbs

Replace each adverb phrase with an adverb of the same meaning.

Grammar rule: This is the reverse of Exercise 7. A phrase such as “in a terrible manner” becomes a single adverb such as “terribly” by ending in -ly or by using a more precise word.
  1. The bodies were mangled in a terrible manner. Answer: The bodies were terribly mangled. Why: “In a terrible manner” is changed to the adverb “terribly”.
  2. Let us cease work from this very moment. Answer: Let us henceforth cease work. Why: “From this very moment” means “from now on”, which is “henceforth”.
  3. It was just on this spot that he died. Answer: It was just here that he died. Why: “On this spot” describes place, so we use “here”.
  4. The child replied with perfect truthfulness. Answer: The child replied truthfully. Why: “With perfect truthfulness” describes manner, so we use “truthfully”.
  5. He arrived at that moment. Answer: He arrived then. Why: “At that moment” describes time, so we use “then”.
  6. I hope that he will come at a very early date. Answer: I hope that he will come soon. Why: “At a very early date” describes time, so we use “soon”.
  7. He seems to have acted with great promptitude. Answer: He seems to have acted promptly. Why: “With great promptitude” describes manner, so we use “promptly”.
  8. No one would dare to answer him in an impudent way. Answer: No one would dare to answer him impudently. Why: “In an impudent way” describes manner, so we use “impudently”.
  9. I accept your statement without reserve. Answer: I accept your statement unreservedly. Why: “Without reserve” means completely, so we use “unreservedly”.
  10. I thank you with all my heart. Answer: I thank you heartily. Why: “With all my heart” describes manner, so we use “heartily”.

Exercise 9: Adverb Phrases

Fill in the blanks with suitable adverb phrases.

Grammar rule: The blank must describe the verb before it and usually tells how the action was done. Manner phrases often begin with with or in.
  1. The knight fought with great courage. Why: Tells how the knight fought (manner) and modifies “fought”.
  2. The Rajah treated his vizier with kindness. Why: Tells how the Rajah treated the vizier (manner).
  3. The woodman struck the wolf with great force. Why: Tells how the wolf was struck (manner).
  4. Do not answer in haste. Why: Tells how one should not answer (manner).
  5. I agree with you in every respect. Why: Tells the extent of agreement (degree or respect).
  6. He has behaved in a gentlemanly manner. Why: Tells how he has behaved (manner).
  7. He does his homework with great care. Why: Tells how he does the homework (manner).
  8. He treated his relatives with respect. Why: Tells how he treated them (manner).
  9. The police handled the bombs with extreme caution. Why: Tells how the bombs were handled (manner).
  10. The sailor climbed with great difficulty. Why: Tells how the sailor climbed (manner).

Exercise 10: Adverb Phrases

Write five sentences containing adverb phrases.

Method: Write a sentence with a verb, then add a phrase that tells where, when, or how the action happened. The answers below are examples.
  1. The children played in the garden. Why: “In the garden” tells where they played (place).
  2. She completed her work with great care. Why: “With great care” tells how she completed the work (manner).
  3. He arrived at the right time. Why: “At the right time” tells when he arrived (time).
  4. The soldiers marched in perfect order. Why: “In perfect order” tells how the soldiers marched (manner).
  5. We shall meet after the examination. Why: “After the examination” tells when we shall meet (time).

Exercise 11: Adjective and Adverb Phrases

Say which of the following are adverb phrases and which are adjective phrases.

Test: Ask what the phrase is attached to. If it describes a noun, it is an adjective phrase. If it describes a verb, it is an adverb phrase. The same words can be either, depending on the sentence.
  1. Have you heard of the man in the moon? Answer: Adjective phrase. Why: It describes the noun “man”.
  2. How could a man be in the moon? Answer: Adverb phrase. Why: It tells where the man could be, so it modifies the verb “be”.
  3. They live on an island. Answer: Adverb phrase. Why: It tells where they live (place).
  4. A house on an island was washed away. Answer: Adjective phrase. Why: It describes the noun “house”.
  5. The idea at that moment was superb. Answer: Adjective phrase. Why: It identifies which idea is meant, so it describes the noun “idea”.
  6. He arrived at that moment. Answer: Adverb phrase. Why: It tells when he arrived (time), so it modifies the verb “arrived”.
  7. The people in that building are holding the election. Answer: Adjective phrase. Why: It describes the noun “people”.
  8. My friend lives in that building. Answer: Adverb phrase. Why: It tells where my friend lives (place).
  9. The boy in a blue suit is my brother. Answer: Adjective phrase. Why: It describes the noun “boy”.
  10. He came in a blue suit. Answer: Adverb phrase. Why: It tells how he came (manner), so it modifies the verb “came”.

Exercise 12: Use the Phrases in Sentences

Use each phrase in a sentence of your own. The sample sentences below are examples.

Tip: Some of these are idioms, meaning their meaning is not literal. For example, “up in arms” means angry or protesting, and “at sixes and sevens” means confused or disorganised.
  1. In a loud voice: The teacher called the students in a loud voice. Grammar: Adverb phrase of manner, modifying “called”.
  2. Without further delay: We must begin the work without further delay. Grammar: Adverb phrase of time, modifying “begin”.
  3. With one voice: The students answered with one voice. Grammar: Adverb phrase of manner, meaning all together.
  4. For certain: I know for certain that he is honest. Grammar: Adverb phrase modifying “know”, showing how sure I am.
  5. Just in time: The train arrived just in time. Grammar: Adverb phrase of time, modifying “arrived”.
  6. Up in arms: The villagers were up in arms against the unfair decision. Grammar: Idiom used as an adjective phrase after the verb “were”, describing the villagers.
  7. Of no consequence: This small mistake is of no consequence. Grammar: Adjective phrase describing “mistake”, meaning unimportant.
  8. Out of fashion: These old clothes are out of fashion. Grammar: Adjective phrase describing “clothes”.
  9. With great satisfaction: The principal announced the result with great satisfaction. Grammar: Adverb phrase of manner, modifying “announced”.
  10. In the twinkling of an eye: The magician disappeared in the twinkling of an eye. Grammar: Adverb phrase of time, meaning very quickly.
  11. On either side of the street: Trees were planted on either side of the street. Grammar: Adverb phrase of place, modifying “planted”.
  12. In a shady nook: The children sat in a shady nook. Grammar: Adverb phrase of place, modifying “sat”.
  13. To the last man: The soldiers fought to the last man. Grammar: Adverb phrase of extent, modifying “fought”.
  14. With a smile: She welcomed the guests with a smile. Grammar: Adverb phrase of manner, modifying “welcomed”.
  15. At sixes and sevens: Everything in the room was at sixes and sevens. Grammar: Idiom used as an adjective phrase after “was”, meaning in disorder.

Exercise 13: Noun Phrases

Pick out the noun phrases in the following sentences.

Grammar rule: A noun phrase works as a noun. It can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence. Infinitive phrases (to + verb) and gerund phrases (verb + -ing) are common noun phrases.
  1. His father wished to speak to the headmaster. Why: An infinitive phrase acting as the object of “wished”.
  2. The wicked vizier loves getting people into trouble. Why: A gerund phrase acting as the object of “loves”.
  3. The poor debtor intended to pay back every penny of the money. Why: An infinitive phrase acting as the object of “intended”.
  4. He dislikes having to punish his servants. Why: A gerund phrase acting as the object of “dislikes”.
  5. Horses prefer living in dark stables. Why: A gerund phrase acting as the object of “prefer”.
  6. I should hate to do such a thing. Why: An infinitive phrase acting as the object of “hate”.
  7. Have you ever tried climbing a coconut palm? Why: A gerund phrase acting as the object of “tried”.
  8. Thinking good thoughts precedes good actions. Why: A gerund phrase acting as the subject of “precedes”.
  9. He refuses to answer the question. Why: An infinitive phrase acting as the object of “refuses”.
  10. To write such rubbish is disgraceful. Why: An infinitive phrase acting as the subject of “is”.

Exercise 14: Noun Phrases

Supply a noun phrase.

Method: Fill each blank with an infinitive (to + verb) or a gerund (verb + -ing) so that the phrase works as a noun in the sentence.
  1. I want to go home. Why: Infinitive phrase as the object of “want”.
  2. To help others delights me. Why: Infinitive phrase as the subject of “delights”.
  3. We all hope to win the match. Why: Infinitive phrase as the object of “hope”.
  4. Pretend to be asleep. Why: Infinitive phrase as the object of “pretend”.
  5. To tell lies seems dishonest. Why: Infinitive phrase as the subject of “seems”.
  6. The good news surprised my mother. Why: Noun phrase (article + adjective + noun) as the subject of “surprised”.
  7. Do you wish to join us? Why: Infinitive phrase as the object of “wish”.
  8. My father hates wasting time. Why: Gerund phrase as the object of “hates”.
  9. Being idle gives me no pleasure. Why: Gerund phrase as the subject of “gives”.
  10. I do not intend to stay here. Why: Infinitive phrase as the object of “intend”.

Exercise 15: Classification of Phrases

Pick out the phrases and say whether they are adjective phrases, adverb phrases, or noun phrases.

Strategy: First find the word the phrase is attached to. Noun = adjective phrase. Verb = adverb phrase. Phrase used as subject or object = noun phrase.
  1. He speaks like a born orator. Answer: Adverb phrase. Why: It describes how he speaks (manner), so it modifies the verb “speaks”.
  2. It grieved me to hear of your illness. Answer: Adverb phrase (infinitive phrase giving the reason). Why: It explains why it grieved me, so it modifies the verb “grieved”. This is a correction to the earlier classification, which called it a noun phrase.
  3. Beyond a doubt this man is honest. Answer: Adverb phrase. Why: It modifies the whole statement by showing certainty.
  4. He failed in spite of his best efforts. Answer: Adverb phrase. Why: It expresses concession (despite something) and modifies “failed”.
  5. He won the prize by means of trickery. Answer: Adverb phrase. Why: It tells how he won the prize (means), so it modifies “won”.
  6. Do not talk like that. Answer: Adverb phrase. Why: It describes how one should not talk (manner), so it modifies “talk”.
  7. I have forgotten how to play this game. Answer: Noun phrase. Why: It is the object of the verb “forgotten”, so it works as a noun.
  8. He gained their affection in spite of many faults. Answer: Adverb phrase. Why: It expresses concession and modifies “gained”.
  9. I do not expect such treatment at your hands. Answer: Adjective phrase. Why: It describes the noun “treatment” by saying where it comes from.
  10. He speaks too fast to be understood. Answer: Adverb phrase. Why: It describes the degree and manner of speaking, so it modifies “speaks”.
Quick revision: Adjective phrases describe nouns (which one? what kind?). Adverb phrases describe verbs (where? when? how? why?). Noun phrases act as nouns (subject, object).

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