A phrase is a group of words acting as a single part of speech and not containing both a subject and a verb. It is part of a sentence, and does not express a complete thought. An example: “to be a sham” is a phrase of the following sentence: › WWE Wrestling is considered to be a sham, because the fights are not real and the arguments between the “wrestlers” are rehearsed. Two different types of phrases are appositive phrases and infinitive phrases: Examples: › Appositive: Robbie, a hot-tempered tennis player, charged the ball boy and tried to crack the poor boy’s skull with a racket. › Infinitive: Let me show you the best way to paint the door. An appositive phrase is a type of noun phrase that follows the noun or pronoun it modifies and amplifies or restricts its meaning. For example: › The typewriter, the prototype of the modern key board, was invented in the year 1867. As you can see the appositive phrase is “the prototype of the modern key board”. Trick: Appositive phrases always end with a comma, and are in between two, unless they start the sentence. A phrase that begins with an infinitive such as “to”. The infinitive, in this case "to” precedes the verb, makes the phrase “to jump” or “to think”. For example: › “To emulate Ghandi is my life goal” said the peace activist. As you can see infinitive phrase in this sentence is “to emulate Ghandi”. Identify the phrases in the following sentences and classify them as appositive or infinitive. To indulge in platitudes is a very tacky thing to do because it shows a great deficit in originality and speech. › The answer is “To indulge in platitudes” and it is an infinitive phrase. In order not to be seen, soldiers wear camouflage clothing that blends in with their surroundings. › The answer is “In order not to be seen” and it is an infinitive phrase. Mimes practice mimicry, a great skill, and go around imitating people and acting out situations. › The answer is “a great skill” and it is an appositive phrase. The nursing home’s rendition of The Nutcracker, which was terrible, lasted for about two excruciating hours. › The answer is “which was terrible” and is an appositive phrase. Only being a videogame, it still received praise for its flight simulation technology. › The answer is “Only being a videogame” and it is an infinitive phrase. Using a banal phrase made the speaker sound inarticulate, even though he was quite eloquent. › The answer is “even though he was quite eloquent” and it is an appositive phrase. The redundant food, a dozen white truffles, was thrown into the garbage. › The answer is “a dozen white truffles” and it is an appositive phrase.