II. Hark! hark to the robin! its magical call Awakens the flowerets that slept in the dells; Hush! ting-a-ring-ting! don't you hear how they sing? LESSON XXIX. PHRASES. (Review Lesson LXXXI.) Phrases may be named according to their form. Thus : I. PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES.. A phrase introduced by a preposition is called a prepositional phrase; as, 1. The leaves of this plant are glossy. 2. We heard the sound of distant footsteps. 3. The troops were marching through a valley. 4. He reads for information. Name the prepositions that introduce the different phrases, and tell between what words they show relations. What leaves are glossy? What sound was heard? Where were the troops marching? Why does he read? Which of these phrases are used like adjectives? Which are used like adverbs? Give an example of a prepositional phrase modifying a noun. Give an example of a prepositional phrase modifying a verb. II. - INFINITIVE PHRASES. A phrase introduced by an infinitive is called an infinitive phrase; as, 1. To do good should be the aim of all. 2. He hoped to win the prize. 3. Crowds came to behold the sight. 4. It is easy to decide the matter. What is the subject of the verb in the first sentence? What is the object of the verb in the second sentence? Give the office of the phrase to behold the sight. What is the subject of the verb in the fourth sentence? What does the phrase show? To decide the matter is explanatory of it, which takes the place of the real subject. as, III. - PARTICIPIAL PHRASES. A phrase introduced by a participle is called a participial phrase; 1. Looking upward, they beheld the cause of the trouble. IV. - APPOSITIVE PHRASES. A phrase made up of an appositive noun and its modifiers is called an appositive phrase; as, 1. He comes, the herald of a noisy world. 2. St. Augustine, the oldest town in the United States, was settled by the Spaniards. Select the phrases in the following sentences, name the kind of phrase, and tell how each is used: I. Strive to be usefully employed. 2. Having obtained the information, he ceased questioning. 3. They saw a small vessel approaching the shore. 4. At last, turning briskly away, she came towards the table. 5. We are anxious to learn the result. 6. It must have been difficult to convince this man of his error. 7. Not one of these men offered to lend his assistance. 8. Down plunged the diver, and soon rose dripping from the water, holding the sea-shrub in his hand. 9. To love one's country has ever been esteemed honorable. And out again I curve and flow IO. To join the brimming river. II. This edifice, the cradle of liberty, had been used by the British officers as a playhouse. WRITTEN EXERCISE. Write sentences containing I. A prepositional phrase. LESSON XXX. USE OF PHRASES. Phrases may be named according to the office performed by each. A phrase that performs the office of an adjective is called an adjec tive phrase; as,— 1. The doors of the church were open. 2. He beheld a stranger standing near him. Tell what each phrase modifies. II.-ADVERBIAL PHRASES. A phrase that performs the office of an adverb is called an adverbial phrase; as, - I. They landed on an island. 2. He came to inspect the work. 3. The supper being over, the strangers departed. Show how the phrase is used in each sentence. The phrase, The supper being over, is nearly equivalent to the clause, As the supper was over. It gives a reason for the departure of the strangers. III.-SUBSTANTIVE PHRASES. A phrase that performs the office of a noun is called a substantive phrase; as, I. To please all is impossible. 2. We hope to hear the speaker. 3. It is useless to refer to the subject again. Mention the phrases, and tell how each is used. EXERCISE. Point out the phrases in the following sentences, and tell how each Of household fires gleam warm and bright. 2. Religion dwells not in the tongue, but in the heart. 3. Hark! I hear the bugles of the enemy. 4. Mont Blanc is the monarch of mountains. 5. Rise with the lark. 6. It was one by the village clock. 7. The newly elected member went in state to the City Cross, accompanied by a band of music. 8. The doors of the prison closed upon him. 9. Around the walls stood several oak bookcases. 10. The edges and corners of the box were carved with most wonderful skill. II. You must change your style of living. 12. Point thy tongue on the anvil of truth. 13. It stands on a mound which elevates it above the other parts of the castle, and a great flight of steps leads to the interior. 14. The paths of glory lead but to the grave. 15. Cease to do evil; learn to do well. 16. Here delicate snow-stars, out of the cloud, Come floating downward in airy play. WRITTEN EXERCISES. I. Write five sentences containing adjective phrases. II. Write five sentences containing adverbial phrases. |