Types Of Phrases Quiz: Questions And Answers

Reviewed by Juliette Firla
Juliette Firla, MA (Teaching Writing) |
English Teacher
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Juliette is a middle school English teacher at Sacred Heart of Greenwich, Connecticut. Juliette earned a BA in English/Language Arts Teacher Education from Elon University and an MA in Teaching Writing from Johns Hopkins University. She holds a Classroom Teacher license from the Connecticut State Department of Education. Juliette possesses strong skills in English language arts, writing, editing, and literature study. She has a deep passion for working with young people and contributing to the education of America's youth in the classroom.
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  • 1/25 Questions

    Francis found her lost sneakers behind the sofa in the living room.

    • Gerund
    • Participle
    • Appositive
    • Infinitive
    • Preposition
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About This Quiz

Test your linguistic prowess with a comprehensive phrases quiz designed to sharpen your understanding of English grammar. This engaging quiz goes deep into various phrase types, from noun and verb phrases to prepositional and participial phrases, offering a practical way to reinforce your knowledge.

Explore into specific categories with a focused types of phrases quiz. This advanced segment explores the nuances of appositive, absolute, and infinitive phrases, challenging you to identify and differentiate between them. Each question is accompanied by detailed explanations, making it an excellent learning tool.

Types Of Phrases Quiz: Questions And Answers - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    The plumber was unable to finish the difficult job in one day.

    • Gerund

    • Participle

    • Appositive

    • Infinitive

    • Preposition

    Correct Answer
    A. Infinitive
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Infinitive" because the sentence indicates that the plumber was unable to finish the job in one day. The word "to finish" is an infinitive verb form, which is used to express the idea of completing an action. In this case, the infinitive form shows that the plumber was not able to complete the difficult job within the timeframe of one day.

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  • 3. 

    Exercising is a good stress reliever.

    • Gerund

    • Participle

    • Appositive

    • Infinitive

    • Preposition

    Correct Answer
    A. Gerund
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Gerund" because "exercising" is functioning as a noun in the sentence. It is used to talk about the action of exercising as a general concept, rather than a specific instance of exercise. Gerunds are formed by adding -ing to a verb and can act as subjects, objects, or complements in a sentence. In this case, "exercising" is the subject of the sentence and is being described as a good reliever.

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  • 4. 

    In the sentence, "To travel the world is my greatest ambition," what type of phrase is "To travel the world"?

    • Gerund phrase

    • Infinitive phrase

    • Prepositional phrase

    • Noun phrase

    Correct Answer
    A. Infinitive phrase
    Explanation
    An infinitive phrase consists of the word "to" followed by a verb and any modifiers or complements. In this sentence, "to travel the world" functions as a noun, acting as the subject of the sentence. It expresses the ambition of the speaker, stating what their greatest desire is. The phrase "to travel" is the infinitive, and "the world" is its complement, completing the phrase's meaning. The entire phrase acts as a single noun unit.

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  • 5. 

    What type of phrase is "after the rain" in the sentence, "We went for a walk after the rain"?

    • Gerund phrase

    • Participle phrase

    • Prepositional phrase

    • Infinitive phrase

    Correct Answer
    A. Prepositional phrase
    Explanation
    A prepositional phrase begins with a preposition and ends with a noun or pronoun, which is the object of the preposition. In this sentence, "after" is the preposition, and "the rain" is the object of the preposition. The entire phrase "after the rain" functions as an adverb, indicating when the action of going for a walk took place. It modifies the verb "went," providing information about the timing of the action.

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  • 6. 

    Walking the dog is not my favorite task.

    • Gerund

    • Participle

    • Appositive

    • Infinitive

    • Preposition

    Correct Answer
    A. Gerund
    Explanation
    The given sentence "Walking the dog is not my favorite task" contains the word "walking" which functions as a noun. It is derived from the verb "walk" by adding the suffix "-ing" and is used to refer to the action of walking. In this sentence, "walking" acts as the subject of the sentence and is preceded by the article "the". Therefore, the correct answer is "Gerund", which is a verb form that functions as a noun.

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  • 7. 

    My brother, a clown by profession, works all weekend at parties and gatherings.

    • Gerund

    • Participle

    • Appositive

    • Infinitive

    • Preposition

    Correct Answer
    A. Appositive
    Explanation
    The given sentence contains an appositive, which is a noun or noun phrase that renames or identifies another noun in the sentence. In this case, the appositive "a clown by profession" renames "my brother." It provides additional information about his occupation and helps to clarify his role as a clown.

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  • 8. 

    The store around the corner is painting its interior.

    • Gerund

    • Participle

    • Appositive

    • Infinitive

    • Preposition

    Correct Answer
    A. Preposition
    Explanation
    The word "around" in the sentence indicates that the store is located in close proximity to the corner. In this context, "around" is functioning as a preposition, showing the relationship between the store and the corner. The preposition "around" is used to indicate movement or location in the vicinity of something, which fits the meaning of the sentence.

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  • 9. 

    Bowser, the dog with sharp teeth, is coming around the corner.

    • Gerund

    • Participle

    • Appositive

    • Infinitive

    • Preposition

    Correct Answer
    A. Appositive
    Explanation
    The given sentence "Bowser, the dog with sharp teeth, is coming around the corner" contains an appositive. An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames or identifies another noun or pronoun in the sentence. In this case, "the dog with sharp teeth" is the appositive, providing additional information about Bowser. It helps to clarify and describe Bowser further.

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  • 10. 

    John went to college with the dream to study engineering. 

    • Gerund

    • Participle

    • Appositive

    • Infinitive

    • Preposition

    Correct Answer
    A. Infinitive
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Infinitive" because the phrase "to study engineering" functions as an infinitive, which is a verb form that is typically preceded by the word "to" and is used as a noun, adjective, or adverb. In this sentence, "to study engineering" functions as the purpose or goal of John going to college.

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  • 11. 

    Men often say on their dating profiles that they like to go walking in the sand on a beach; beware, for this is only so that men can get the ladies. 

    • Preposition/infinitive

    • Appositive/participle

    • Preposition/gerund

    • Preposition/appositive

    • Infinitive/gerund

    Correct Answer
    A. Preposition/gerund
    Explanation
    The given sentence structure "walking in the sand on a beach" indicates that "walking" is functioning as a gerund, which is a verb form that acts as a noun. In this case, it represents the activity or action of walking. The preposition "in" shows the location or place where the walking is happening, which is "the sand." Therefore, the correct answer is "Preposition/gerund." This structure suggests that men mention their interest in walking on the beach to attract women.

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  • 12. 

    My dog is so scared of storms that she runs and hides under the sofa or behind my desk whenever it rains.

    • Gerund

    • Participle

    • Appositive

    • Infinitive

    • Preposition

    Correct Answer
    A. Preposition
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Preposition" because the word "of" in the sentence is functioning as a preposition. Prepositions are words that show a relationship between a noun or pronoun and another word in the sentence. In this case, "of" shows the relationship between "scared" and "storms".

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  • 13. 

    To conclude tonight's program, our chief of staff would like to say a few words.

    • Gerund

    • Participle

    • Appositive

    • Infinitive

    • Preposition

    Correct Answer
    A. Infinitive
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Infinitive" because the phrase "to say a few words" functions as an infinitive phrase, which is a verb form that is used as a noun, adjective, or adverb. In this case, it is used as a noun to show the purpose or intention of the chief of staff.

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  • 14. 

    Excusing the boys for their rude and reckless behavior was not an option.

    • Gerund

    • Participle

    • Appositive

    • Infinitive

    • Preposition

    Correct Answer
    A. Gerund
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Gerund" because "excusing" is a verb form that functions as a noun in the sentence. It is derived from the verb "excuse" and ends in -ing, which is a common characteristic of gerunds. In this sentence, "excusing" is used as the subject of the sentence and represents an action or activity.

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  • 15. 

    Pygmalion is by George Shaw, one of my favorite playwrights.

    • Gerund

    • Participle

    • Appositive

    • Infinitive

    • Preposition

    Correct Answer
    A. Appositive
    Explanation
    The given sentence "Pygmalion is by George Shaw, one of my favorite playwrights" contains an appositive. An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames or identifies another noun or pronoun in the sentence. In this case, "one of my favorite playwrights" renames and identifies "George Shaw." Therefore, the correct answer is appositive.

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  • 16. 

    Which phrase in the following sentence is a participial phrase? "The dog, barking loudly, chased the squirrel."

    • The dog

    • Barking loudly

    • Chased the squirrel

    • The squirrel

    Correct Answer
    A. Barking loudly
    Explanation
    A participial phrase is a phrase that begins with a participle (a verb form ending in -ing or -ed) and functions as an adjective. In this sentence, "barking loudly" modifies the noun "dog," describing the action the dog is performing. It acts as an adjective, giving us more information about the dog's behavior during the chase. The participle "barking" is the core of this phrase, and the adverb "loudly" modifies it, providing further detail about the manner of the barking.

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  • 17. 

    "Blinded by the light, revved up like a deuce, another runner in the night"- Blinded by the Light by Manfred Mann. 

    • Gerund

    • Participle

    • Appositive

    • Infinitive

    • Preposition

    Correct Answer
    A. Participle
    Explanation
    The phrase "Blinded by the light" is an example of a participle. A participle is a verb form that functions as an adjective, describing or modifying a noun or pronoun. In this case, "blinded" is the past participle of the verb "blind" and it describes the noun "light". It suggests that the light is so intense that it causes someone to be unable to see clearly.

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  • 18. 

    The three of us divided up the remaining containers of chocolate pudding. 

    • Gerund

    • Participle

    • Appositive

    • Infinitive

    • Preposition

    Correct Answer
    A. Preposition
    Explanation
    In this sentence, "of" is used to show the relationship between the containers and the chocolate pudding. It indicates that the containers belong to or are associated with the chocolate pudding. Therefore, "preposition" is the correct answer.

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  • 19. 

    Marybeth dreams about becoming a NASA astronaut.

    • Gerund

    • Participle

    • Appositive

    • Infinitive

    • Preposition

    Correct Answer
    A. Gerund
    Explanation
    A gerund is a verb form ending in -ing that serves as a noun. Here, "becoming" is used as the object of the preposition "about," and it represents the action that Marybeth dreams about. It encapsulates the process or idea of turning into a NASA astronaut, which she aspires to.

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  • 20. 

    Skirt twirling, our professor, an obnoxiously foolish woman, made the mistake of trying to dance, embarrassing herself in front of her class. 

    • Absolute/appositive/participle/gerund/prepositional

    • Absolute/appositive/gerund/participle/prepositional

    • Preposition/appositive/infinitive/participle/prepositional

    • Absolute/infinitive/gerund/participle/prepositional

    Correct Answer
    A. Absolute/appositive/gerund/participle/prepositional
    Explanation
    The given answer is correct because the sentence contains multiple grammatical elements. "Skirt twirling" is a gerund phrase acting as the subject of the sentence. "Our professor" is an appositive that renames the subject. "An obnoxiously foolish woman" is an appositive that further describes the professor. "Made the mistake of trying to dance" is an absolute phrase that provides additional information about the subject. Finally, "in front of her class" is a prepositional phrase that indicates the location of the embarrassing act.

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  • 21. 

    Which of the following is an example of an adverbial phrase?

    • "The big, blue sky" 

    • "With a smile on her face"

    • "A book on the shelf"

    • "The cat in the hat"

    Correct Answer
    A. "With a smile on her face"
    Explanation
    "With a smile on her face" is an adverbial phrase because it provides additional information about how an action is performed. In this case, it tells us how someone is smiling, indicating the manner of the action.

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  • 22. 

    Identify the appositive phrase in the following sentence: "My favorite author, Jane Austen, wrote 'Pride and Prejudice'."

    • My favorite author

    • Jane Austen

    • Wrote 'Pride and Prejudice'

    • Pride and Prejudice

    Correct Answer
    A. Jane Austen
    Explanation
    An appositive phrase is a noun or noun phrase that renames or identifies another noun or pronoun in the sentence. In this case, "Jane Austen" renames and provides further information about "my favorite author." It clarifies who the author is, providing a specific identity to the general term "my favorite author." The appositive is set off by commas, indicating that it adds non-essential information that can be removed without changing the sentence's core meaning.

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  • 23. 

    Wanting to save money, Lysbeth spent the morning clipping and filing coupons.

    • Infinitive

    • Preposition

    • Gerund

    • Participle

    • Appositive

    Correct Answer
    A. Participle
    Explanation
    In the sentence “Wanting to save money, Lysbeth spent the morning clipping and filing coupons”, the word “Wanting” is a participle. It is derived from the verb “want” and is used here as an adjective to modify the noun “Lysbeth”. The phrase “Wanting to save money” is a participle phrase that describes the reason why Lysbeth spent the morning clipping and filing coupons.

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  • 24. 

    San Francisco is a bustling city in California. 

    • Gerund

    • Participle

    • Appositive

    • Infinitive

    • Preposition

    Correct Answer
    A. Participle
    Explanation
    Participle is a word that is formed from a verb and is used as an adjective. In the sentence, "San Francisco is a bustling city in California," "bustling" functions as a participle, derived from the verb "bustle." It describes the city's lively and energetic nature, acting as an adjective to convey its vibrant and dynamic atmosphere.

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  • 25. 

    Which of the following is an example of a prepositional phrase?

    • Running swiftly

    • Over the rainbow

    • To read books

    • A beautiful painting

    Correct Answer
    A. Over the rainbow
    Explanation
    A prepositional phrase begins with a preposition and includes the object of the preposition along with any modifiers. "Over the rainbow" is a prepositional phrase where "over" is the preposition and "the rainbow" is the object. The other options represent different types of phrases: "Running swiftly" is a participial phrase, "To read books" is an infinitive phrase, and "A beautiful painting" is a noun phrase.

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Juliette Firla |MA (Teaching Writing) |
English Teacher
Juliette is a middle school English teacher at Sacred Heart of Greenwich, Connecticut. Juliette earned a BA in English/Language Arts Teacher Education from Elon University and an MA in Teaching Writing from Johns Hopkins University. She holds a Classroom Teacher license from the Connecticut State Department of Education. Juliette possesses strong skills in English language arts, writing, editing, and literature study. She has a deep passion for working with young people and contributing to the education of America's youth in the classroom.

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  • Feb 27, 2025
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    Expert Reviewed by
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    Quiz Created by
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