Phrases and Modifiers

More awesome grammar From

The Scarlet Letter

Journal + Discuss

“In her late singular interview with Mr. Dimmesdale, Hester Prynne was shocked at the condition to which she found the clergyman reduced.” (Ch. 13, p. 109)

Directions: Examine the sentence above and identify its parts. How many clauses? Are there any groups of words that don’t seem to be part of a clause?

Vocabulary

A phrase is a group of words that stand together as a single unit, typically as part of a clause or a sentence. A phrase does not contain a subject and verb, and consequently, cannot convey a complete thought.

Example: In her late singular interview with Mr. Dimmesdale, Hester Prynne was shocked at the condition to which she found the clergyman reduced.

Vocabulary Continued

Modifiers are words, phrases, or clauses that add description to sentences. Typically, you will find a modifier right next to—either in front of or behind—the word it logically describes.

Example: In her late singular interview with Mr. Dimmesdale, Hester Prynne was shocked…