Phrase Structure

1. Nominal Phrase
Nominal phrase structure is accounted for in terms of the basic elements determiner (d),
modifier (m), nominal head element / headword (h)
Ex,
The// new// electricity// showrooms
D // m // m // H

2. Adjectival Phrase

Adjectival phrases typically have an adjectival headword and are analysable in terms of
the basic elements modifier (m), headword element (h) and qualifier (q).
Ex,
The players are // very// fit// indeed.
M // H // Q

3. Adverbial Phrase
The adverbial phrase has an adverbial headword and is similarly analysable in terms of
modifier (m), headword element (h) and qualifier (q).
Ex,
This plant \ has grown \ very// suddenly.
// M // H

4. Prepositional Phrase
To describe the composition of the prepositional phrase the basic terms 'prepositional
headword / head element' (h) and 'completive'/'complement' (c) are used.
Ex;
Susan | is sitting \ in \ the lounge.
//H// C

5. Genitive Phrase
the head element (h) and the completive element (c). In the genitive phrase the clitic head
element follows rather than precedes the completive element and, of course, has to be
attached to it.
Mary 's | car,
C //H

6. Verbal Phrase

The verbal phrase may be described in terms of the basic elements 'auxiliary' (x), 'verbal
headword' (h), particle (p) and infinitive particle (inf).
Ex;
The union has// broken// off// negotiation
// x// h //p
Analyze the following phrase based on their structure

1. He has been beaten

2. The king of Spain’s daughter
3. This car is Mary’s
4. In spite of the difficulties
5. Instead of telling me
6. The players are very fit
7. This problems are more difficult
8. The lounge is already quite warm.
9. The new university building
10. All the houses