1. Does not contain a subject and a verb. This is the key difference between a phrase and a clause. A clause always has a subject performing an action (verb).
2. Functions as a single unit of speech. Phrases act as a single grammatical element within a sentence, performing a specific function like a noun, adjective, adverb, etc.
3. Has a headword. This is the main word in the phrase that gives it its meaning. For example, in the phrase "the big red ball," the headword is "ball."
Here are some examples of different types of phrases:
* Noun phrase: "the big red ball"
* Verb phrase: "was running quickly"
* Adjective phrase: "very happy"
* Adverb phrase: "very quickly"
* Prepositional phrase: "in the garden"
Things to remember about phrases:
* They can be short or long.
* They can be used in different parts of a sentence.
* They add detail and meaning to sentences.
Let me know if you'd like more examples or want to explore specific types of phrases!