What is an Adjective Phrase?

Like an adjective, an adjective phrase modifies a noun or pronoun by providing more information about it.

Prepositional phrases, participial phrases, and infinitive phrases can all function as an adjective phrase in sentences. A prepositional phrase includes a preposition, its object, and any modifiers of the object. A participial phrase includes a participle, plus any modifiers and complements. An infinitive phrase includes an infinitive, plus any modifiers and complements.

Prepositional Phrase Examples:

(Across the street is the prepositional phrase. It functions as an adjective phrase, modifying the noun house.)

I have a scratch on my arm.

(On my arm is the prepositional phrase. It functions as an adjective phrase, modifying the noun scratch.)

The pipe beneath the kitchen sink is leaking.

(Beneath the kitchen sink is the prepositional phrase. It functions as an adjective phrase, modifying the noun pipe.)

We rescued the dog with the injured leg.

(With the injured leg is the prepositional phrase. It functions as an adjective phrase, modifying the noun dog.)

Participial Phrase Examples:

Strolling along the garden path is the participial phrase. It functions as an adjective phrase, modifying the pronoun we.

Waltzing across the floor, the dancers mesmerized the partygoers.

(Waltzing across the floor is the participial phrase. It functions as an adjective phrase, modifying the noun dancers.)

Covered in mosquito bites, the campers fled to their tents.

(Covered in mosquito bites is the participial phrase. It functions as an adjective phrase, modifying the noun campers.)

Shocked by the shop owner’s rudeness, the woman stormed out of the store.

(Shocked by the shop owner’s rudeness is the participial phrase. It functions as an adjective phrase, modifying the noun woman.)

Infinitive Phrases

Mysteries are excellent books to read on stormy nights.

(To read on stormy nights is the infinitive phrase. It functions as an adjective phrase, modifying the noun books.)

Crab is my favorite food to eat in Maine.

(To eat in Maine is the infinitive phrase. It functions as an adjective phrase, modifying the noun food.)

Wool is the best material to wear in cold weather.

(To wear in cold weather is the infinitive phrase. It functions as an adjective phrase, modifying the noun material.)

Hot cocoa is a good beverage to drink in the wintertime.

(To drink in the wintertime is the infinitive phrase. It functions as an adjective phrase, modifying the noun beverage.)