1 Gerund or gerund phrase
Learning was crucial for the new student. (gerund)
Finishing his art project on time brought Andy great relief.
(gerund phrase)
2 Participle or participial phrase
Smiling, Mom welcomed her guests into our house. (participle)
Jumping from the side of the pool, the young boy was enjoying himself.
(participial phrase)
3 Infinitive or infinitive phrase
To laugh is good for your health. (infinitive)
To win the trophy was the boater’s goal. (infinitive phrase)
4 Prepositional phrase
In the evening, Shirley and her friends play bridge. (prepositional phrase)
After an hour the cat felt better. (prepositional phrase)
5 Adverb
Slowly, the children exited the school bus. (adverb)
Intelligently, these scientists debated the heated topic. (adverb)
6 Adverb clause
Because the weather will be good for surfing, we plan on hitting the beach
tomorrow. (adverb clause)
Although the doctor will not be in this evening, her assistant can see you.
(adverb clause)
7 Adjective
Awed, the circus attendees watched the trapeze artist in action. (adjective)
Bright and curious, the scholarship students performed their experiments.
(two adjectives)