English question from Sub Inspector exam, 2022 by JKSSB
What kind of a phrase is the underlined part of the sentence? The glass was full of water when it slipped from his hands.
Last updated Jun 24, 2026
Correct Answer:
Option D —
Adjective Phrase
Why it is an Adjective Phrase
An adjective phrase is a group of words that describes a noun or a pronoun. In this specific structure:
The word "full" is an adjective describing the noun "glass."
The phrase "of water" completes the meaning of that adjective (it tells us what the glass was full of). Together, "full of water" functions as a single unit to describe the state of the glass.
Analyzing the Other Options A) Verb Phrase: This would consist of a main verb plus any helping verbs (e.g., "was running").
B) Adverb Phrase: This would modify a verb, an adjective, or another adverb, usually telling us how, when, where, or why (e.g., "with great speed").
C) Prepositional Phrase: While "of water" starts with a preposition, its functional role in this specific sentence is to complete the adjective. In many grammar tests, if a phrase functions to modify a noun or complete an adjective, it is categorized by that function (Adjective Phrase).
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.
