Classify the capitalized words.
In 1609, Galileo was the first person to look AT THE MOON through a telescope.
Is it a adjective phrase or adverb phrase?
http://www.chompchomp.com/terms.htm
Be sure you are clear on how adjectives and adverbs are used. The same things apply to phrases that are being used as adjectives or adverbs.
Let us know what you decide.
To classify whether the phrase "AT THE MOON" is an adjective phrase or an adverb phrase, we need to understand the function of the phrase in the sentence.
In this sentence, "AT THE MOON" provides additional information about the verb "look." It answers the question of where Galileo was looking. Since it modifies the verb, it is functioning as an adverbial phrase.
To confirm this, we can look at the definition and characteristics of adjective phrases and adverb phrases:
- Adjective phrases modify nouns or pronouns and answer the questions "What kind?" "Which one?" or "How many?" For example: "The tall building," "An interesting book," "Five red apples."
- Adverb phrases modify verbs, adjectives, or adverbs and answer the questions "How?" "When?" "Where?" "To what extent?" or "Why?" For example: "He ran quickly," "She sings beautifully," "They arrived just in time."
In our sentence, "AT THE MOON" modifies the verb "look," indicating where Galileo directed his gaze. Therefore, it functions as an adverb phrase.