Applying the Test A phrase containing several words can be sometimes
substituted by a phrase of the same kind containing a single word, while maintaining a related meaning. Look at this example to understand.
John seems to be very happy with his new bathroom.
John seems to be happy.
The sequences of words
(very happy with his new bathroom) are substituted by the word
(happy), because both are the same kind of phrase; both are adjective phrases. Thus,
(very happy with his new bathroom) is an adjective phrase.
A Phrase Can Contain another Phrase
A sentence is a sequence of words which are organized into
phrases. There is a big phrase that contains other phrases.
example
John seems to be very happy with his new bathroom
very happy with his new bathroom
NP
with his new bathroom
PP
his new bathroom
AP