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Noun and Verb Phrases
In addition to all the nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs discussed so far,
it is strongly recommended to use phrases in describing trends. These
phrases are also known as “
noun phrases
” and “
verb phrases
.” Both
phrases are practical in writing task 1 as they provide precise descriptions
regarding trends’ degree or speed of change. Moreover, these phrases add
more variety to structures used in writing and help avoid repetition. Adding
an adjective to a noun, a “noun phrase” is formed, while adding an adverb
to a verb, a “
verb phrase”
is structured. Selecting an adjective or adverb
depends on the main features of the trend. For instance, sometimes the
degree of a change seems more important than how fast a trend changes. On
other occasions, the way a trend changes or how fast it changes is
highlighted.
Noun phrases
A choice of an adjective that describes either the speed or the degree of a
trend and adding it to an appropriate noun forms the so-called “
noun phrase
.”

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A/an + Adjective + Singular noun
Adjective + Plural noun
For example
1. There was a slight decline in the number of overseas students over
the period.
2. The trend had a dramatic rise to 56% in the year 2003.
3. The figure showed minor fluctuations between 2008 and 2012.
4. The number of cars witnessed an enormous increase in 1980.
Common noun phrases:
A dramatic fall/a minor variation/a significant rise/a steady increase/a
gradual growth/a constant decline/a major reduction/a huge decrease/a
minor variation/a wild fluctuation
Verb phrases
Adding an adverb to a verb, which describes a trend, could be considered a
useful structure, known as a “
verb phrase
.”