Final answer:
The phrase "to the TA" is a prepositional phrase in the sentence provided. It is also used as an example in discussing spelling patterns of words with 'pp' that can occur due to simple addition, twinning, or assimilation.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the sentence "Give the essays to the TA," the phrase "to the TA" functions as a prepositional phrase (PP). A prepositional phrase typically includes a preposition like 'to' and its object, which, in this case, is 'the TA'. Prepositional phrases can indicate location, time, or the direction of an action. In this sentence, it specifies the direction of the action, telling us where to give the essays.
For the word analysis involving the spelling 'pp', let's consider these examples:
- Appoint - Here, 'pp' is formed by simple addition: ad + p + oint
- Slippery - The 'pp' is a case of twinning, as the single letter 'p' is doubled after a short vowel in the base word 'slip'.
- Support - In this word, 'pp' comes about through assimilation, where the prefix 'sub-' changes to 'sup-' before the base 'port'.
Understanding prepositional phrases and spelling patterns with 'pp' can be critical in crafting coherent sentences and in the analysis of words in English.