Is “The neighbors tried” a phrase

It is a sentence because neighbors are the subject and tried is the predicate

Yes

Explanation:

A phrase is a small group of words that express a concept standing together and is used as a conceptual unit within a sentence typically forming a component of a clause. Eight common types of phrases are: noun, verb, gerund, infinitive, appositive, participial, prepositional, and absolute. (A group of words that acts like a part of speech; it can't be a sentence!)

Synonyms: expression, group of words, word group, construction, clause, saying, remark, etc.

Examples

Noun: consists of a noun and all its modifiers.

Saturday became a cool, wet afternoon.It was a story as old as time.The bewildered tourist was lost.The lost puppy was a wet and stinky dog.The flu clinic had seen many cases of infectious disease.My best friend...

Verb: consists of a verb and all its modifiers.

He was waiting for the rain to stop.She was upset when it didn't boil.You have been sleeping for a long time.You might enjoy a massage.He was eager to eat dinner.

Gerund: simply a noun phrase that starts with a gerund.

Taking my dog for a walk is fun.Walking in the rain can be difficult.Strolling along a beach at sunset is romantic.Getting a promotion is exciting.Signing autographs takes time.Going for ice cream is a real treat.Singing for his supper was how he earned his keep.Getting a sore back was the result of the golf game.Pulling an all-nighter did not improve his test scores.Sailing into the sunset was the perfect end to the book.

Infinitive: is a noun phrase that begins with an infinitive verb.

To make lemonade, you have to start with lemons.I tried to see the stage, but I was too short.She organized a boycott to make a statement.To see Niagara Falls is mind-boggling.He really needs to get his priorities in order.The company decided to reduce hours for everyone.To donate time or money is an honorable thing.I went to Spain to study the language and culture.

Appositive: restates and define a noun. It consists of one or more words.

My favorite pastime, needlepoint, surprises some people. Her horse, an Arabian, was her pride and joy. My wife, the love of my life, is also my best friend. A cheetah, the fastest land animal, can run 70 miles an hour. My idea, a recycling bin for the office, was accepted by the boss. The Florida panther, the state animal of Florida, is an endangered species.

Participial: begins with a past or present participle.

Washed with my clothes, my cell phone no longer worked. Knowing what I know now, I wish I had never come here. I am really excited, considering all the people that will be there. We are looking forward to the movie, having seen the trailer last week. Grinning from ear to ear, she accepted her award. The happy dog ran the entire length of the park, pausing only to sniff the dandelions. Painted a brilliant white, the small room appeared bigger. The lake, frozen over all winter, was finally thawing.

Prepositional: begins with a preposition and can act as a noun, an adjective or an adverb.

The book was on the table. We camped by the brook. He knew it was over the rainbow. She was lost in the dark of night. He was between a rock and a hard place. I waited for a while. She smelled of strawberries and cream. He won the challenge against all odds.

Absolute: has a subject, but not an action verb, so its cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It modifies the whole sentence, not just a noun.

His tail between his legs, the dog walked out the door. Picnic basket in hand, she set off for her date. The guys attacked the pile of nachos, their fingers getting the last bit of cheese off the plate. Their heads hanging down, the whole group apologized. The entire team, their uniforms muddy and stained, shouted for joy.