PHRASES AND CLAUSES

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What is a clause?

Back

A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb. It can express a complete thought (independent clause) or may not (dependent clause).

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What is a phrase?

Back

A phrase is a group of words that does not contain a subject-verb pair and does not express a complete thought.

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Identify the type of clause: 'I can visit them soon.'

Back

Independent clause.

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Identify the type of clause: 'because I have time off work.'

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Dependent clause.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence because it expresses a complete thought.

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What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence because it does not express a complete thought.

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Example of a phrase: 'in the park.'

Back

This is a phrase because it does not have a subject and verb.

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Example of an independent clause: 'She enjoys reading.'

Back

This is an independent clause because it has a subject ('She') and a verb ('enjoys') and expresses a complete thought.

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Example of a dependent clause: 'when the sun sets.'

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This is a dependent clause because it cannot stand alone and does not express a complete thought.

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What is the difference between a phrase and a clause?

Back

A phrase does not have a subject-verb pair and cannot express a complete thought, while a clause has a subject and a verb and can be independent or dependent.