Is it a phrase or a clause?
Design by Delta publications
Key Notes:
📝 Is it a Phrase or a Clause?
| What is a Phrase? 🌸 |
A phrase is a group of words that work together but do NOT have a subject and a verb.
It cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
Think of it as a part of a sentence.
Examples:
- 🌳 in the garden
- 🍎 eating an apple
- 🚗 under the car
Tip: If it doesn’t have a subject + verb, it’s usually a phrase.
| What is a Clause? 🏠 |
A clause is a group of words that has a subject and a verb.
It can sometimes stand alone (independent clause) or cannot stand alone (dependent clause).
Types of Clauses:
1. Independent Clause ✅
Can stand alone as a complete sentence.
Example:
- 🌞 The sun is shining.
- 🐶 The dog barked loudly.
2. Dependent Clause ❌
- Cannot stand alone; depends on another clause.
- Often starts with words like: because, if, when, although
Example:
- 🌧️ Because it was raining…
- ⏰ When the bell rang…
| How to Tell the Difference? 🔍 |
| Feature | Phrase 🌸 | Clause 🏠 |
|---|---|---|
| Subject + Verb | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Can stand alone? | ❌ No | ✅ Sometimes (independent) |
| Example | after the movie | After the movie ended, we went home. |
| Quick Tricks ⚡ |
If you see just a few words that describe something or show a location, it’s probably a phrase.
- Example: 🌳 under the tree, 🍔 eating lunch
If you see someone doing something, it’s probably a clause.
- Example: 🏃♂️ He ran to the store, 🐱 The cat slept on the mat
| Examples to Practice ✨ |
- Before the storm → ❌ Phrase
- She ran to the bus → ✅ Clause (independent)
- Because he was tired → ❌ Clause (dependent)
- Under the old bridge → ❌ Phrase
- The children are playing → ✅ Clause (independent)
| 💡 Remember: |
- Phrase = part of a sentence, no subject + verb
- Clause = has a subject + verb, may stand alone
Let’s practice!🖊️
