Is it a phrase or a clause?
Key Notes:
📘 1. What is a Phrase?
- A phrase is a group of words that work together as a part of speech.
- It does not contain a subject and a verb.
- A phrase cannot stand alone as a sentence.
✅ Examples of Phrases:
- in the morning (prepositional phrase)
- eating ice cream (gerund phrase)
- very quickly (adverbial phrase)
📘 2. What is a Clause?
- A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb.
- A clause may or may not be a complete sentence.
✨ Types of Clauses:
- Independent Clause – Can stand alone as a complete sentence.
- Example: She went home.
- Dependent Clause – Cannot stand alone. Needs more information.
- Example: Because she was tired.
🔍 3. How to Identify a Phrase or Clause
| Feature | Phrase | Clause |
|---|---|---|
| Has a subject? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Has a verb? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Makes a complete idea? | ❌ No | ✅ Sometimes (if independent) |
🎯 4. Quick Test Tips:
- Look for a subject and verb. If both are present, it’s a clause.
- If it’s missing a subject or a verb, it’s a phrase.
- If it can stand alone and make sense—it’s an independent clause.
📝 Practice Examples:
Identify if each is a phrase or a clause:
- Before the movie started → Dependent clause
- On the table → Phrase
- He runs fast → Independent clause
- Running through the park → Phrase
- Although it was raining → Dependent clause
Let’s practice!🖊️
