Is it a phrase or a clause?

Key Notes:

Phrases:

  1. Definition: A phrase is a group of words that work together but do not have both a subject and a verb. It functions as a single part of speech (e.g., noun phrase, verb phrase, prepositional phrase).
  2. Characteristics:
    • No Complete Thought: A phrase does not express a complete thought.
    • Lacks Subject and Verb: It usually lacks both a subject and a predicate (verb).
    • Function: Can act as a noun, adjective, adverb, etc. (e.g., under the table, running fast).
  3. Examples:
    • Noun Phrase: The old house (The subject of the phrase is “house”, but there is no verb).
    • Verb Phrase: Was eating quickly (The verb is “was eating”, but there is no subject here).
    • Prepositional Phrase: On the roof (Preposition “on” with its object “roof”, no verb).

Clauses:

  1. Definition: A clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a verb (predicate). Clauses can be independent (standalone sentences) or dependent (cannot stand alone).
  2. Characteristics:
    • Complete Thought: An independent clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence.
    • Subject and Verb: Contains both a subject and a predicate.
    • Dependent Clause: Cannot stand alone as a sentence; relies on an independent clause to complete its meaning (e.g., because it was raining).
  3. Examples:
    • Independent Clause: She went to the store. (Has a subject “She” and a verb “went”).
    • Dependent Clause: Although it was raining (Has a subject “it” and a verb “was raining”, but is not a complete sentence).

Comparing Phrases and Clauses:

  • Subject and Verb: Phrases do not have both a subject and verb, while clauses do.
  • Complete Thought: Clauses can express complete thoughts if independent, whereas phrases cannot.

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