Phrases and Clauses

Front

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. Example: 'under the table'.

Front

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 an incomplete thought (dependent clause). Example: 'She runs fast' (independent clause).

Front

Identify the underlined part: 'Hiding under the table, the dog knew he was bad.'

Back

The underlined part 'Hiding under the table' is a phrase.

Front

Identify the underlined part: 'We are in the building.'

Back

The underlined part is a clause.

Front

Identify the underlined part: 'Linda, a girl in my class, was absent today.'

Back

The underlined part 'a girl in my class' is a phrase.

Front

Identify the underlined part: 'Under the box.'

Back

The underlined part is a phrase.

Front

Identify the underlined part: 'Sam and I want a new Xbox.'

Back

The underlined part is a clause.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a clause that can stand alone as a complete sentence. Example: 'I like to read.'

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause is a clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and depends on an independent clause. Example: 'because I like to read.'

Front

Can a phrase contain a verb?

Back

Yes, a phrase can contain a verb, but it will not have a subject-verb pair that forms a complete thought. Example: 'running quickly'.