CLAUSES AND PHRASES

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What is a phrase?

Back

A phrase is a group of words that work together but do not contain a subject-verb pair. For example, 'on every conceivable subject'.

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What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. For example, 'whenever the tide goes out'.

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What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a complete sentence. For example, 'the probe plunged toward the surface'.

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Identify the type of the following: 'The sun was setting'.

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This is an independent clause because it has a subject ('The sun') and a verb ('was setting') and can stand alone.

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Identify the type of the following: 'Books on every conceivable subject'.

Back

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

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Identify the type of the following: 'Whenever the tide goes out'.

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This is a dependent clause because it has a subject ('the tide') and a verb ('goes') but cannot stand alone.

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Identify the type of the following: 'I think that Millie Bobbie Brown deserves an Emmy Award'.

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This is an independent clause because it can stand alone and has a subject ('I') and a verb ('think').

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What is the main function of a phrase in a sentence?

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The main function of a phrase is to add detail or context to a sentence without forming a complete thought.

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What is the difference between a dependent clause and an independent clause?

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A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence, while an independent clause can.

Front

Provide an example of a phrase in a sentence.

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Example: 'in the canal' is a phrase that adds detail to the sentence.