Phrases and Clauses

Front

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 clause?

Back

A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb. Clauses can be independent or dependent.

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What is an independent clause?

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An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a complete sentence. It expresses a complete thought. For example, 'We can all go home.'

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What is a dependent clause?

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A dependent clause is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It does not express a complete thought. For example, 'While Richard was out of the country'.

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What is the difference between a phrase and a clause?

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A phrase does not have a subject-verb pair, while a clause does. Clauses can be independent or dependent.

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Can a dependent clause stand alone as a sentence?

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No, a dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence because it does not express a complete thought.

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Provide an example of an independent clause.

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'He couldn’t have been happier.' This is an independent clause because it has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.

Front

Provide an example of a dependent clause.

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'While Richard was out of the country.' This is a dependent clause because it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

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What role do phrases play in sentences?

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Phrases add detail and context to sentences but do not contain a subject-verb pair.

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What is a noun phrase?

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A noun phrase is a phrase that acts as a noun in a sentence. For example, 'the legendary Robin Hood'.