Phrases and Clauses

Phrases and Clauses

In writing, we see groups of words. Sometimes these strings of words are PHRASES and sometimes these words are CLAUSES.

Open Ended

What is the difference between a phrase and a clause?

• A PHRASE is a collection of words that is missing either (or BOTH) a subject and a verb

• For example: "Through the water"

• --> This is a PHRASE because it doesn't tell us WHO is doing WHAT

• Another example: "Swimming quickly..."

• --> Again, another PHRASE because we don't know WHO is swimming quickly.

• CLAUSE contain both a subject and a verb.

• There are TWO different types of clauses: INDEPENDENT AND DEPENDENT.

• An INDEPENDENT CLAUSE can stand on it's own while a DEPENDENT CLAUSE cannot (mostly because it has a word that makes the sentence need more information like "after" or "since.")

• But just remember, BOTH INDEPENDENT AND DEPENDENT CLAUSES have subjects and verbs.

Multiple Choice

Is this a PHRASE or a CLAUSE?

The student’s nose fell off.

• Phrase

• Clause

Multiple Choice

Is this a PHRASE or a CLAUSE?

The new Harry Potter movie comes out next week.

• Phrase

• Clause

Multiple Choice

Is this a PHRASE or a CLAUSE?

While I was parked in the garage.

• Phrase

• Clause

Multiple Choice

Is this a PHRASE or a CLAUSE?

Walking down the avenue.

• Phrase

• Clause

Multiple Choice

Is this a PHRASE or a CLAUSE?

Because I was the coolest kid in the classroom.

• Phrase

• Clause

Multiple Choice

Is this a PHRASE or a CLAUSE?

Parked on the driveway.

• Phrase

• Clause

Multiple Choice

Is this a PHRASE or a CLAUSE?

Because he could not sneeze.

• Phrase

• Clause

Multiple Choice

Is this a PHRASE or a CLAUSE?

The light turned red.

• Phrase

• Clause

Multiple Choice

Is this a PHRASE or a CLAUSE?

Making Jello pudding pops.

• Phrase

• Clause

Multiple Choice

Is this a PHRASE or a CLAUSE?

After the first bomb fizzled.

• Phrase

• Clause

Multiple Choice

Is this a PHRASE or a CLAUSE?

Because there was no gum stuck under the desk.

• Phrase

• Clause

Multiple Choice

Is this a PHRASE or a CLAUSE?

The mouse ran up her skirt.

• Phrase

• Clause

Multiple Choice

Is this a PHRASE or a CLAUSE?

I jumped.

• Phrase

• Clause

Multiple Choice

Is this a PHRASE or a CLAUSE?

Across the parking lot.

• Phrase

• Clause

Multiple Choice

Is this a PHRASE or a CLAUSE?

Tomatoes are yummy!

• Phrase

• Clause

Multiple Choice

Is this a PHRASE or a CLAUSE?

The Lord of the Flies.

• Phrase

• Clause

Multiple Choice

Is this a PHRASE or a CLAUSE?

The beast crept slowly out of the forest.

• Phrase

• Clause

Multiple Choice

Is this a PHRASE or a CLAUSE?

Although I was a superstar at all sports.

• Phrase

• Clause

Multiple Choice

Is this a PHRASE or a CLAUSE?

On the first day of school.

• Phrase

• Clause

Multiple Choice

Is this a PHRASE or a CLAUSE?

The soccer coach ran after me screaming about his underwear.

• Phrase

• Clause

Multiple Choice

Is this a PHRASE or a CLAUSE?

Into the woods and across a small brook with green leaves.

• Phrase

• Clause

Poll

How do you feel about clauses and phrases now?

• Great! :)

• Meh :/

• Oh no! :(