Clauses and Phrases

Clauses and Phrases

Definitions

Clause

• A clause is a group of words containing a subject and verb.

• An independent clause is a simple sentence. It can stand on its own.​

​Examples:

She is hungry

I am feeling well today.​

Clauses and Phrases

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Definitions

Dependent Clause

• A dependent clause cannot stand on its own. It needs an independent clause to complete a sentence. Dependent clauses often begin with such words as although, since, if, when, and because.

​Examples:

Although she is hungry...​ Because she is hungry...

Since she is hungry...​ If she is hungry...

Clauses and Phrases

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Multiple Select

What do dependent clauses often begin with? Check all that apply.

• Although

• Since

• If

• When

• Because

Definitions

Phrase

• A phrase is a group of words without a subject-verb component, used as a single part of speech.

​Examples:

Best friend

Needing help

With the blue shirt

For twenty days​

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Let's see how well you can identify a clause and a phrase.

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Clauses and Phrases

Practice Time

Multiple Choice

Identify whether the underlined group of words is a phrase or a clause.

Trying to steal third base all the time isn't the best way to keep innings alive.

• phrase

• clause

Multiple Choice

Identify whether the underlined group of words is a phrase or a clause.

She excels at her work without worrying about forecasts for each following quarter.

• phrase

• clause

Multiple Choice

Identify whether the underlined group of words is a phrase or a clause.

To invite Gus to the party will be to add the social glue we’ll need.

• phrase

• clause

Multiple Choice

Identify whether the underlined group of words is a phrase or a clause.

To invite Gus to the party will be to add the social glue we’ll need.

• phrase

• clause

Multiple Choice

Identify whether the underlined group of words is a phrase or a clause.

I’m guessing the cat will be sleeping for at least five hours.

• phrase

• clause

Multiple Choice

Identify whether the underlined group of words is a phrase or a clause.

While some members of the search party looking for the lost dog scoured the woods, others checked the ravine.

• phrase

• independent clause

• dependent clause

Multiple Choice

Identify whether the underlined group of words is a phrase or a clause.

Because Roger and Betty found a babysitter for the evening, they can go to the show.

• phrase

• independent clause

• dependent clause

Multiple Choice

Identify whether the underlined group of words is a phrase or a clause.

The ice-covered bridge was closed to prevent driving hazards.

• phrase

• clause

Multiple Choice

Identify whether the underlined group of words is a phrase or a clause.

The course in using sign language will start next week.

• phrase

• clause

Multiple Choice

Identify whether the underlined group of words is a phrase or a clause.

Giving it all she had, she finished the marathon in a personal-best five hours and fifteen minutes.

• phrase

• independent clause

• dependent clause