Clauses v. Phrases

Clauses v. Phrases

​A clause is a group of words that contains BOTH a subject and a verb. A clause can be used as a
sentence or it can be only part of a sentence.

​​A phrase is a group of words that is missing a subject, a verb, or both.

​Ex) Without a partner, the boy could not enter the dance competition. (The underlined phrase lacks both a subject and verb.)

​Ex) We decided to see the movie again since we enjoyed it. (The underlined part is an independent clause and the italicized part is a dependent clause.)

EXAMPLES

• he smelled

• the rocket exploded

• since the movie was funny

• after we finished the game

• while I slept

• ​for lunch (no subject or verb)

• after the game (no subject or verb)

• throwing trash along the streets (Who? no subject)

​PHRASES

​CLAUSES

​ALL CLAUSES HAVE BOTH SUBJECT AND VERB

Multiple Choice

Identify the underlined words as a phrase or clause.
After the rain stopped, we went outside to play basketball.

• Phrase

• Dependent Clause

• Independent Clause

Multiple Choice

Identify the underlined words as a phrase or clause.

The cat, sitting on the windowsill, watched the birds fly by.

• Phrase

• Dependent Clause

• Independent Clause

Multiple Choice

Identify the underlined words as a phrase or clause.

Because she was late for school, Maria missed the morning announcements.

• Phrase

• Dependent Clause

• Independent Clause

Multiple Choice

Identify the underlined words as a phrase or clause.

While the teacher explained the homework, the students took detailed notes.

• Phrase

• Dependent Clause

• Independent Clause

Multiple Choice

Identify the underlined words as a phrase or clause.

Jack ran quickly to catch the bus, but it left without him.

• Phrase

• Dependent Clause

• Independent Clause

Multiple Choice

Identify the underlined words as a phrase or clause.

After finishing his homework, Jason watched a movie with his family.

• Phrase

• Dependent Clause

• Independent Clause

Multiple Choice

Identify the underlined words as a phrase or clause.

Before the sun rose, the hikers started their journey up the mountain.

• Phrase

• Dependent Clause

• Independent Clause

Multiple Choice

Identify the underlined words as a phrase or clause.

Emma decided to stay home because it was raining heavily.

• Phrase

• Dependent Clause

• Independent Clause

Categorize

Options (10)

Under the bright, sunny sky

The boy with the red hat

Laughing at the silly joke

Because she missed the bus

After the storm ended

If I finish my work early

Although he was tired

They decided to go home

She danced gracefully

The dog barked loudly

Place the group of words into the correct category.

Independent Clause

Dependent Clause

Phrase