Phrases and Clauses

Phrases

A phrase is a group of words in a sentence that does NOT contain a subject and a verb.

Clauses

A clause is a group of words in a sentence which contains a subject and a verb.

Subordinate Clause

• aka dependent clause

• has a subject and verb but cannot stand alone​

• it cannot stand alone in a sentence

• usually start with because, if, since, that, until, which or whom.

• if a sentence begins with a subordinate clause, it must have a comma​

​Subordinate Clause Examples

They had to walk home despite the torrential rain and wind.

If the subordinate clause is at the end of the sentence, it is not necessary to add a comma, unless for clarity.

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Despite the torrential rain and wind, they had to walk home.

If the subordinate clause is placed at start of the sentence, you need to add a comma to separate it from the main clause.​

​Because it is raining, we will not be able to play the game.

Independendent clause or main clause

• Expresses a complete thought

• can stand alone and still make sense

• a complete sentence​

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Ex: The girl ran home.

We will attend the game next week. ​

Phrases DO NOT have both a subject and a verb

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Clauses DO have a subject and a verb​

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​Phrases vs. Clauses

Multiple Choice

Identify the underlined section:

Beacause he is a friendly boy, Nooh has many friends.

• Main clause

• Prepositional phrase

• Subordinate clause.

Multiple Choice

Identify the underlined section:

Suzie is good at hoolahooping and she is good at doing yoga.

• Main clause

• Prepositional phrase

• Phrase

Multiple Choice

Identify the underlined section:

Daris likes to read books.

• Main clause

• Adverbial phrase

• Subordinate clause

Multiple Choice

My best friend Tommy.

• Phrase

• Clause

Multiple Choice

Jim runs down the street.

• Phrase

• Clause

Multiple Choice

The nearest shop.

• Phrase

• Clause

Multiple Choice

Grabbing apples is rude.

• Phrase

• Clause

Multiple Choice

James pulls Jade's hair.

• Pharse

• Clause

Multiple Choice

Before I go to bed

• Independent Clause

• Dependent Clause

Multiple Choice

I love eating ice cream.

• Independent Clause

• Dependent Clause

Multiple Choice

after we go to the movies

• Independent Clause

• Dependent Clause

Multiple Choice

Pay attention!

• Independent Clause

• Dependent Clause

Multiple Choice

Choose the part of the sentence that is: an independent clause.

Because he ran, he was able to catch the bus.

• Because he ran

• he was able to catch the bus

Multiple Choice

Choose the part of the sentence that is: a dependent clause

Until the sun sets, I will stay with you.

• Until the sun sets

• I will stay with you

• Until the sun sets, I will stay with you.