Phrases and Clauses

Front

What is a phrase?

Back

A phrase is a group of words that does not contain a subject-verb pair and does not express a complete thought.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1F

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.1A

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.1A

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

Example of a phrase.

Back

Under the ocean blue.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1E

CCSS.L.7.1A

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

Example of a dependent clause.

Back

While my guitar gently weeps.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.1A

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

Example of an independent clause.

Back

The falcon soared majestically.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.1A

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

Can a phrase stand alone as a sentence?

Back

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

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1F

Front

Can a dependent clause stand alone as a sentence?

Back

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

Tags

CCSS.L.7.1A

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

Can an independent clause stand alone as a sentence?

Back

Yes, an independent clause can stand alone as a sentence because it expresses a complete thought.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.1A

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

What is the main difference between a dependent clause and an independent clause?

Back

The main difference is that a dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence, while an independent clause can.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.1A

CCSS.L.9-10.1B