In any language, a sentence can be divided into various parts. Phrases and clauses are one among the divisions that can be done. In this article, you will learn what phrases and clauses are, how they can be used and the difference between them. The article also gives you a number of examples to give you a clearer idea of the topic.
A phrase is a part of a sentence which consists of a group of words that give more information about the subject, action or event in a sentence. A phrase cannot stand on its own and will not convey meaning if separated from the sentence. According to the kind of function it does, it can be classified into various types and they include the following.
A clause is also a part of a sentence that consists of a subject and a verb, unlike phrases. They can be divided into two main types depending on how they behave in a sentence. The different types of clauses are:
Take a look at the table given below to find out how phrases and clauses differ from each other.
To understand how phrases and clauses can be used, take a look at the following sentences.
Identify the phrases and clauses in the following sentences and state which of them is a phrase and a clause.
1. I completed my project, but I was not satisfied with it.
2. Jacob knew about it; however he kept asking everyone about it.
3. I was waiting at the park.
4. They all sang extremely well.
5. The girls in the black dresses are the ones who won the competition last year.
6. In the meantime, I will help you with your domestic chores.
7. Santana and Brittany are good dancers.
8. When we reach home, we will call you.
9. We were planning our summer vacation.
10. She finally agreed to come with us to the slumber party.
Now, check your answers to find out if you identified the phrases and clauses correctly.
1. I completed my project, / but I was not satisfied with it.
2. Jacob knew about it; / however he kept asking everyone about it.
3. I was waiting / at the park.
4. They all sang / extremely well.
5. The girls in the black dresses are the ones / who won the competition last year.
6. In the meantime, / I will help you with your domestic chores.
7. Santana and Brittany are good dancers.
8. When we reach home, / we will call you.
9. We were planning our summer vacation.
10. She finally agreed to come with us / to the slumber party.
A phrase is a part of a sentence which consists of a group of words that give more information about the subject, action or event in a sentence. A phrase cannot stand on its own and will not convey meaning if separated from the sentence.
A clause is also a part of a sentence that consists of a subject and a verb, unlike phrases.
According to the kind of function it does, it can be classified into various types and they include the following.
Clauses can be divided into two main types depending on how they behave in a sentence. The different types of clauses are:
Here are some examples of phrases for your reference.
Here are some examples of clauses for your reference.