Is it a phrase or a clause?

Key Notes:

Definition of a Phrase

• A phrase is a group of words that act as a single part of speech but does not contain both a subject and a verb.
• It cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

Examples of Phrases:

• Noun Phrase: “the black cat,” “a difficult exam”
• Verb Phrase: “is running,” “have been waiting”
• Adjective Phrase: “extremely tired,” “happy to help”
• Adverb Phrase: “very quickly,” “in a few minutes”
• Prepositional Phrase: “under the table,” “after the movie”

Definition of a Clause

• A clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a verb.
• Clauses can be independent (able to stand alone as a sentence) or dependent (cannot stand alone and needs an independent clause to form a complete sentence).

Examples of Clauses:

• Independent Clause: “She likes ice cream.” (Can stand alone)
• Dependent Clause: “Although she likes ice cream” (Cannot stand alone)

Types of Clauses

• Independent Clause: Expresses a complete thought and can function as a sentence by itself.
• Dependent (Subordinate) Clause: Does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone. It depends on an independent clause to give it meaning.
  • Examples: “because he was tired,” “if she arrives on time”

How to Distinguish Between Phrases and Clauses

• Check for a Subject and a Verb: Clauses will have both a subject and a verb. Phrases will not.
• Look for a Complete Thought: Independent clauses can stand alone as sentences, while dependent clauses cannot. Phrases cannot stand alone either.