Phrases and Clauses Examples
There are many different types of phrases and clauses. The first step to identifying the different types, though, is to understand the difference between a phrase and a clause.
A phrase is a related group of words. The words work together as a "unit," but they do not have a subject and a verb.
Examples of Phrases
1. the boy on the bus (noun phrase)
2. will be running (verb phrase)
3. in the kitchen (prepositional phrase)
4. very quickly (adverb phrase)
5. Martha and Jan (noun phrase)
A clause is a group of words that does have both a subject and a verb. Some clauses are independent, meaning that they express a complete thought. An independent clause is the same as a complete sentence. Some clauses are dependent, meaning that they cannot stand alone. They do have a subject and a verb, but they do not express a complete thought. Another word for dependent is subordinate.
Examples of Clauses
1. When I get home (dependent or subordinate clause)
2. The lights are not on. (independent clause)
3. When you wake up (dependent or subordinate clause)
4. Put it on the shelf. (independent clause-understood subject "you)
5. Since it fell on the floor (dependent or subordinate clause)
Practice:
1. The table has four chairs _____
2. Because we were late for the party _____
3. The cat on the front porch _____
Answer:
1. The table has four chairs __I___
2. Because we were late for the party _D____
3. The cat on the front porch __P___
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