Phrase vs Clause in English
There are many different types of phrases and clauses. Let’s find as below:
Clause
What is a clause?
A clause is a part of the sentence that contains a verb. A typical clause consists of a subject and a predicate, the latter typically a verb phrase, a verb with any objects and other modifiers. It can stand on its own.
Examples:
- He must stop laughing.
- They have done the job.
- Tom likes the meat.
- We like the music that you brought.
A subordinate clause or dependent clause is a clause that provides a sentence element with additional information, but which cannot stand as a sentence. A dependent clause can either modify an adjacent clause or serve as a component of an independent clause. Dependent clauses often begin with such words as although, since, if, when, and because.
Examples:
- Although she knew that it was dangerous…
- Whoever gets the highest score goes first…
- Whatever the weather…
- Because the road was clear…
| Dependent | Independent |
| Although she knew that it was dangerous, | he walked home by herself |
| Whatever the weather, | we’ll go. |
Phrase
What is a phrase?
A phrase is a small group of words that adds meaning to a sentence. A phrase is not a sentence because it is not a complete idea with a subject, verb and a predicate.
In a ‘Noun phrase‘, one or more words work together to give more information about a noun.
Examples:
- all my dear children
- the information age
- seventeen hungry lions in the rocks
In an Adjective phrase, one or more words work together to give more information about an adjective.
Examples:
- so very sweet
- earnest in her desire
- very happy with his work
In a Verb phrase, one or more words work together to give more meaning to a verb. In English, the verb phrase is very complex, but a good description of its many forms can be found here.
In an Adverb phrase, one or more words work together to give more information about an adverb.
Examples:
- especially softly
- formerly of the city of Perth
- much too quickly to see clearly
In a Prepositional phrase, one or more words work together to give information about time, location, or possession, or condition. The preposition always appears at the front of the phrase (preposition = pre-position).
Examples:
- after a very long walk
- behind the old building
- for all the hungry children
- in case it should happen again
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