While learning grammar, we often come across the words “phrases” and “clauses.” These expressions can appear very similar and can be confusing. Consequently, the very grammar principle we are trying to understand can become incomprehensible. In this post, we try to disambiguate the terms “phrase” and “clause” and help you understand how to use them appropriately.
Clause
A clause is a group of words that contain a subject and a verb. It may or may not be independent. Let us understand the principle with the help of examples.
- I love bananas.
In the sentence above, the three words “I love bananas” alone can be a complete independent sentence. They do not need other words to form a complete sentence. Such a clause is known as an independent clause.
2. You can make tacos easily provided you have a tortilla maker.
This sentence has two parts. Let us understand them both.
“You can make tacos easily” is the first half of the sentence. It has a verb “is” and a subject “you,” hence it classifies as a clause. It is also a complete sentence by itself as it does not require any additional words to convey the meaning. Because it is part of a bigger sentence, we do not call it an independent clause; however, it is known as the main clause.
If we look at the words “provided you have a tortilla maker,” then it does have a verb “have” and it does have the words “you” that serves as the subject, hence, it can be classified as a clause. However, the words “provided you have a tortilla maker” does not convey the full meaning. If we ask the question “when” to the main clause, we get “provided you have a tortilla maker” as the answer. Such types of clauses are known as dependent clauses.
Phrases
Phrases are groups of words that do not contain a subject or a verb. They also do not make a complete sentence on their own.
- During monsoons, it is better for the children to stay at home.
If we look at the words “during the monsoons,” we can immediately understand that it neither has a subject nor a verb hence such a group of words would be classified as a phrase.
Let us look at another example:
2. She ate the speed of light.
This sentence has two parts. “She ate” and at “the speed of light.” The words “she ate” includes a subject and a verb, hence, it is a clause. However, if we look at the words “at the speed of light,” we do not have a subject and a verb. Hence “at the speed of light” is a phrase. Summary: If a group of words contains a verb and a subject, it is known as a clause. If it does not, it is
known as a phrase. This post should have helped you understand the difference between a phrase and a clause and how to use them in sentences.
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