Phrase vs Clause Phrases Clauses Phrases and clauses

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Phrase vs. Clause

Phrase vs. Clause

Phrases & Clauses • Phrases and clauses can be confusing. • Both are groups

Phrases & Clauses • Phrases and clauses can be confusing. • Both are groups of words. • Both are parts of sentences. • Learning the differences will help you write strong sentences and understand punctuation rules.

Phrases • A phrase does not have both a subject and a verb. •

Phrases • A phrase does not have both a subject and a verb. • They are a group of words that function as a unit

Examples of phrases • Bryan and his friends gave the waiter a generous tip.

Examples of phrases • Bryan and his friends gave the waiter a generous tip. • Kara should have arrived. • That group works really well together. • In the morning, I need to charge my phone. • The television, an outdated model, quit working.

Clauses • Clauses have both a subject and a verb. • A clause will

Clauses • Clauses have both a subject and a verb. • A clause will have a subject and a predicate. • Clauses can be independent or dependent.

Independent v. Dependent Clause • An independent clause is “independent” from other words –

Independent v. Dependent Clause • An independent clause is “independent” from other words – it can function alone. • It is a simple sentence that has a subject + verb + complete thought. • A dependent clause depends upon the rest of the sentence (an independent clause) to make sense – it cannot function alone. • A dependent clause is not a sentence. If it is written alone as a sentence, it is actually a sentence fragment.

Examples of Clauses • Because his mom asked him to get the flour, Jack

Examples of Clauses • Because his mom asked him to get the flour, Jack went to the pantry. • Independent clause • While Tami mails the letter, Troy will sweep the sidewalk. • Dependent clause

Why should you care? • If you can spot a phrase and a clause,

Why should you care? • If you can spot a phrase and a clause, you will be able to determine the type of a sentence and the appropriate punctuation. • You will also be able to move phrases and clauses to express yourself in writing.