Is it a phrase or a clause?

Key Notes :

What is a Phrase? 🌿

A phrase is a group of words that does NOT have both a subject and a predicate.

• It cannot stand alone as a complete sentence
• It adds meaning to a sentence

Examples:

1. 🌸 In the garden – phrase (no subject + predicate)
2. 🏃 Running very fast – phrase (verb form but no subject doing it)
3. 📚 With a red cover – phrase (adds detail)

What is a Clause? ⚡

A clause is a group of words with a subject and a predicate.

• It can be a complete sentence (independent clause) ✅
• Or part of a sentence (dependent clause) ❌

Examples:

1. 🌞 The sun rises in the east. – independent clause ✅
2. 🍎 Because I was hungry – dependent clause ❌
3. 🐶 The dog barked loudly – independent clause ✅

Tips to Identify 🌈

Feature	Phrase 🌿	Clause ⚡
Subject	❌ Usually missing	✅ Must have a subject
Predicate	❌ Usually missing	✅ Must have a predicate
Complete thought	❌ Cannot stand alone	✅ Can stand alone (independent) or not (dependent)
Example	🌸 In the garden	🌞 The sun rises in the east

Examples for Practice

Words	Phrase or Clause?	Reason
🚗 After the long journey	Phrase 🌿	No subject + predicate
👦 He ran to the store	Clause ⚡	Has subject (He) + predicate (ran to the store)
🎂 With chocolate frosting	Phrase 🌿	No subject + predicate
🌧️ Because it was raining	Clause ⚡	Has subject + predicate but cannot stand alone (dependent clause)
🐦 The birds are singing	Clause ⚡	Independent clause, complete thought

Quick Tips 💡

• Phrase 🌿 = group of words without subject & predicate, cannot stand alone
• Clause ⚡ = group of words with subject & predicate, may or may not stand alone
• Remember: Every clause has a verb, but phrases do not always have a verb

Let’s practice!🖊️