Grammar what is the difference between a phrase and a clause

If we forget for a moment the grammatical significance of the phrase and the genre and only pay attention to the word, we can see that the source of the word has been found within the middle of the 16th century. The difference between Phrase and Clause is their use in the grammar. A phrase is a sequence of words that acts as an integral part of a sentence. On the contrary, a clause in an aspect of the sentence which is inherent by a verb. A phrase is just not enough to complete a sentence, whereas a clause helps to do it.

A phrase is a set of words that constitute the conceptual unit. In other words, the phrase refers to an idiom or short expression. It refers to a group of notes forming distinct units within a bigger piece. Sometimes, the word phrase is used as a verb in the sentence.

Here the absence of a subject-verb combination is significant. A clause is a group of many words, where a subject is performing a Verb well. It is a distinct part of a sentence and includes a subject and a prediction.

This is a type of sentence that might or might not be complete. It is important to note that even a clause does not constitute a complete sentence like a phrase. Ebuka Elvis. Nii Addy. This is the best explanation and of course I totally understood it. Gaurav Victory. Chioma Orakwe. Tubby La - rwandaise. Nacho Vera. Surinder Kumar. Dupe Onabanjo. Like Reply Report 1 year ago.

Oyoga Paul. Maxamed Abdirisaq Cali. Hafeez Fateh. Yomna Mahdi. Joseph Owusu. Your explanation about clauses and phrases is crystal clear. Thanks a million! Like Reply Report 3 2 years ago. Shah Muhammad. That is the way to differenciate between phrase and clause.

Realy, I appriciate it Like Reply Report 2 2 years ago. Wasfi Shari. Thanks for your clear explanation. Much appreciated. Load 10 more comments. Cancel Report. Create a new account. Log In. Powered by CITE. Need more help with any of these phrases?

You can read more examples of phrases here. Clauses are the backbone of a sentence. They contain the subject and predicate that make a sentence complete. Independent clauses are complete sentences.

You can combine two independent clauses in a compound sentence, or add a dependent clause to create a complex sentence. Some examples of independent clauses include:. Dependent clauses are also known as subordinate clauses. While dependent clauses have subjects and verbs, they do not express a complete thought.

They need to connect to an independent clause with a coordinating conjunction or subordinating conjunction. Common types of dependent clauses are relative clauses , noun clauses , adjective clauses , and adverbial clauses. Relative clauses begin with relative pronouns , and noun clauses function as either the subject or object of a sentence.

Adjective clauses further describe the noun in a sentence and adverbial clauses modify the verb of the sentence.

Understanding the difference between clauses and phrases is the first step to varying your sentence styles. To learn more about sentence types, read an article on compound sentences or complex sentences. All rights reserved. The Main Difference Between Phrases and Clauses Phrases and clauses are both groups of two or more words that convey ideas.

Types of Phrases Phrases include details that make a sentence more interesting. Noun Phrases A noun phrase, also known as a nominal , functions as a noun in a sentence. Examples of noun phrases include: The small yellow car belongs to my neighbor. I bought a large Greek salad for lunch. I want to see that new action movie.

The shy new student raised her hand. Verb Phrases Like noun phrases, verb phrases contain a verb and its modifiers. Here are some examples of verb phrases: I might stop at the store. John was writing all day.

The children have been playing outside the window. Our class will host a holiday party next month. Gerund Phrases A gerund is an -ing verb used as a noun. I love driving with the windows down.