Clause vs Phrase – English Grammar
Understanding clauses and phrases is one of the most important parts of mastering English grammar. Many students confuse the two because they are both groups of words, but they serve different purposes in a sentence. This guide will explain everything about clauses and phrases, including definitions, types, examples, common mistakes, and tips to use them correctly. 1. What is a Clause? A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb. Clauses can express a complete thought or be part of a sentence. Example: She runs every morning. (This is a clause because it has a subject “She” and a verb “runs”.) Clauses are divided into two main types: a) Independent Clauses Can stand alone as a complete sentence. Express a complete thought. Examples: I enjoy reading. He plays football. b) Dependent (Subordinate) Clauses Cannot stand alone. They depend on the main clause to make sense. Often start with subordinating words like because, although, if, when, since, etc. Examples: I staye...
