What's the difference between a clause and a phrase?

Question

Sometimes sentences can be a bit complex with a lot of parts. Certain words will activate certain parts of that sentence, so it's all about identifying those words as you read and write!

Answer 1

A phrase is a group of words that do not form a complete thought, idea, or sentence, e.g., to the store.

A clause may be dependent or independent. An independent clause contains a subject and a verb. It is a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence, e.g., I went to the store.

A dependent clause may contain a subject and a verb, but it is not a complete thought. It cannot stand alone as a sentence, e.g., When I went to the store, . . .

Answer 2

A phrase is a group of words that is missing something, such as a matching subject and verb that create a complete thought. It's incomplete! An example of a phrase is "around the block." We can't walk up to someone and only say "around the block"! They won't know what we mean! A clause will have a subject and verb, such as "I ran around the block." The subject "I" matches up with the verb "ran." But beware! There are differences between independent and dependent clauses. Be sure to keep an eye out for those, as well.