Phrase and Clause

Clause and Phrase

1.    Definition of clauses and phrase

·      A clause is a collection of words that has a subject that is actively doing a verb/predicate.

Examples:

·         She smiled at him.

·         She laughs at diffident men

·      A phrase is a collection of words that may have nouns or verbals, but it does not have a subject doing a verb.

Examples:

·         The girl at the door is may sister.

·         The pen on the table is mine.

2.    Types of Clause and Phrase

a.      Types of Clause

1.      Independent clause or Main clause

The clause cant stand by itself, and form a complete sentence with punctuation.

Example:

·         We study English.

·         English is an International Language.

2.      Dependent clause or subordinate clause

The clause can’t stand by self, or depend on independent clause, and form a not complete sentence.

Example:

·         I will go if you go.

·         He won’t come unless you invite her.

3.      Adverbial clause

The clause (subordinate clause) which function as adverb, that is explain verb.

Example:

·         He  came here when the bell rang.

·         She promised to help me although she was very busy.

4.      Adjective clause or relative clause

The clause (subordinate clause) that uses as adjective that explain noun or pronoun.

Example:

·         I have read the book that you just mentioned.

·         The lesson that she is learning is very difficult.

5.      Noun clause

The clause that do duty off noun.

Example:

·         No one believe that the earth is flat

·         What I believe is no business of yours.

b.      Types of Phrase

1.      A noun phrase

Generally has a noun or pronoun as its main word.

Example:

·         Alice’s wedding.

·         My favorite TV program

2.      A verb phrase

Generally has a main verb as its main word.

Example:

·         She was bought a new book

·         The window was opened

3.      A prepositional phrase

Has a prepositional as its first word

Example:

·         There is a picture on the wall

·         My book is under the table

4.      An adjective phrase

Has an adjective as its main word

Example:

·         It is sad

·         It is too easy

5.      An adverb phrase

Has an adverb as its main word

Example:

·         I live near the campus

·         She puts the money into his pocket