Clauses vs. Phrases
Clause
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A clause will ALWAYS have a SUBJECT (noun/pronoun) and a VERB.
A clause can be independent or dependent.
Independent Clause
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Has a SUBJECT and a VERB and it expresses a complete thought
Can stand alone and be it’s own sentence
Examples: My mother drove me to school.
I went to the store, and I bought apples.
When I was little, I liked to ride my bike.
Practice: Underline the independent clause(s) in the following sentences.
1. I watched the football game yesterday.
2. Since it was my birthday, I got to pick the restaurant for dinner.
3. I finished my homework, so I decided to call my friend.
4. Nick played with Brayden, Dylan, and Loralye.
Dependent (Subordinate) Clause
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Has a SUBJECT and a VERB but it does NOT express a complete thought
Can NOT stand alone to be it’s own sentence
Examples: If I got a bad grade on something, I would make sure to study more.
I read the Hunger Games, which was a great book.
Ever since I was little, I have been afraid of snakes.
Practice: Underline the dependent clause in the following sentences.
1. When I bought the CD, it was on sale.
2. As I sat down for dinner, the phone rang.
3. He had a large family, which included two sisters and two brothers.
4. If I missed the bus, I would call my neighbor and ask her to drive me.
Common words that begin a dependent clause: before, while, if, where, after, whether, since, when
Phrase
 A group of words that is MISSING a subject or a verb.
Examples: my fat cat
swam last night
is sleeping
in the garden
Practice: Identify if the following words are phrases or clauses.
1. Phrase/Clause: on the paper
2. Phrase/Clause: After we went to the game,
3. Phrase/Clause: to the supermarket
4. Phrase/Clause: smiling brightly
5. Phrase/Clause: I used to ride my bike.
6. Phrase/Clause: under the umbrella
7. Write your own phrase: __________________________