Difference between Phrases and Clauses with Examples

Phrases vs. Clauses: Groups of words that work together to accomplish a single task within a sentence are referred to as phrases and clauses. Individually, a phrase is a collection of words with either one or both of the partial subjects or verbs, or neither. Whereas, a clause is a mixture of words that build a sentence. It comprises a subject and a predicate.

In this blog, we will provide detailed knowledge about the difference between phrases and clauses with the help of a few examples to improve your English grammar. 

Learn All about Phrases Here!

Phrases vs. Clauses

Sentences are constructed using both phrases and clauses. A phrase is a collection of words that function as a whole without a subject and a predicate. On the other hand, a set of words functioning as a unit with a subject and a predicate is called a clause. It may be able to stand alone as a complete sentence, while a phrase can never do so. To have more clarity about both, go through the pointers below:

Phrases	Clauses
A collection of words which do not have a subject and a verb, also they can stand individually.	A group of words, which have a subject and a verb in a certain grammatical structure.
A phrase is a component of a clause	The clause is a part of the complete sentence.
A portion of a sentence that lacks the subject and a predicate— that is a phrase, doesn’t express any meaning.	A portion of a sentence that has two parts of speech. i.e. subject and predicate.
Examples: The black cat, Jumped over the fence, Extremely delicious, etc.	Examples: He walked to the park,  Because it was snowing, He walked to the park because it was raining, etc.

Read also: What are Clauses

Difference between Phrases and Clauses  through Examples

To have a complete idea about phrases and clauses, below are some examples that students can refer to: 

Phrases Examples	Clauses Examples
Over the window	She walked to the store.
Around the corner	Although it was raining.
Jumping high	The dog barked loudly.
Walked slowly	While we were eating dinner.
Above the cloud	She finished his homework early.
Extremely delicious	Because She was tired.
The big house	They went to the beach.
Without any hesitation	After they had finished their project.
Near the beach	The dog chased the mouse.
Under the tree	When the sun sets.

Also read: 15 Best Phrases Examples

Phrases and Clauses Exercises 

Instruction: In the below sentences, Identify whether the highlighted part is a Phrase or Clause.

1. Faced with numerous challenges, she decided to get assistance from a Psychologist.

2. She came to work on time despite missing the bus.

3. Before consuming any supplement, he always talks to my nutritionist.

4. Amisha lived outside her home for 6 years.

5. In the dawn, it’s perfect to get up early.

6. She was offended by the little kid yelling loudly.

7. He likes the educator who is wearing spectacles.

Answers

1. Phrase
2. Clause
3. Clause
4. Phrase
5. Clause
6. Phrase
7. Clause

FAQs

Related read: 

Parts of Speech	Article Rules: A Complete Guide
List of Conjunctions	How to Write a Letter: Letter Writing Types and Examples
101+ One Word Substitutions	List of Idioms and Phrases for IELTS

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