CLAUSES AND PHRASES (GEG)

CLAUSES AND PHRASES

Definitions
• A clause is a group of words containing a subject and verb. An independent clause
is a simple sentence. It can stand on its own.
 

Examples: She is hungry.
I am feeling well today.

• A dependent clause cannot stand on its own. It needs an independent clause to
complete a sentence. Dependent clauses often begin with such words as although,
since, if, when, and because.

Examples: Although she is hungry. . .
Whoever is hungry. . .
Because I am feeling well. . .

          Dependent                                            Independent
         Although she is hungry,                            she will give him some of her food.
         Whatever they decide,                              I will agree to.

• A phrase is a group of words without a subject-verb component, used as a single part
of speech.

Examples: Best friend (noun phrase)
Needing help (adjective phrase; see the “Adjectives and Adverbs” section later in this chapter)
With the blue shirt (prepositional adjective phrase; see the “Prepositions” section later in this chapter)
For twenty days (prepositional adverb phrase)