1️⃣ Phrase
A phrase is a group of words that work together but does NOT have a subject + verb combination that forms a complete idea.
🔹 It cannot stand alone.
🔹 It is only part of a sentence.
Examples:
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in the morning
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very happy
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running in the park
Example in a sentence:
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She studies in the morning.
(“in the morning” = phrase)
2️⃣ Clause
A clause is a group of words that has a subject and a verb.
There are two types:
✔ Independent Clause
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Has subject + verb
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Expresses a complete idea
-
Can stand alone
Example:
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She is studying.
✔ Dependent (Subordinate) Clause
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Has subject + verb
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Does NOT express a complete idea
-
Cannot stand alone
Example:
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Because she is tired
(This needs more information.)
3️⃣ Sentence
A sentence is a complete thought that begins with a capital letter and ends with a period, question mark, or exclamation mark.
🔹 It must contain at least one independent clause.
Examples:
-
She is studying. (one independent clause)
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She is studying because she has an exam. (independent + dependent clause)