We know that a sentence is a group of words, which is complete in itself and makes complete sense and that it typically consists of a subject and predicate.
But what do we call the group of words that themselves contain a subject and some kind of predicate within a sentence?
They are called clauses.
A clause is a sentence component that includes a subject and some sort of predicate.
Examples:
- We will start early since there will be traffic in the evening.
- I was cooking food when you called.
Clauses are of two types:
- Dependent Clauses
- Independent Clauses
Let us take a look at the different types of clauses and see how a clause is different from a phrase:
Independent Clauses
An independent clause, also known as the main clause, is a group of words that includes a subject and a predicate that can express a complete thought. An independent clause is capable of standing alone as a sentence.
Examples:
- We went to the church in the morning.
- She managed to finish the work on time.
- I will be in Germany next week.
Dependent Clauses
Read the sentence:
I will call you when I am free.
In this sentence, the main clause is I will call you, which is a complete idea and can also stand on its own as a sentence. But the group of words that follow-when I am free– acts as a subordinate to the main clause. Though they contain a complete idea within themselves, including a subject and corresponding predicate, the presence of the conjunction when indicates that the clause cannot stand alone as a sentence. It is determined by the main clause.
Now let us define a dependent clause:
A dependent clause is a group of words that has a subject and a predicate but does not express a complete thought. A dependent clause is incapable of standing alone as a sentence as it always needs a main clause to depend upon. A conjunction is frequently used to identify a dependent clause.
In fact, in many cases, the presence of a conjunction is the only thing that distinguishes an independent clause from a dependent clause.
Examples:
- Since you have already been there once, I suggest that you drive the car all the way through.
- The crowd went berserk when their team scored a goal.
- Natalie watches her favorite series whenever she is away free.
Phrases:
Like explained earlier, a phrase is a set of words that may contain sentence-building elements such as a noun or a verb. It differs from a clause in that it may not include a subject or a predicate. A phrase adds meaning to a sentence by supplying more details regarding the subject, object, verb, or situation. A sentence is also made up of phrases, however if you isolate a phrase from a sentence, it will not function as a whole sentence. To put it simply, clauses contain phrases, and sentences contain clauses.
Examples of Phrases:
- The sun rises in the east.
- Humpty dumpty sat on a wall.
- Tell me how to do it
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