Phrases and Clauses

A clause is a group of words containing a subject and verb.

 

·       An independent clause is a sentence that can stand on its own.

 Example:

I am busy.

He is feeling sick.

 

·       A dependent clause cannot stand on its own. It needs an independent clause to complete a sentence.

 Example:

Dependent Clause	Independent Clause
Although she is poor,	she gave him some money.

 

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

 
Examples:

Best friend	This phrase acts as a noun
Needing help	This phrase acts as an adjective