Phrases and clauses are both groups of words that function as a unit in a sentence, but they have some important differences.
A phrase is a group of words that function together to convey meaning, but it lacks a subject, a predicate (or verb), or both.
Examples:
The dog on the window.
This is a phrase since it does not conatin a verb or predicate.
Running down the street.
This is a phrase since it does not contain a subject.
On the other hand, a clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a sentence. A clause can function as a complete sentence or combine with other clauses to form compound or complex sentences.
Examples:
Jimmy will be going to Paris.
This is a clause because it has a subject (Jimmy) and a predicate (will be going to Paris)
Mom will call Tina once she arrives at the hotel.
This has two clauses.
“Mom will call Tina” has a subject (Mom) and a predicate (will call Tina).
“once she arrives at the hotel.” has a subject (she) and a predicate (arrives at the hotel)
To differentiate between phrases and clauses, it is important to identify whether the group of words contains both a subject and a verb. If it does, it is a clause. If it does not, it is a phrase. Knowing the difference between these two can help you construct sentences that are grammatically correct and clear.
