D.A.V MODEL SCHOOL, DURGAPUR (W.
B)
SUBJECT-ENGLISH
Phrases and Clauses
Note: To be noted down in your English class work notebook.
Phrase
A phrase is a group of words that stand together as a single grammatical unit,
typically as a part of a sentence. A phrase does not have a subject and a verb and,
consequently, cannot convey a complete thought.
Examples of some phrases are:
• My cousin, Jenet eats a cake daily.
• We camped by the brook.
• Alex is a man of friendly nature.
• I was in a hurry.
Types of Phrases:
Noun Phrase: Adjective Phrase: Adverbial Phrase:
Functions as a noun. Functions as an A group of two or
adjective,describes a more words that
noun or a pronoun. functions as an adverb
Examples: Examples: Examples:
• I saw a striped zebra • A person, smarter • She went online for
at the zoo. than me, needs to some more
• I love walking in the figure this out. information.
park. • The dancing was • Sometimes I don’t
• Singing in the exquisitely graceful. clean under the bed.
bathroom relaxes • Beaming with joy, • He responded in a
me. her face lit up the rude manner
room.
Clause
A Clause is a group of words consisting of a part of a sentence. It contains both a
subject and a verb and it may or may not convey a complete thought.
Difference between a phrase and a clause:
PHRASE CLAUSE
Group of words without a subject and Group of words containing a subject and a
verb component verb
Doesn't convey a complete meaning May or may not convey complete meaning
Eg:She was singing in a melodious Eg.I know a man who can help you.
voice (doesn't convey complete Main clause subordinate clause
meaning) (conveys complete sense) (doesn't convey
complete meaning)
Eg. : Eg. :
• The book was kept on the table • I know the man who is wearing a blue
( Adverb phrase) shirt. (Adjective clause)
• She was wearing a dress of • Let me know the time when you will
golden colour(Adjective phrase) arrive.(Adverb clause)
• The shoes with jewels was • I am afraid that you might not win.
quite expensive.(Noun (Noun Clause)
Phrase)
Types of Clauses:
Noun Clause: Adjective Clause: Adverbial Phrase:
Functions as a Noun in the Functions as an Functions as an Adverb
sentence whether they are Adjective , begins
subjects, objects or with a relative
subject complements. pronoun such as
that, when, where,
whose, which,
whose etc.
Examples: Examples: Examples:
• Please tell me what • The house, which • After the storm
you have done. belongs to Nicole, is passed, we went
(direct object) up for sale. outside to survey the
• We are going to the damage.
• Whoever cleaned the beach that I like the
house deserves a best. • Wherever Mary
reward. (subject) went, the lamb was
sure to go.
EXERCISES:
Identify the type of the phrases underlined in the following sentences:
1. The lion is an animal of great strength.
2. The boy stood on the burning deck.
3. He wants to go home.
4. She was wearing a bangle made of gold.
5. Do you enjoy reading this book?
6. She speaks like a born leader.
Identify the type of the subordinate clauses underlined in the following
sentences:
1. Come when you like.
2. The jury believed that the man was guilty.
3. I know the girl who has won the prize.
4. Before I die, I want to see Venice.
5. The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.
6. Do you think that I am a fool?
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