English Grammar 250605 : Phrases and Clauses

 Phrases and Clauses

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What is a Phrase?

A phrase is a group of words that acts as a single part of speech in a sentence. It does not contain a subject and verb, so it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

Examples:

• in the morning
• very beautiful
• to eat dinner
• under the table
• by the river

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Types of Phrases with Examples

1. Noun Phrase – Acts like a noun.

   • Example: The black cat sat on the mat.
   • ("The black cat" = noun phrase)

2. Verb Phrase – Main verb with auxiliary/helping verbs.

   • Example: She has been reading a novel.
   • ("has been reading" = verb phrase)

3. Adjective Phrase – Describes a noun or pronoun.

   • Example: The girl with blue eyes is my sister.
   • ("with blue eyes" = adjective phrase)

4. Adverb Phrase – Modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb.

   • Example: He arrived in the morning.
   • ("in the morning" = adverb phrase)

5. Prepositional Phrase – Begins with a preposition and shows relationship.

   • Example: The book is on the table.
   • ("on the table" = prepositional phrase)

6. Infinitive Phrase – Begins with "to" + verb.

   • Example: To win the race was his dream.
   • ("To win the race" = infinitive phrase)

7. Participial Phrase – Begins with a present or past participle and functions like an adjective.

• Example: Covered in dust, the old book lay on the shelf.
• ("Covered in dust" = participial phrase)

Example Sentences:

1. Noun Phrase

(A group of words that acts like a noun)

1. The red car sped past us.
2. I saw a group of students in the hallway.
3. The tall building collapsed in the storm.
4. My younger brother loves cricket.
5. The loud noise startled the baby.
6. She adopted a stray dog.
7. The beautiful painting was stolen.
8. We visited a historical monument.
9. His rude behavior upset everyone.
10. They enjoyed the thrilling movie.

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2. Verb Phrase

(A verb along with helping/auxiliary verbs)

1. She is reading a novel.
2. They have been working all day.
3. I will go to the market.
4. He has finished his homework.
5. We might attend the function.
6. You should have told the truth.
7. They were playing in the garden.
8. She was being watched closely.
9. He can speak five languages.
10. The baby has fallen asleep.

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3. Adjective Phrase

(A group of words that describes a noun)

1. The girl with long hair is my cousin.
2. We bought a house made of stone.
3. The movie was very interesting.
4. He wore a shirt covered in mud.
5. The man in the black suit is the manager.
6. That was a book worth reading.
7. The child full of energy ran all day.
8. The gift wrapped in red paper is yours.
9. He gave an answer full of wisdom.
10. They live in a cottage near the lake.

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4. Adverb Phrase

(A group of words that modifies a verb, adjective, or adverb)

1. She danced with great joy.
2. We will meet after the show.
3. He ran with all his strength.
4. They worked till midnight.
5. He lives very far from here.
6. She replied in a soft voice.
7. We traveled by train.
8. He arrived after the bell rang.
9. The children shouted with excitement.
10. She solved the puzzle in no time.

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5. Prepositional Phrase

(A phrase that begins with a preposition and acts like an adjective or adverb)

1. The cat is on the roof.
2. He sat under the tree.
3. We stayed at a hotel.
4. She walked along the river.
5. The letter is on the table.
6. They went through the forest.
7. The book on the shelf is mine.
8. He hid behind the curtain.
9. She looked into the mirror.
10. We are going to the market.

Certainly! Here's a detailed list of 10 sentences each for Infinitive Phrases and Participial Phrases – with definitions and examples:

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✅ 6. Infinitive Phrase

(Starts with “to” + base verb and functions as a noun, adjective, or adverb)

1. She wants to learn French fluently.
2. He decided to travel the world.
3. They planned to start a business together.
4. I love to read mystery novels at night.
5. He needs to finish his homework before dinner.
6. We agreed to help them in the project.
7. To climb the mountain without fear was his dream.
8. She forgot to call her mother.
9. The best way to win is through teamwork.
10. He struggled to stay awake during the lecture.

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✅ 7. Participial Phrase

(Starts with a present or past participle and acts as an adjective)

1. Running through the forest, the deer looked frightened.
2. Exhausted by the long journey, he fell asleep instantly.
3. Covered in snow, the car wouldn’t start.
4. Smiling at the camera, the child looked adorable.
5. Painted in bright colors, the house stood out on the street.
6. Confused by the question, she asked for help.
7. Singing loudly, the girl walked to school.
8. Built in the 18th century, the fort attracts many tourists.
9. Trembling with fear, the boy hid under the table.
10. Broken into pieces, the vase lay on the floor.

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What is a Clause?

A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb. It can be either a complete sentence (independent clause) or part of a sentence (dependent clause).

Examples:

• She smiled. (Independent Clause)
• Because it was raining (Dependent Clause)

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Types of Clauses with Examples

1. Independent Clause – Can stand alone as a complete sentence.

   • Example: He finished his homework.

2. Dependent Clause – Cannot stand alone; needs an independent clause.

   • Example: Because he was tired, he slept early.

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Kinds of Dependent Clauses

1. Noun Clause – Acts as a noun in the sentence.

   • Example: What she said surprised everyone.
   • ("What she said" = noun clause)

2. Adjective Clause – Modifies a noun or pronoun; begins with who, which, that, etc.

   • Example: The book that you gave me is interesting.
   • ("that you gave me" = adjective clause)

3. Adverb Clause – Modifies a verb, adjective, or adverb; shows time, reason, condition, etc.

   • Example: I will call you when I reach home.
   • ("when I reach home" = adverb clause)

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Phrase vs Clause – Comparison

Feature	Phrase	Clause
Has a subject/verb	No	Yes
Can be a sentence	Never	Sometimes (if independent)
Acts as	A single part of speech	May act as a full sentence or part
Example	on the roof	She is reading

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Practice Sentences

1. Phrase: After the match, we went for dinner.
2. Clause: Although he was tired, he completed the task.
3. Phrase: In the garden bloomed beautiful flowers.
4. Clause: I know that she is coming today.
5. Phrase: The girl with curly hair won the medal.
6. Clause: If you try hard, you will succeed.

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Quick Tips to Identify

• Look for a verb + subject → it’s a clause.
• If it’s just a group of words without subject or verb → it’s a phrase.
• Dependent clauses often begin with because, although, if, when, that, who, which, etc.

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