English Grammar Practice Test: Phrases and Clauses — Flashcards

Phrases and clauses are both groups of words that are used to create complex sentence structures. The main difference between the two is that a clause contains a subject and a predicate, while a phrase does not. 

Here are some examples of phrases:
"Running laps around the jogging track is really good exercise"
"The tired, old cat can't catch mice anymore"

Here are some examples of clauses:
"Fish swims in the water"
"She is sleeping on the floor"
 

Phrases are components of clauses, and clauses are components of complete sentences. 

Here are some types of phrases:
Verb phrases: These are essential parts of a clause and refer to a type of action or state. The main verb determines the other clause elements that can occur in the clause.
Noun phrases; These are phrases that function in the same way as a noun. Noun phrases are also called noun clauses.
Adverbial phrases: These are groups of words that function as adverbs, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
Adjective phrases: These are made up of two or more words that modify a noun or pronoun, but they do not contain a subject and verb. 

Here are some types of clauses:
Independent clauses: These are clauses that can express a complete idea.
Dependent clauses: These are clauses that are only meaningful when linked with other clauses because they start with words such as if, while, because, and others.