Phrases and Clauses
Clause
1. Clause
A clause is a group of words that has a Subject and a Predicate of its own. It contains a finite verb.
There are three kinds of clauses:
A. Adjective Clause
An Adjective Clause has its own Subject and Predicate and qualifies a noun or pronoun.
Example:
We admire Swami Vivekananda who was a self-sacrificing saint.
Here, who was a self-sacrificing saint qualifies Swami Vivekananda.
B. Adverb Clause
An Adverb Clause has its own Subject and Predicate and does the work of an adverb by modifying a verb.
Example:
We shall start when the sun rises.
Here, when the sun rises tells us when we shall start.
C. Noun Clause
A Noun Clause has its own Subject and Predicate and does the work of a noun.
Example:
I wish that I shall win the first prize.
Here, that I shall win the first prize is the object of wish, so it is a Noun Clause.
3. Principal and Subordinate Clauses
A Principal (Independent) Clause can express a complete meaning by itself.
A Subordinate (Dependent) Clause cannot express a complete meaning by itself and depends on the Principal Clause.
Example:
He works hard so that he becomes successful.
He works hard → Principal Clause
so that he becomes successful → Subordinate Adverb Clause
Quick Difference
Phrase | Clause |
|---|---|
Has no Subject and Predicate of its own | Has its own Subject and Predicate |
Does not contain a finite verb as its core | Contains a finite verb |
Cannot normally express complete sense | May express complete sense if it is independent |
Example: at sunrise | Example: when the sun rises |
Remember:
Phrase = no Subject + Predicate of its own
Clause = Subject + Predicate of its own
There are three kinds of clauses: Adjective Clause, Adverb Clause, and Noun Clause.
| Kind of Clause | Definition | What does it do? | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adjective Clause | A group of words containing a Subject and Predicate of its own. | It qualifies a Noun or Pronoun. | I know the man who came here. |
| Adverb Clause | A group of words containing a Subject and Predicate of its own. | It does the work of an Adverb by modifying a Verb. | We shall start when the sun rises. |
| Noun Clause | A group of words containing a Subject and Predicate of its own. | It does the work of a Noun. | I know where he has gone. |
Easy way to remember
Clause | Ask yourself |
|---|---|
Adjective Clause | Which one? / What kind? → describes a noun |
Adverb Clause | When? Where? Why? How? Under what condition? → modifies a verb |
Noun Clause | What? / Who? → acts as a noun |
Example to compare:
The book that I bought is interesting. → Adjective Clause (describes book)
I will come when you call me. → Adverb Clause (tells when)
I know what he wants. → Noun Clause (object of know)
Phrase
2. Phrase
A phrase is a group of words that forms a part of a sentence but does not have its own Subject and Predicate. Therefore, it does not usually express a complete sense.
Examples:
at sunrise — Adverb Phrase
a self-sacrificing saint — Adjective Phrase
to win the first prize — Noun Phrase
Three Types of Phrases
Phrases are classified as Adjective Phrases, Adverb Phrases, and Noun Phrases.
| Type of Phrase | What does it do? | Easy Question to Ask | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adjective Phrase | Describes or qualifies a Noun | Which one? / What kind of? | He is a man of great courage. |
| Adverb Phrase | Modifies a Verb, Adjective, or Adverb | How? When? Where? Why? | He spoke with great confidence. |
| Noun Phrase | Does the work of a Noun; can be a Subject or Object | Who? / What? | I enjoy playing football. |
The Easiest Trick to Remember
If the Phrase is connected to… | It is… |
|---|---|
A Noun — describes it | Adjective Phrase |
An Action/Verb — gives extra information | Adverb Phrase |
A Thing/Idea — acts as Subject or Object | Noun Phrase |
Adjective Phrase
The man with a long beard is my uncle.
Which man?
→ with a long beard
It describes the noun man.
✅ Adjective Phrase
Adverb Phrase
The man spoke with great confidence.
How did he speak?
→ with great confidence
It modifies the verb spoke.
✅ Adverb Phrase
Noun Phrase
I like playing cricket.
I like what?
→ playing cricket
It acts as the object of like.
✅ Noun Phrase
One-Line Formula for Exams
Describes a Noun → Adjective Phrase 🟢
Describes an Action → Adverb Phrase 🔵
Acts as a Noun → Noun Phrase 🟠
Exercise - 16
1. Pick out the Clauses and state what kind each is.
2. Pick out the Phrases and state whether they are Adjective Phrases, Adverb Phrases, or Noun Phrases.
