Lesson 3.2: Clauses and Phrases

Topic 3.2.1: What is a Clause?

Definition: A clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a predicate. Clauses can be independent or dependent.
Types of Clauses:
- Independent Clause: Can stand alone as a sentence (e.g., “She reads books”).
- Dependent (or Subordinate) Clause: Cannot stand alone; it needs an independent clause to make sense (e.g., “because it is raining”).
Examples:
- Independent: “She reads books.”
- Dependent: “Because it is raining.”
Exercises:
- Identify whether each group of words is an independent or dependent clause:
  1. “The dog barked loudly.”
  2. “Because she was tired.”
  3. “When they arrived.”

Topic 3.2.2: What is a Phrase?

Definition: A phrase is a group of words that functions as a unit without a subject or a predicate.
Types of Phrases:
- Prepositional Phrase: Begins with a preposition and ends with a noun or pronoun (e.g., “on the table”, “in the park”).
- Participial Phrase: Begins with a participle (verb form used as an adjective) (e.g., “running quickly”).
- Gerund Phrase: Begins with a gerund (verb ending in -ing) (e.g., “swimming is fun”).
- Infinitive Phrase: Begins with an infinitive (to + verb) (e.g., “to swim”).
- Appositive Phrase: Renames or describes a noun (e.g., “my friend, the swimmer“).
Examples:
- Prepositional: “She put the book on the shelf.”
- Participial: “Running quickly, she caught the bus.”
- Gerund: “His favorite hobby is swimming.”
- Infinitive: “To swim is healthy.”
- Appositive: “My sister, the teacher, is visiting us.”
Exercises:
- Identify the phrases in the following sentences:
  1. “The cat on the mat is sleeping.”
  2. “Reading quietly, he finished the book.”
  3. “She enjoys cooking in the kitchen.”