A phrase is a group of words that makes some sense but not complete senses. Phrases usually begin with a preposition, an ing form or a to-infinitive. A phrase does not contain a finite a verb.
A clause is a group of words that makes complete sense. A clause will always have a subject and a finite verb.
State whether the underlined part is a phrase or clause.
1. I saw a man waiting for the bus.
2. I see no point in arguing with him.
3. When I went to his home, I saw him working in his garage.
4. I saw a girl carrying a basket on her head.
5. He jumped into the river to save the drowning boy.
6. I asked him if he knew where the railway station was.
7. It took me 30 minutes to get ready for office.
8. As he was in a hurry, he didn’t each much food.
9. They encouraged him to make another attempt.
10. I was pleasantly surprised to hear the news of her engagement.
Answers
1. I saw a man waiting for the bus. (Clause)
2. I see no point in arguing with him. (Phrase)
3. When I went to his home, I saw him working in his garage. (Clause)
4. I saw a girl carrying a basket on her head. (Phrase)
5. He jumped into the river to save the drowning boy. (Phrase)
6. I asked him if he knew where the railway station was. (Clause)
7. It took me 30 minutes to get ready for office. (Phrase)
8. As he was in a hurry, he didn’t each much food. (Clause)
9. They encouraged him to make another attempt. (Clause)
10. I was pleasantly surprised to hear the news of her engagement. (Clause)
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