Phrases, Clauses & Sentences

(Basic Introduction)
phrases, clauses and sentences

Sentences

Sentence - a group of words which makes complete sense (meaning is complete).

He is in the kitchen.

A sentence must have a subject and a verb (predicate) - Subject-Verb combination.

It can be composed of one or more than one clause.

The four basic types of sentences — simple, compound, complex, and compound‐complex — use phrases and clauses in varying degrees of complexity.

Clauses

A clause is a group of words which forms part of a sentence.

Like a sentence they contain a Subject and a Verb (Predicate) - subject-verb combination

But unlike a sentence their meaning may or may not be complete.

  • If the meaning is complete - Can stand on its own (Independent clause)
  • If the meaning is incomplete - Cannot stand on its own (Dependent clause)

Dependent clause needs an independent clause to complete a sentence.

Dependent/Subordinate ClauseIndependent/Principal/Main Clause
Although he is rich,he will not give her some of his money.
Whatever they decide,I will raise an objection.

Dependent clauses often begin with such words as although, since, if, when, while, whenever, whatever, before, after, unless and because.

We could easily turn independent clauses into complete sentences by adding appropriate punctuation marks.

Phrases

A phrase is a group of words which forms part of a clause/sentence.

Unlike a sentence, their meaning is not complete.

Also, unlike a sentence or a clause, subject-verb combination is missing.

Examples:

The boy in the blue shirt is my cousin. (noun phrase)

He will be working late. (verb phrase)

Nadal is afraid of the dark. (adjective phrases)

Usain bolt can run really fast. (adverb phrases)


  • So, phrases can’t be used alone. They can be a part of a sentence or a clause, where they function as parts of speech.

A clause and a phrase may co-exist in a sentence.

He is jogging in the garden. (in the garden - phrase)

Early in the morning, he was jogging in the garden. (Early in the morning - phrase; in the garden - phrase)

While he was jogging in the garden, a stray dog chased him. (While he was jogging in the garden - clause; in the garden - phrase)


Summary

summary of phrases, clauses and sentences

Extra Books and Tools


1. Wren & Martin - This book has been around for long and is still considered one of the best.

Links for readers from USA, UK, Canada, and other countries:

High School English Grammar and Composition Paperback

Key to Wren and Martin

Link for Indian readers: Wren and Martin


2. More advanced learners may refer to the following books. However, buy them only if you must.

A. Essential English Grammar by Raymond Murphy

Link for readers from USA, UK, Canada, and other countries: Essential Grammar in Use - with Answers

Link for Indian readers: Essential English Grammar

B. Intermediate English Grammar by Raymond Murphy

Link for readers from USA, UK, Canada, and other countries: English Grammar in Use - with Answers

Link for Indian readers: Intermediate English Grammar

C. Advanced English Grammar by Martin Hewings

Link for readers from USA, UK, Canada, and other countries: Advanced Grammar in Use - with Answers

Link for Indian readers: Advanced English Grammar


So much so for Englsh Grammar. But what about Comprehension skills and Vocabulary?

For this, I prefer to read on gadgets like Kindle. We may just tap on any word and see its meaning there and then. It's also not taxing on the eyes. There are a multitude of Kindle models and versions available. Though, any model will meet our basic reading needs.

Link for readers from USA, UK, Canada, and other countries:

Link for Indian readers: Kindle

If you want to know more about such recommended books, you may read this article of ours.
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