Phrases, Clauses and Sentences

Parts of a Sentence

A sentence is a group of words which makes complete sense. However, the sentence itself is made up of
smaller elements called phrases and clauses.

Phrase
Technically, words are the smallest units of a sentence. A group of words which has no subject or
predicate is called a phrase. Grammatically, the phrase is the basic unit of English Grammar.
 A phrase can be a short group of words.
the man in the jungle an old man on time

 It can also be a long group of words.

a small piece of jewellery which was handed down by my ancestors
the room no one knows about

 Phrases represent various parts of speech.

The man standing at the other end of the room gestured to me. Noun phrase/subject
He wielded a sceptre made of gold and diamonds. Adjective phrase
Manisha shifted to a house at the end of the street. Adverb phrase
I have heard this song before. Verb phrase

Types of Phrases

Noun
Phrase
Absolute
Verb Phrase
Phrase

Gerund Adjective
Phrase Phrase
Phrase

Infinitive Adverb
Phrase Phrase

Appositive Prepositional
Phrase Phrase
Noun Phrase
 A phrase which functions as a noun in a sentence is called a noun phrase.

The old creaky stairs of the haunted mansion makes eerie sounds when stepped on.
I saw women with large feathers on their hats.

 The phrase comprises a noun along with one or more modifiers.

an important point the long road a toothbrush a noun phrase

Verb Phrase
 A verb phrase contains both a verb and an auxiliary or helping verb.
 It may contain a direct or an indirect object.
 It is the main part of the predicate of the sentence.

The manager had judiciously averted the problem.

Little Red Riding Hood was hopping and skipping her way through the woods.

Adjective Phrase
 An adjective phrase is a group of words which functions as the adjective in the sentence.
 The main word in the phrase is the adjective.
 It is placed before a noun or as a part of the predicate of the sentence.

The tiny grey tabby kitten mewed for its mother.

The Sun is a bright golden fireball.

Adverb Phrase
 An adverb phrase is a group of words which functions as the adverb in the sentence.
 It can modify either an adjective or another adverb in the sentence.

They spoke very softly to avoid attracting attention.

I can speak Tamil quite fluently.

Prepositional Phrase
 A prepositional phrase comprises a preposition and a noun or a pronoun which functions as its
object.
 The prepositional phrase may also contain modifiers.
 It may function as an adjective or an adverb in the sentence.

A woman with a blue umbrella stepped out of the carriage.

Manisha bought flowers for her mother.
Appositive Phrase
 An appositive is a word which is placed next to another word in order to explain it.

Shah Rukh Khan, the actor, has contributed immensely to Bollywood cinema.
Raju, my nephew, has secured a distinction in his examination.

 An appositive phrase is nothing but a noun phrase which is used for modifying or explaining
another word in the sentence.

Shivaji Maharaj, an Indian warrior king, is the greatest member of the Maratha clan.
The Mossad, Israel’s secret service, is one of the most efficient espionage systems in the world.

Infinitive Phrase
 An infinitive phrase comprises an infinitive (to + verb) and modifiers and complements.
 The complement of an infinitive is its indirect object and its modifier is its adverb.
 They can act as adjectives, adverbs or nouns.

The patient started to slowly open his eyes.

To know her is to love her.

Gerund Phrase
 Gerunds are words which end in ‘-ing’.
 They look like verbs but act like nouns.
 The gerund phrase comprises a gerund, its object and modifiers.
 It performs all the functions of a noun.
 Prepositional phrases are often part of gerund phrases.

Working for this organisation has helped me hone my skills. (Subject of the sentence)
Ranjani enjoys knitting sweaters for the children in the orphanage. (Object of the sentence)

Participial Phrase
 A participial phrase is an adjective phrase which comprises a participle (past or present) along
with relevant complements and modifiers.
 It always functions as an adjective.
 It is separated from the rest of the sentence by a comma if they are used at the beginning of the
sentence.
 It is separated from the rest of the sentence by two commas if it is used in between a sentence.

Leaving in a hurry, she dropped the keys with her neighbour.

The clock, frozen in time, has been standing at half past 10 for a century.
Absolute Phrase
 An absolute phrase is a combination of a noun and a participle along with other complements and
modifiers.
 It qualifies an entire sentence.

His lips quivering, he finally gathered the courage to confess.

God willing, we will be able to face all adversities.

Clause
A clause is a group of related words which contains a subject and a predicate. Unlike a phrase, a clause
is complete in meaning and can function as an independent sentence.
There are two basic types of clauses:
 Main clause
 Subordinate clause

Clause

Subordinate
Main Clause
Clause

Main Clause
The main clause contains a subject and a verb which can stand independently as a sentence.

One should take good care of one’s teeth or one may end up with none.
The renowned singer rendered the song melodiously.
To err is human; to forgive is divine.
I admire his courage, but I cannot justify his actions.

Function Conjunction Conjunctive Adverb Example

To add information and in addition, besides, Jagadish studied at the University during
or idea also, furthermore, the day, and he worked as a waiter at the
moreover local bar at night.
To show the order first, second, later, First, he opened the door. He then called
of things or actions lastly, ultimately out to anyone inside. Ultimately, when he
got no answer, he ventured inside.
To show but, yet however, on the other She always passed by the expensive
contradiction or hand, nevertheless, in boutique, but she never dared to enter it.
contrast contrast
 Function Conjunction Conjunctive Adverb Example
To show the so hence, therefore, Growing children have nutritional needs
consequence consequently, as a which are different from adults. Thus, a
result, thus kids’ health drink is made by keeping their
requirements in mind.
To show either…or otherwise Akshaya rings up her parents twice every
alternatives day. Otherwise, they become extremely
anxious.
To put emphasis on certainly, indeed, in I enjoy watching regional movies. In fact,
fact they are the only ones I enjoy.
To provide an For example, for Do a kind deed every day. For instance,
example instance say a kind word to someone to make them
happy.
To conclude or to in conclusion, in short Farid siphoned money from all the
summarise companies he had worked for. In short, he
was the greediest and the most amoral
person I have ever met.

Subordinate Clause
The subordinate clause contains a subject and a verb, but unlike the main clause, it cannot stand
independently as a sentence. It requires the support of the main verb in order to function properly.

Though he was a wealthy man, he never took pride in his riches.

Unless the accused confesses to the crime, the case will not proceed any further.
Geeta failed to understand how the thief got in because she had locked all the doors and windows.
Sarita gasped loudly when she saw a snake slither by.

Types of Subordinate Clauses

Adjective
Clause

Subordinate
Clause

Noun Adverb
Clause Clause
Adverb clauses can be further divided into 7 types:

Adverb
Clause

Time Place Result Cause Purpose Concession Condition

Types of Clauses Subordinators Examples

What, when, why,
Gauri believes that she can get away
where, how, who,
Noun Clause with anything.
whom, which, whose,
whether, that, if
who, whom, which,
The flower that has the unique
Adjective Clause whose, that, where,
markings is a tiger lily.
when

when, before, after,

Time The lady left before help could arrive.
since, till, until

Place where, wherever She will go wherever she pleases.

Property in Mumbai is so expensive

Result so… that, such…that that the common man finds it difficult to
buy a house for himself.

Kajal travels by taxi since bus journeys

Adverb Clause Cause because, since
make her sick.

I took leave so that I could tend to my

Purpose in order to, so that
sick friend.

although, even Although Ram is highly qualified, he

Concession
though settled for a low-paying job.

Condition if, unless Unless you try, you will not succeed.
Relationship between Phrases and Clauses
 Phrases are groups of words which act as parts of speech. When phrases come together, they
form clauses.
 Clauses are simple sentences by themselves; however, two or more clauses can be joined
together to form bigger sentences.

Phrase

Clause

Sentence

The little pup was chewing on a rubber ball

Noun Phrase Verb Phrase Prepositional Phrase

Clause

The little pup was chewing on a rubber ball and the kitten was playing with a piece of string
Noun Phrase Verb Phrase Prepositional Phrase Conj. Noun Phrase Verb Phrase Prepositional Phrase

Independent
Independent
Clause
Clause

When the little pup was chewing on a rubber ball the kitten was playing with a piece of string
Adv. Noun Phrase Verb Phrase Prepositional Phrase Noun Phrase Verb Phrase Prepositional Phrase

Subordinate Main
Clause Clause