Phrases and Clauses Worksheets

Related ELA Standard: L.7.1.A

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

Phrases are groups of words that are related that work together. They are the foundation that sentences are built upon. Understanding their purpose and proper use is the key to writing well. Phrases completely lack a subject and a verb. Clauses are also groups of words that work together, but they have a subject and a verb. There are two types of clauses. An independent clause which is basically a complete sentence because it expresses a complete thought. There are also dependent clauses that do not express a clear and complete thought. These worksheets will get students comfortable with using clauses and phrases in sentences.

Phrases and Clauses Worksheets To Print:

Adjective Clauses - Start by spotting the adjective clause in each sentence and then determine the word that is modified in each case.

What Is The Adjective Phrase? - Nouns get modified by these things all day, everyday. Break down these sentences to see how they operate.

The Great Phrase Switch - We ask you for some sentence rewrites that make a bit more sense.

Phrases Fill In - You need to provide your own adjectives for these. You can use a wide variety of them.

Clauses - In this one you need to classify the function of the clause. Start by identifying them and then see how they operate in the sentence.

Adding Descriptive Nouns - Change the following adjectives to phrases and add descriptive nouns.

Restrictive and Non-Restrictive Clauses - Find the relative clause in each sentence. Write R if the clause is restrictive; write N if the clause is non-restrictive.

Locked and Unlocked Clauses - Underline the relative clause in each sentence. Write R if the clause is restrictive; write N if the clause is non-restrictive. Punctuate if necessary.

A Dash of Nouns - Change the following adjectives to phrases and add descriptive nouns.

Independent Clauses - Connect each of the following sentences to a related, independent clause. Use and, or, but or yet.

Adverbial Clauses - Circle the subordinate conjunction (words that tell how, when, why or where).

Noun Clauses - Write a sentence, using a noun clause as indicated. Each exercise will see how you work with them.

Phrases and Clauses - Write sentences using each of the prepositional phrases indicated.

Noun Clauses - Underline the noun clause in each sentence. Hint: Some noun clauses begin with words such as that, what, why and other words that begin with w.

Phrases That We Heart - Write sentences using each of the prepositional phrases indicated.

What Is the Difference Between Phrases and Clauses?


Phrases and clauses both are the most important elements of any language. Phrases and clauses contribute to the making of a sentence structure that is understandable and makes clear sense. Students usually get confused between these two terms and often identify them as one thing. However, phrases and clauses are not synonyms at all and have different application and use in the sentence. Given below is the detailed explanation of phrases and clauses which will help one to differentiate them easily:


Phrases


A phrase is a group of words appearing in a sentence that does not have a subject and a verb. A phrase cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. For example, a group of words ‘behind the chair’ does not contain subject and verb and, when made to stand alone, it is not giving any appropriate meaning therefore, it is a phrase. The three main types of phrases are: infinitive phrase, gerund phrase, and participle phrase. Infinitive phrase is a group of words using ‘to’. For example, “to sit under the tree” is an infinitive phrase. A gerund phrase uses a gerund at its beginning for example, “eating junk food” is a gerund phrase. Similarly, a phrase that uses a participle is a participle phrase. The phrase “frightened by fire” is an example of the participle phrase.


Clauses


A clause is a part of a sentence that consists of subject and verb and can stand alone to give complete meaning. The presence of a subject and a verb is indeed the main difference between a phrase and a clause. For example, the words “he did not come” contain a verb and subject and when used alone give a proper meaning hence, can be identified as a clause. Two main types of clauses are independent clause and dependent clause. A dependent clause does have a subject and verb of its own but cannot stand all alone. On the other hand, the independent clause expresses thought and can stand alone.


How to Rewrite a Clause?


A clause is a set of words that mainly consists of a subject and verb. A clause can be made up of two parts, an independent part, and a dependent part. The clause that conveys meaning is independent. On the other hand, the clause that cannot convey the meaning without an independent clause is called a dependent clause. Often, students and other people have to rewrite a clause without changing its meaning and they get into great trouble. Mentioned below are some ways to rewrite a clause:


Play with The Word Order


In the English language, the word order for a simple clause is subject followed by a verb and a verb followed by an object. Every sentence must have a subject and a verb to convey the meaning but if there is an object too then the position of verb and object can be exchanged. The exchange in positions within a sentence will not change the meaning of the clause. This phenomenon is also known as passivization.


Examples:
1- Nathan opened the door.
The door was opened by Nathan.
2- She ate the cake.
The cake was eaten by her.


Use Synonyms


One of the most effective ways to rewrite a clause or sentence is to replace the words of the original clause with their synonyms but this might not be a very effective tip.


Examples:
1- The paper was analyzed by the author.
The author evaluated the paper.
2- She wore a black dress
She put on a black dress.


Make Use of Conjunctions


Another way to rewrite a clause is to elongate the clause by adding extra information from the original context or add a dependent clause with the help of coordinating conjunctions.


Examples:
1- Nathan locked his car.
Nathan locked his car but forgot keys inside the mall.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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