Clauses and phrases

A clause is a group of words with a verb (and usually a subject): ⟦the dog barked⟧. A phrase is a group of words without a verb: ⟦after lunch⟧, ⟦the old red bus⟧. A main clause makes sense on its own; a subordinate clause starts with a word like ⟦because⟧, ⟦when⟧ or ⟦if⟧ and depends on the main clause.

Key facts

• Clause or phrase? Look for a verb: ⟦when the bell rang⟧ (verb ⟦rang⟧: a clause); ⟦during the storm⟧ (no verb: a phrase).
• Main clause: ⟦We stayed inside⟧ (it makes sense alone). Subordinate clause: ⟦because it was raining⟧ (it doesn't).
• Subordinating conjunctions start subordinate clauses: ⟦because⟧, ⟦when⟧, ⟦if⟧, ⟦although⟧, ⟦while⟧, ⟦until⟧, ⟦after⟧, ⟦before⟧, ⟦since⟧, ⟦unless⟧.
• When the subordinate clause comes first, put a comma after it: ⟦When the bell rang, the children ran outside.⟧
• A noun phrase is built around one noun. Expand it with adjectives before and a phrase after: ⟦the tree⟧ → ⟦the tall old tree by the gate⟧.

Worked examples