Clauses and Phrases for Kids

A phrase is a group of words that does not have both a subject and a verb working together. Because of this, a phrase cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

Examples

In the park

Explanation: This phrase tells where, but it does not tell who is doing the action.

Running very fast

Explanation: It describes an action, but it does not say who is running.

After the rain

Explanation: It gives information about time, but it is not a full sentence.

A clause is a group of words that has a subject and a verb.

Some clauses can be complete sentences, while others need more words to make sense.

Examples

1. She reads every night.

Explanation: It has a subject (she) and a verb (reads), so it is a complete thought.

2. Because the dog barked

Explanation: It has a subject (dog) and a verb (barked), but it needs more information to complete the idea.

3. When the bell rang

Explanation: It tells when something happened but needs another clause to complete the sentence.

Phrase = No subject + verb together

Clause = Has subject + verb

1️⃣ Phrase or Clause?

Decide if each group of words is a Phrase or a Clause.

1. Under the big tree

2. The birds are singing

3. After school

4. Because she was tired

(Answers)

1. Phrase

2. Clause

3. Phrase

4. Clause

2️⃣ Complete the Sentence

Add a phrase or clause to finish the sentence.

1. The cat slept ________.

2. We played outside ________.

3. She smiled ________.

Example answer:

The cat slept on the sofa.

3️⃣ Make Your Own!

Write:

1 phrase

1 clause

Example:

Phrase: in the classroom

Clause: The students are reading.

They help us:

Write longer and more interesting sentences

Give more details

Make our writing clear and fun to read