A phrase is a group of words that makes some sense, but not complete sense. A phrase may contain a non-finite verb like an infinitive or an ing form. However, it will not have a finite verb.

A finite verb changes its form when the number or person of the subject changes. Study the examples given below.

• She lives across the street.
• They live across the street.
• My grandparents live across the street.

You can see that the verb live becomes lives when the subject is a singular noun or pronoun. Likewise, in the past tense, it becomes lived. Such verbs which change their form according to the change in the number or person of the subject is a finite verb.

A non-finite verb is not affected by the change in the number or person of the subject.

• I want to study.
• He wants to study.
• Suman wants to study.
• We all want to study.

In the sentences given above, the verb want/wants is finite whereas the verb to study is non-finite because it is not affected by the change of subject.

A clause is a group of words which makes complete sense. A clause will always have a finite verb.

Worksheet 1

State whether the given groups of words are phrases or clauses.

Note that a phrase does not contain a subject or verb whereas a clause contains a subject and verb.

1. Once upon a time

2. though she was angry

3. and he went to work

4. under the tree

5. with his left hand

6. if you are hungry

7. while I was working

8. under the bridge

9. as you are aware

10. when she was ready

11. at the gate

12. a brilliant idea

13. on the one hand

14. as if that was not enough

15. after she returned

16. until you come

17. unless you mend your ways

18. because you are angry

19. as he was busy

20. inside the box

Answers

1. (phrase)

2. (clause)

3. (clause)

4. (phrase)

5. (phrase)

6. (clause)

7. (clause)

8. (phrase)

9. (clause)

10. (clause)

11. (phrase)

12. (phrase)

13. (phrase)

14. (clause)

15. (clause)

16. (clause)

17. (clause)

18. (clause)

19. (clause)

20. (phrase)

Worksheet 2

State whether the group of words given below is a phrase or a clause.

1. as if he was angry

2. if you are alone

3. notwithstanding the opposition to the plan

4. owing to his poor health

5. when you are ready

6. if I were rich

7. on top of that

8. however hard you may try

9. against all odds

10. running out of the door

11. what could be the problem

12. having been alone for a long time

13. at the height of his career

14. waiting for a long time

15. by dint of hard work

Answers

1. as if he was angry (clause)

2. if you are alone (clause)

3. notwithstanding the opposition to the plan (phrase)

4. owing to his poor health (phrase)

5. when you are ready (clause)

6. if I were rich (clause)

7. on top of that (phrase)

8. however hard you may try (clause)

9. against all odds (phrase)

10. running out of the door (phrase)

11. what could be the problem (clause)

12. having been alone for a long time (phrase)

13. at the height of his career (phrase)

14. waiting for a long time (phrase)

15. by dint of hard work (phrase)

Worksheet 3

Say whether the groups of words given below are clauses or phrases.

1. once upon a time

2. there lived a pretty girl

3. jumping out of the window

4. the young man had a dream

5.  because she was not there

6. as it is a holiday

7. where there is a will

8. what to do now

9. looking forward to becoming a grandmother

10. in a far away land

11. the old woman sang a song

12. being the only applicant

13. not knowing what to do

14. if you are in a hurry

15. standing at the gate

16. the man knocked on the door

17. I am speaking the truth

18. they are waiting for us

Answers

1. once upon a time (phrase)

2. there lived a pretty girl (clause; finite verb – lived)

3. jumping out of the window (phrase)

4. the young man had a dream (clause; finite verb – had)

5.  because she was not there (clause; finite verb – was)

6. as it is a holiday (clause; finite verb – is)

7. where there is a will (clause; finite verb – is)

8. what to do now (phrase)

9. looking forward to becoming a grandmother (phrase)

10. in a far away land (phrase)

11. the old woman sang a song (clause; finite verb – sang)

12. being the only applicant (phrase; non-finite verb – being)

13. not knowing what to do (phrase; non-finite verbs – knowing, to do)

14. if you are in a hurry (clause; finite verb- are)

15. standing at the gate (phrase; non-finite verb – standing)

16. the man knocked on the door (clause; finite verb – knocked)

17. I am speaking the truth (clause; finite verb – am speaking)

18. they are waiting for us (clause; finite verb – are waiting)

Worksheet 4

State whether the groups of words given below are clauses or phrases.

Note that a clause will always have a finite verb in it. It may also contain a non-finite verb.

A phrase will never have a finite verb in it. It may contain a non-finite verb.

1. burning like a candle

2. singing at the top of his voice

3. I was not expecting this

4. where they have gone

5. whoever you may be

6. listen to me

7. look at that picture

8. running as fast as

9. the pretty young girl

10. because it was a hot afternoon

11. slithering like a snake

12. clever though he was

13. children as young as 3 years old

14. as soft as silk

15. as I was thirsty

Answers