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

Notes

A clause must contain a finite verb. A finite verb changes its form when there is a change in the number or person of the subject.

Study the examples given below.

• Shyam likes to go to school.
• I like to go to school.

Here the verb like is finite. It becomes likes when the subject is a singular noun or pronoun. In the past tense, it becomes liked.

Non-finite verbs have the same form regardless of the number or person of the subject. In the examples given above, the infinitive to go is a non-finite. Past participles and ing forms are also non-finites. Note that when past participles or ing forms are used with be (is, am. are, was, were) or have (has, have, had), they are finite verbs.

A phrase may contain a non-finite verb, but it will never have a finite verb.

Groups of words beginning with conjunctions are usually clauses whereas those beginning with prepositions are usually phrases.

1. on top of the mountain

2. in spite of working hard

3. eager to know the result

4. as if he was the boss

5. clever as he was

6. generous to a fault

7. jumping up and down

8. running as fast as he could

9. at the end of the day

10. until he returns

11. however hard you may try

12, if you are in a hurry

13. because they are rich

14. whether he will come or not

15. after you have paid the fee

Answers

1. phrase, 2. phrase, 3. phrase, 4. clause, 5. clause, 6. phrase, 7. phrase, 8. clause, 9. phrase, 10. clause, 11. clause, 12. clause, 13. clause, 14. clause, 15. clause

Worksheet 2

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

1. as soon as possible

2. looking forward to hearing from you

3. in spite of the setbacks

4. however hard you may try

5. on account of that

6. if you are ready

7. wherever you go

8. more than I do

9. as if he was dreaming

10. it doesn’t matter

11. she will not come

12. though I was late

13. what do you want

14. whom shall I contact

15. as soon as she reached home

16. knocking loudly on the door

17. waiting for the results

18. by virtue of

Answers

1. phrase, 2. phrase, 3. phrase, 4. clause, 5. phrase, 6. clause, 7. clause, 8. clause, 9. clause, 10. clause, 11. clause, 12. clause, 13. clause, 14. clause, 15. clause, 16. phrase, 17. phrase, 18. phrase