THE PHRASE AMD THE CLAUSE

Consider the group of words "in a corner." While this expression conveys meaning, it does not express a complete thought. Such a group of words, which conveys meaning but lacks completeness, is referred to as a phrase. A phrase functions as a unit within a sentence but does not contain a subject or a predicate. In the following examples, the italicized groups of words are phrases:

• The sun rises in the east.

• Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall.

• There came a giant to my door.

• It was a sunset of great beauty.

• The tops of the mountains were covered with snow.

• Show me how to do it.

  
  

Now, examine the italicized groups of words in the following sentences:

• He has a chain of gold.

• He has a chain which is made of gold.

  
  

  In the first sentence, the group of words "of gold" is identified as a phrase, as it lacks a subject and predicate. In contrast, the second group of words, "which is made of gold," contains a subject (which) and a predicate (is made of gold). Such a group of words, which forms part of a sentence and includes both a subject and a predicate, is termed a clause. A clause can express a complete thought or function as a component within a larger sentence. Below are examples of sentences with italicized clauses:

  
  

  • People who pay their debts are trusted.

  • We cannot start while it is raining.

  • I think that you have made a mistake.

    
    

    In summary, a phrase is a group of words that conveys meaning but lacks a subject and predicate, while a clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a predicate, enabling it to express a complete idea or function as part of a sentence. Understanding the distinction between phrases and clauses is essential for analyzing sentence structure and enhancing linguistic precision.