The Phrase and the Clause

Examine the group of words “in a corner”. It makes sense, but not complete sense. Such a group of words, which makes sense but not complete sense, is called a Phrase.

In the following sentences, the groups of words in italics 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.

Examine the groups of words in italics in the following sentences:

He has a chain of gold.

He has a chain which is made of gold.

We recognize the first group of words as a Phrase.

The second group of words, unlike the Phrase 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 contains a Subject and a Predicate is called a Clause.

In the following sentences, the groups of words in italics are Clauses:

People who pay their debts are trusted.

We cannot start while it is raining.

I think that you have made a mistake.