Clauses and phrases What is the difference?

Sentences are made of two parts: the subject and the predicate. The subject is the person or thing that acts or is described in the sentence. The predicate, on the other hand, is that action or description. Complete sentences need both the subject and the predicate. Subject Predicate Example: Matthew/ is my nephew.

Clauses contain a subject and verb. If they form complete thoughts and can stand alone, we call them independent clauses. (Same as a sentence!) If they form incomplete thoughts and cannot stand alone, we call them dependent (subordinate) clauses. They start with a subordinate conjunction.

subordinate conjunctions

Dependent clause subject and verb: we collected dependent clause independent clause Example: While we collected the data, the temp gradually increased. Dependent clause subject and verb: we collected The subordinate conjunction is while Independent clause subject and verb: temperature increased

Dependent clause subject and verb: lions eat dependent clause independent clause Example: Although lions eat zebra, they prefer to eat antelope. Dependent clause subject and verb: lions eat Subordinate conjunction: Although Independent clause subject and verb: they prefer

Phrases are word clusters lacking subject and verb combinations. Example: While collecting data, we noted an increase in temperature. No subject; only a verb: collecting

Even in the winter, I like to skate because it is fun. Phrase independent clause In the winter, I like skating Dependent clause because it is fun.