Phrases
A phrase is a group of words without a subject and a verb. Phrases are part of a sentence, but they cannot stand alone as complete sentences.
It isn‟t necessary to memorize each type of phrase, but it is important to recognize that each of these phrases could not be a complete sentence on their own.
Clauses
A clause is a group of words with a subject and a verb. They come in two forms: independent clauses and dependent clauses. Independent clauses can stand on their own as sentences. A simple sentence is one independent clause. An independent clause has a subject, a verb, and it makes sense.
A dependent clause also has a subject and a verb, but it does not make sense on its own. A dependent clause is a type of sentence fragment. Dependent clauses often begin with the words because, although, after, when, if, and as. These are called subordinating conjunctions.
The following words and phrases are often used to introduce dependent clauses:
If you begin a sentence with one of these words, it can turn an independent clause into a dependent clause. Once the clause is dependent, it is no longer a complete sentence. A dependent clause is a fragment, and great writers avoid fragments. Dependent clauses leave the reader waiting for the rest of the sentence. It is the equivalent of setting up a great joke and leaving off the punch line.