CBSE Class 8 English Kinds of Phrases and Clauses Concepts and Exercise

Phrases and Clauses

Definitions

A clause is a group of words containing a subject and verb.

An independent clause is a simple sentence. It can stand on its own.

Examples:

She is hungry.
I am feeling well today.

A dependent clause cannot stand on its own. It needs an independent clause to complete a sentence. Dependent clauses often begin with such words as although, since, if, when, and because.

Examples:
Although she is hungry …
Whoever is hungry …
Because I am feeling well …

A phrase is a group of words without a subject-verb component, used as a single part of speech.

Examples:

Best friend (this phrase acts as a noun)
Needing help (this phrase acts as an adjective; see Adjectives and Adverbs)
With the blue shirt (this prepositional phrase acts as an adjective; see Prepositions)
For twenty days (this prepositional phrase acts as an adverb)

Indicate if the underlined groups of words in the sentences given below are phrases or clauses:

The player who hits the winning run will be the MVP for the game. ___________

Whenever I don’t have any homework, I like to go for a bike ride after school. ___________

The girl whose leg was broken last year will be running in the big race tomorrow. ___________

Did you look for your shoes under the bed. ___________

Chelsea was waiting in front of the movie theater. ___________

Opening the gate, Raj let his dog into the yard. _

In the cupboard, you should find the brushes you need. Chelsea was waiting in front of the movie theater. ___________

If the story doesn't have any vampires in it, Katie won't read it. ___________

It is too bad that Ms. Sharma will not be teaching us next year. ___________

After listening to the students, Mr. Johnson changed his mind about the assignment. ___________

They all started walking towards the mall. ___________

There could be a problem if our wicketkeeper is late for the game. ___________

Vicky’s dog went missing on the stormy night. ___________

This job would be fun if the timings were better. ___________

When Barry was transferred to Kansas City, his company helped his wife to find a job there. ____________

The man gave the exam another shot after he failed to pass it the first time. ____________

After knocking over the vase, the burglar decided it was time to run. ____________

The setting sun looked amazing. ___________

Indicate if the underlined groups of words in the sentences given below are phrases or clauses. Then rewrite the sentences changing the phrases into clauses, or vice versa.

The girl, who is waiting at the bus stop is my neighbour. _______________

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His farm house is located at the end of the road. _________________

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I haven’t seen any movie made by this director. ____________________

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When the sun sets, the birds return to their nests. _____________________

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White water rafting, which is a dangerous sport, is catching up with the tourists. ____________________

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Do you know, whom to ask for assistance? _____________________

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The bird perched on the branch, is a parrot. ________________