Phrases and Clauses

Grade 7 · Grammar · Page 1 of 2

Name Date
DIRECTIONS: Write phrase or clause beside each group of words.
Is somebody doing something? Then it is a clause, even if it cannot stand alone (because it was raining).
Group of wordsPhrase or clause?
1. under the broken bridge
2. the bridge collapsed
3. before the bell rang
4. running for the bus
5. she was running for the bus
6. after the long delay
7. after the train was delayed
8. to finish the model before Friday
9. because nobody had a key
10. in the back of the deepest cupboard
Watch the -ing word. Running for the bus is a phrase: nobody is named. She was running for the bus is a clause.

Phrases and Clauses — inside real sentences

Grade 7 · Grammar · Page 2 of 2

Both underlined parts of every sentence below are marked a and b. Say which is the phrase and which is the clause.
  1. The old bridge over the canala was closed because the timbers had rottedb.
  2. Wearing his brother’s coata, Sam waited until the last train had goneb.
  3. When the tide goes outa, you can walk to the islandb.
  4. The letter that nobody wanted to opena was still on the kitchen tableb.
  5. After a long silencea, she asked the question againb.
Now turn each phrase into a clause. Add whatever it needs — but the words already there must stay.
  1. after the concert
  2. hidden under the stairs