Let's solve this step by step.
We are asked to determine whether each word group is a
phrase (P) or a
clause (C).
Remember:
- A
clause has both a
subject and a
verb.
- A
phrase does
not have both a subject and a verb — it may have one or neither.
We’ll go through each item, identify if there’s a subject and verb, and label accordingly.
---
1.
When I was little
- Subject: *I*
- Verb: *was*
→ This is a
dependent clause (starts with "when").
✔ C
2.
This old man came rolling home
- Subject: *This old man*
- Verb: *came* (and "rolling" is a participle modifying the action)
→ Has subject and verb.
✔ C
3.
On the hill
- No subject, no verb — just a prepositional phrase.
✔ P
4.
Hi there
- This is an interjection/expression. No subject or verb.
✔ P
5.
She sneezed
- Subject: *She*
- Verb: *sneezed*
✔ C
6.
Except for the baby
- Prepositional phrase. No subject or verb.
✔ P
7.
If I turn in my homework
- Subject: *I*
- Verb: *turn*
→ Dependent clause (starts with "if")
✔ C
8.
Under Jack’s bed
- Prepositional phrase. No subject or verb.
✔ P
9.
Last night rocked
- Subject: *Last night* (nominative noun phrase acting as subject)
- Verb: *rocked*
→ Yes, subject + verb.
✔ C
10.
But she never looked back
- Subject: *she*
- Verb: *looked*
→ Even though "but" is a conjunction, this is a complete clause.
✔ C
11.
And then there were none
- Subject: *there* (expletive "there" construction)
- Verb: *were*
→ "There were none" is a full clause.
✔ C
12.
Do you want to take a picture
- Subject: *you*
- Verb: *want* (in question form)
→ Yes, subject and verb.
✔ C
13.
Cinnamon apple-scented candles
- Noun phrase. No verb.
✔ P
14.
A long list for Santa
- Noun phrase. No verb.
✔ P
15.
My new computer
- Noun phrase. No verb.
✔ P
16.
Mr. Danzi graded worksheets
- Subject: *Mr. Danzi*
- Verb: *graded*
✔ C
---
Final Answers:
1. C
2. C
3. P
4. P
5. C
6. P
7. C
8. P
9. C
10. C
11. C
12. C
13. P
14. P
15. P
16. C
---
Summary of Rules Applied:
- Look for
subject and
verb.
- If both exist →
Clause (C).
- If missing either →
Phrase (P).
- Phrases can be prepositional, noun phrases, etc., but lack a verb.
- Clauses can be independent or dependent, but must have subject + verb.
✔ All answers are now correctly labeled!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of clause and phrase worksheet.
