English worksheets: phrases and clauses - Free Printable

Let's solve the worksheet step by step, based on the definitions provided:

> Phrase: A group of words that works together but does not have a subject and predicate.
> Clause: A group of words that has a subject and a predicate (a verb).

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Part A: Write "phrase" or "clause" to identify each group of words

1. I enjoy living in this town.
- This is a complete sentence with a subject ("I") and a predicate ("enjoy living in this town").
✔ Clause

2. near friendly, helpful neighbours
- This is a prepositional phrase describing location. No subject or verb.
✔ Phrase

3. from the nearest ocean
- Prepositional phrase indicating origin or direction. No subject or verb.
✔ Phrase

4. since they moved to Ohio
- This contains a subject ("they") and a verb ("moved"), so it’s a clause. "Since" introduces a dependent clause.
✔ Clause

5. between a rushing stream on a slope
- This is a prepositional phrase describing location. No subject or verb.
✔ Phrase

6. we built a cabin.
- Subject ("we"), verb ("built"), object ("a cabin"). Complete thought.
✔ Clause

7. in the huge stone fireplace
- Prepositional phrase showing location. No subject or verb.
✔ Phrase

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Part B: Write each sentence. Add the kind of word group named in parentheses.

8. When I grow up, _____________. (clause)
- We need to add a clause after the dependent clause "When I grow up."
- Example: *When I grow up, I will become a doctor.*
✔ Answer: *When I grow up, I will become a doctor.*

9. I want to live _____________. (phrase)
- We need to add a phrase (no subject/verb) after "I want to live."
- Example: *I want to live near the beach.*
✔ Answer: *I want to live near the beach.*

10. _____________ I will shop (clause)
- We need to add a clause before "I will shop" to make a complete sentence.
- The blank should be a dependent or independent clause.
- Example: *After work, I will shop.*
→ "After work" is a phrase, not a clause. So we need a clause.
- Better example: *Because I need groceries, I will shop.*
→ "Because I need groceries" is a clause (subject: "I", verb: "need").
✔ Answer: *Because I need groceries, I will shop.*

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✔ Final Answers:

#### Part A:
1. Clause
2. Phrase
3. Phrase
4. Clause
5. Phrase
6. Clause
7. Phrase

#### Part B:
8. When I grow up, I will become a doctor.
9. I want to live near the beach.
10. Because I need groceries, I will shop.

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💡 Explanation Summary:

- Phrases don’t have a subject and verb; they are often prepositional phrases like "in the house," "on the table."
- Clauses have both a subject and a verb and can be independent (complete thought) or dependent (needs more context).
- In sentence completion tasks, ensure you match the required word group type — either a phrase (no subject/verb) or a clause (has both).