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Clauses and Phrases
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Clauses and Phrases

Clauses and phrases build strong sentences. Learn how to spot main and subordinate clauses, and tell phrases from clauses in 11 Plus English.

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Fascinating Fact:

A main clause makes sense alone. A subordinate clause needs a main clause. Example: I stayed inside because it rained.

In 11 Plus English, you learn how clauses and phrases work together to form clear sentences. A main clause can stand alone, while a subordinate clause depends on it for full meaning.

Key Terms

  • Clause: A group of words with a subject and a verb.
  • Phrase: A group of words without a full subject and verb that acts as one part of speech.
  • Subordinating conjunction: A word that introduces a subordinate clause, for example because, although, when.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What is the difference between a clause and a phrase?

A clause has a subject and a verb, for example I ran. A phrase does not have both and cannot stand alone, for example in the park.

How do I identify a main clause and a subordinate clause?

A main clause can be a sentence on its own. A subordinate clause begins with a subordinating conjunction and relies on the main clause for complete sense.

What punctuation do I use with subordinate clauses?

If a subordinate clause comes first, use a comma before the main clause, for example Because it rained, we stayed inside. No comma is needed when it comes second.

Try These Related Quizzes

1 .
Although he was tired, he carried on swimming.
The text only contains an independent clause
The text only contains a dependent clause
The text contains both a dependent clause and an independent clause
The text contains neither a dependent clause nor an independent clause
Dependent clause: 'Although he was tired' (note the use of a comma when the sentence starts with a dependent clause). Independent clause: 'he carried on swimming'
2 .
... , he was very clever.
The text contains neither a dependent clause nor an independent clause
The text only contains a dependent clause
The text contains both a dependent clause and an independent clause
The text only contains an independent clause
The comma shows that something else precedes the independent clause: it could be a dependent clause
3 .
multicoloured, plastic flowers
The text only contains an independent clause
The text only contains a dependent clause
The text contains both a dependent clause and an independent clause
The text contains neither a dependent clause nor an independent clause
This is a phrase
4 .
... because it was not possible to find it.
The text only contains an independent clause
The text only contains a dependent clause
The text contains both a dependent clause and an independent clause
The text contains neither a dependent clause nor an independent clause
The text does not express a complete thought
5 .
He was a famous engineer ...
The text only contains an independent clause
The text only contains a dependent clause
The text contains both a dependent clause and an independent clause
The text contains neither a dependent clause nor an independent clause
The text expresses a complete thought
6 .
He knew where the key was since he had seen her hide it.
The text contains both a dependent clause and an independent clause
The text only contains a dependent clause
The text only contains an independent clause
The text contains neither a dependent clause nor an independent clause
Independent clause: 'He knew where the key was'. Dependent clause: 'since he had seen her hide it'. This sentence can also be written as 'Since he had seen her hide it, he knew where the key was'. (Note the use of a comma when the sentences starts with a dependent clause)
7 .
Wherever he looked,...
The text only contains an independent clause
The text contains both a dependent clause and an independent clause
The text only contains a dependent clause
The text contains neither a dependent clause nor an independent clause
The text does not express a complete thought. You should now have started to realize that dependent clauses often start with words such as 'although', 'because', 'since', 'though', 'as' and 'if'. It is these words that prevent the dependent clause from expressing a complete thought
8 .
I knew how to do it.
The text only contains an independent clause
The text only contains a dependent clause
The text contains both a dependent clause and an independent clause
The text contains neither a dependent clause nor an independent clause
The text expresses a complete thought
9 .
While waiting for him to return, ...
The text only contains an independent clause
The text only contains a dependent clause
The text contains both a dependent clause and an independent clause
The text contains neither a dependent clause nor an independent clause
The text does not express a complete thought
10 .
fresh crispy carrots
The text only contains an independent clause
The text only contains a dependent clause
The text contains both a dependent clause and an independent clause
The text contains neither a dependent clause nor an independent clause
This is a phrase
Author:  Frank Evans (Specialist 11 Plus Teacher and Tutor)
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