Tale of the Tape: Clauses vs. Phrases vs. Sentences

A crucial part of writing an essay for your OET preparation course is a thorough knowledge of clauses, phrases, and sentences. These form the backbone for all languages. Understanding these three structures will significantly help with your review.

Let’s take a look at them one by one.

PHRASES

These are groups of words that do not have a subject and a verb. Without other words, they do not make any sense. However, you can sometimes find them as a part of a sentence.

There are three types of phrases. They are:

1.      Prepositional Phrases are groups of words that begin with a preposition. 

Jack wrote an essay for the entire class.

2.       Noun Phrases are groups of words that act as a noun in a sentence.

Anna has a gorgeous bag with him.

3.      Verb Phrases are groups of words that contain a main verb and a helping verb.

The car is moving in circles.

CLAUSES

Are also group of words like phrases but they have both subjects and predicates. Clauses can sometimes act as a sentence and can express a complete thought. 

There are two types of clauses:

1.      An independent or main clause has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.

The dog barked at Ben.

2.      A subordinate or dependent clause depends on the main clause to gain meaning. 

This is the shoes which I bought online. 

SENTENCES

A complete sentence has a subject and a predicate. It is often composed of more than one clause and is intended to express a complete thought.

There are four types of sentences:

1.      Simple or declarative sentences are used to state information and ends with a period.

Research on the topic suggests that sleeping is right for your health

2.      Imperative sentences are used to express commands or make requests.

Open the window.

3.      Interrogative sentences are used in asking questions.

Did you finish your homework?

4.       Exclamatory sentences are useful when expressing emotions.

He is going to fall!

To help you remember all these for your OET preparation course, take a look at this chart.

   

	PHRASES	CLAUSES	SENTENCES
Definition	No subject and verb	Has subject and verb	Has subject and predicate
Types	Prepositional Phrase, Noun Phrase, Verb Phrase	Main/independent Clause, Subordinate/Dependent Clause	Declarative Sentences, Imperative Sentences, Interrogative Sentences, Exclamatory Sentences

   

  

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REFERENCES:

“Clause, Phrase, Sentences—Learn the Difference.” Eurocentres. Accessed on September 5, 2019. Accessed from: https://www.eurocentres.com/blog/clause-phrase-sentence-learn-the-difference

“Phrase, Clauses and Sentences”. Toppr. Accessed on September 5, 2019. Accessed from: https://www.toppr.com/guides/business-correspondence-and-reporting/sentence-types-and-word-power/phrases-clauses-sentences/

“Types of Sentences.” Guide to Grammar & Writing. Accessed on September 5, 2019. Accessed from: http://plato.algonquincollege.com/applications/guideToGrammar/?page_id=3243