English Grammar Quiz: Clause Vs Phrase!

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English Grammar Quiz: Clause Vs Phrase! - Quiz


Are you ready to put your English grammar knowledge to the test? This quiz delves into the distinction between clauses and phrases. In the realm of English grammar, understanding clauses and phrases is fundamental as they are essential components of sentences. Clauses consist of both a subject and a predicate, forming a complete thought, while phrases lack one or the other. Are you getting the hang of it?

This quiz is here to challenge you. Give it your best shot and aim for a high score. Strengthen your grammatical skills and gain a deeper understanding of sentence structure. Good luck Read morewith your grammatical journey


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    He works hard every day.

    • A.

      Clause

    • B.

      Phrase

    Correct Answer
    A. Clause
    Explanation
    A clause is a group of words that includes both a subject (in this case, "He") and a predicate (in this case, "works hard every day") and can stand alone as a complete thought or sentence. In this sentence, "He" is the subject, and "works hard every day" is the predicate, conveying a complete idea. Therefore, it is a clause, specifically an independent clause because it can function as a standalone sentence.

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  • 2. 

    Before the next light

    • A.

      Clause

    • B.

      Phrase

    Correct Answer
    B. Phrase
    Explanation
    The phrase "Before the next light" is a group of words that does not contain a subject and a verb, and it does not express a complete thought on its own. It functions as a modifier, providing additional information about when something should happen. In this case, it suggests that something should happen before reaching the next light. Therefore, the correct answer is "Phrase."

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  • 3. 

    In a dark and dangerous hallway.

    • A.

      Clause

    • B.

      Phrase

    Correct Answer
    B. Phrase
    Explanation
    "In a dark and dangerous hallway" is a prepositional phrase. It provides additional information about the location of something and consists of the preposition "in" followed by the noun phrase "a dark and dangerous hallway." This prepositional phrase describes where the action or situation in the sentence is taking place.

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  • 4. 

     If I need to call you.

    • A.

      Clause

    • B.

      Phrase

    Correct Answer
    A. Clause
    Explanation
    The given correct answer is "Clause" because the phrase "If I need to call you" contains a subject ("I") and a verb ("need"), making it a complete thought on its own. This makes it a clause, which is a group of words that includes a subject and a verb and can function as a sentence. A phrase, on the other hand, does not have a subject and a verb and cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

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  • 5. 

    After a good day.

    • A.

      Clause

    • B.

      Phrase

    Correct Answer
    B. Phrase
    Explanation
    The given answer is "Phrase" because the sentence "After a good day" does not contain a subject and a verb, which are essential components of a clause. Instead, it is a group of words that functions as a single unit, expressing a complete thought. Therefore, it is classified as a phrase.

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  • 6. 

     Because it's the right thing to do.

    • A.

      Clause

    • B.

      Phrase

    Correct Answer
    A. Clause
    Explanation
    The text "Because it's the right thing to do." is a clause. Specifically, it's a dependent or subordinate clause that begins with the subordinating conjunction "because." This clause provides a reason or explanation for an action or statement but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

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  • 7. 

     As quickly as possible.

    • A.

      Clause

    • B.

      Phrase

    Correct Answer
    B. Phrase
  • 8. 

    This car's not working.

    • A.

      Clause

    • B.

      Phrase

    Correct Answer
    A. Clause
    Explanation
    The given statement "This car's not working" is a complete sentence that expresses a complete thought. It contains a subject ("This car") and a predicate ("not working"). Therefore, it is a clause, which is a group of words that includes a subject and a predicate and can function as a sentence on its own. A phrase, on the other hand, is a group of words that does not contain a subject and a predicate and cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

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  • 9. 

    Working for himself.

    • A.

      Clause

    • B.

      Phrase

    Correct Answer
    B. Phrase
    Explanation
    The given correct answer is "Phrase" because "Working for himself" is a group of words that does not contain a subject and a verb, which is the defining characteristic of a clause. Instead, it functions as a single unit, expressing a complete thought. Therefore, it is a phrase.

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  • 10. 

    Whenever it gets cold.

    • A.

      Clause

    • B.

      Phrase

    Correct Answer
    A. Clause
    Explanation
    The given phrase "Whenever it gets cold" is a clause because it contains a subject ("it") and a verb ("gets"). It functions as an adverbial clause, providing information about when or under what conditions something happens.

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  • 11. 

    If they want to talk to me.

    • A.

      Clause

    • B.

      Phrase

    Correct Answer
    A. Clause
    Explanation
    The given correct answer is "Clause". A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a predicate and can function as a sentence or a part of a sentence. In the given sentence, "If they want to talk to me" is a clause because it contains a subject "they" and a predicate "want to talk to me". It also expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence.

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  • 12. 

    Towards the north.

    • A.

      Clause

    • B.

      Phrase

    Correct Answer
    B. Phrase
    Explanation
    The given answer, "Phrase," is correct because the phrase is a group of words that does not contain a subject and a verb. In this case, "Towards the north" is a group of words that functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating direction. It does not form a complete sentence or express a complete thought, which is characteristic of a phrase rather than a clause.

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  • 13. 

    In front of the building.

    • A.

      Clause

    • B.

      Phrase

    Correct Answer
    B. Phrase
    Explanation
    The phrase "In front of the building" is a group of words that does not contain a subject and a verb, making it a phrase rather than a clause. It functions as a prepositional phrase, providing information about the location of something in relation to the building.

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  • 14. 

    Jumping up and down on the bed.

    • A.

      Clause

    • B.

      Phrase

    Correct Answer
    B. Phrase
    Explanation
    "Jumping up and down on the bed" is a group of words that does not contain a subject and a verb, which are essential components of a clause. Therefore, it is a phrase rather than a clause. 

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  • 15. 

    Until the next time.

    • A.

      Clause

    • B.

      Phrase

    Correct Answer
    B. Phrase
    Explanation
    The given correct answer is "Phrase" because "Until the next time" is a group of related words that does not contain a subject and a verb. It functions as a single unit in a sentence and does not express a complete thought on its own, making it a phrase rather than a clause.

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  • 16. 

    Until she finds a car.

    • A.

      Clause

    • B.

      Phrase

    Correct Answer
    A. Clause
    Explanation
    The given answer is "Clause" because a clause is a group of words that includes a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. In this case, "Until she finds a car" is a group of words that includes the subject "she" and the verb "finds" and expresses a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence and has a clear subject and predicate. Therefore, it is a clause.

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  • 17. 

    I don't know the answer.

    • A.

      Clause

    • B.

      Phrase

    Correct Answer
    A. Clause
    Explanation
    The answer is "Clause" because a clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb, and it can express a complete thought. In contrast, a phrase is a group of words that does not have a subject and a verb, and it does not express a complete thought. Since the given options are "Clause" and "Phrase," the correct answer is "Clause."

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  • 18. 

    Which of the following is an example of a phrase in English grammar?

    • A.

      She quickly ran to the store.

    • B.

      The cat, which was sitting on the windowsill, purred. 

    • C.

      Beautifully decorated with lights and ornaments. 

    • D.

      He is studying for his final exams.

    Correct Answer
    C. Beautifully decorated with lights and ornaments. 
    Explanation
    A phrase is a group of words that functions as a single unit within a sentence but does not contain a subject and a verb combination that makes a complete thought or expresses an action. "Beautifully decorated with lights and ornaments" is an example of a phrase because it is a group of words that describes something (possibly a Christmas tree or a room) but does not contain a subject and verb. In contrast, options a), b), and d) are complete sentences or contain clauses with subjects and verbs that form complete thoughts.

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  • 19. 

    Across the street from us.

    • A.

      Clause

    • B.

      Phrase

    Correct Answer
    B. Phrase
    Explanation
    The given phrase "Across the street from us" does not contain a subject and a verb, which are necessary components of a clause. Therefore, it is a phrase, not a clause.

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  • 20. 

    Inside a deep, dark well.

    • A.

      Clause

    • B.

      Phrase

    Correct Answer
    B. Phrase
    Explanation
    The given answer "Phrase" is correct because "Inside a deep, dark well" is a group of words that does not contain a subject and a predicate, which are necessary components of a clause. Instead, it functions as a single unit conveying a specific meaning. Therefore, it is a phrase.

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Heather Baxter |BSc |
K-12 English Expert
Heather is an educator, with four years of teaching experience. She made a career transition one year ago to explore a new path in writing and copy editing. Heather's specialization lies in curriculum development and educational materials, but she maintains versatility to work across various industries. Known for her keen attention to detail and a deep passion for language, she possesses a sharp eye for precision.
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