Phrases And Clauses Exercise

State whether the given group of words is a phrase or clause.

1. because of his health problems

A clause must have a finite verb in it.

2. though he was ill

There is a finite verb (was) here - hence, it is a clause.

3. as you are my friend

There is a finite verb here - are

4. once upon a time

5. a few months ago

6. once in a while

7. as soon as he arrived

Arrived is a finite verb. Hence, this is a clause.

8. if you are in a hurry

9. a well-known writer

10. despite working hard

11. after working hard for years

12. even if you forbid me

Answers

1. because of his health problems (phrase)
2. though he was ill (clause)
3. as you are my friend (clause)
4. once upon a time (phrase)
5. a few months ago (phrase)
6. once in a while (phrase)
7. as soon as he arrived (clause)
8. if you are in a hurry (clause)
9. a well-known writer (phrase)
10. despite working hard (phrase)
11. after working hard for years (phrase)
12. even if you forbid me (clause)