Subordinate Clause:
* Contains a subject and a verb. This means it has the core elements needed to form a complete sentence.
* Depends on a main clause for its meaning. It cannot stand alone as a complete thought.
* Often introduced by subordinating conjunctions. These words signal the relationship between the subordinate clause and the main clause. Examples: because, although, since, while, if, when, after, before.
* Can act as an adjective, adverb, or noun.
Example:
* Main Clause: The dog barked.
* Subordinate Clause: *because it saw a squirrel.*
* Combined Sentence: The dog barked because it saw a squirrel.
Subordinate Phrase:
* Does not have a subject and a verb. It lacks the core elements of a complete sentence.
* Functions as a single part of speech. This could be an adjective, adverb, or noun.
* Does not have a subordinating conjunction.
Example:
* Phrase: *Running through the park*
* Sentence: *The dog was running through the park.*
In this sentence:
* *"Running through the park"* is an adverbial phrase modifying the verb "was running."
* It doesn't have a subject or verb, so it's not a clause.
Key Distinction:
The key difference is that a subordinate clause has a subject and a verb, while a subordinate phrase does not. This makes the clause capable of expressing a complete thought (even if it's dependent), while the phrase only modifies or adds detail to another part of the sentence.