State whether the given group of words is a phrase or clause.
1because of his health problems
Wrong!
"Phrase" is correct because "because of his health problems" has no finite verb.
2though he was ill
Wrong!
"Clause" is correct because "though he was ill" contains the finite verb "was".
3as you are my friend
Wrong!
"Clause" is correct because "as you are my friend" contains the finite verb "are".
4once upon a time
Wrong!
"Phrase" is correct because "once upon a time" has no finite verb.
5a few months ago
Wrong!
"Phrase" is correct because "a few months ago" has no finite verb.
6once in a while
Wrong!
"Phrase" is correct because "once in a while" has no finite verb.
7as soon as he arrived
Wrong!
"Clause" is correct because "as soon as he arrived" contains the finite verb "arrived".
8if you are in a hurry
Wrong!
"Clause" is correct because "if you are in a hurry" contains the finite verb "are".
9a well-known writer
Wrong!
"Phrase" is correct because "a well-known writer" has no finite verb.
10despite working hard
Wrong!
"Phrase" is correct because "despite working hard" has no finite verb.
11after working hard for years
Wrong!
"Phrase" is correct because "after working hard for years" has no finite verb.
12even if you forbid me
Wrong!
"Clause" is correct because "even if you forbid me" contains the finite verb "forbid".
Done.
Score: 0/12
Answers
- because of his health problems — Phrase
- though he was ill — Clause
- as you are my friend — Clause
- once upon a time — Phrase
- a few months ago — Phrase
- once in a while — Phrase
- as soon as he arrived — Clause
- if you are in a hurry — Clause
- a well-known writer — Phrase
- despite working hard — Phrase
- after working hard for years — Phrase
- even if you forbid me — Clause

