A phrase is a combination of words without a predicate and can illustrate, but cannot express an idea, as, Spring returning, the swallow comes.
A clause is a phrase developed, and contains a predicate, as, When spring returns, we may expect the swallow.
THE SIMPLE SENTENCE.
It has now been seen that the simplest sentence we can frame must necessarily consist of at least two words—the subject, which must be a noun or its equivalent; and the predicate, which must be a verb. But a sentence consisting of only two words is in its barest and most rudimentary form. The following example illustrates how both the subject and predicate may be extended:—
| subject. | predicate. |
| Rain | falls. |
| Summer rain | falls gently. |
| Genial summer rain | falls gently down. |
| Genial and welcome summer rain |
falls gently down at last. |
| Grateful to the parched grass, the genial and welcome summer rain |
falls gently down at last, after having threatened during the last three hours. |
A simple sentence contains only one subject (however extended that subject may be), and one predicate or finite verb (however extended that finite verb may be).
A finite verb is a verb not in the infinitive mood. A verb in the infinitive mood is simply a verbal noun, and cannot assert or perform any of the functions of the verb proper.
The predicate may consist of—
- 1. A single verb, as:
- Fire burns.
