Difference between Phrase and Clause

Clause

A clause is a group of words that contains the subject and verb in a sentence.

Instance:

                 The girl is eating.

In the above instance, girl is the subject, and eating is the verb; therefore, the complete sentence is a clause because it contains both subject and verb.

The clause can make a complete sentence that doesn't need any helping words.

For instance:

                  Sam laughed.

The above instance has two uncomplicated words that make a complete sentence and can be understood. It contains subject and verb, and therefore it is a clause.

A sentence can also contain more than one clause and is joined with a conjunction, which is called compound sentences.

For instance:

                  I like coffee but she like tea.

In the above sentence, there are two clauses- I like coffee, and she likes tea.

Phrase

A phrase is any group of two or more words that convey a concept and acting as a single unit within a sentence. The phrase is without a subject-verb unit because it does not convey any meaning, but it clarifies the context of the sentence when joined with a clause.     

Instances:

            On a table, on the wall, under the bed.

The above instances are of distinct sentences which do not contain subject and verb; therefore, they are categorized as phrases.

A sentence can also contain both phrases and clauses.

Instance:

         She is studying under the tree.

In the above instance, she is studying is a clause that consists of subject and verb, and under the tree is a phrase that doesn't contain subject and verb.

Comparison between Phrase and Clause

Basis	Phrase	Clause
Meaning	A phrase is any group of two or more words that convey a concept and acting as a single unit within a sentence, and does not contain subject and verb.	A clause is a grammatical arrangement that is a group of words, which contains the subject and verb in a sentence.
Component of	The phrase is a component of a clause or sentence.	A clause is a component of a complete sentence.
Meaning	The word in a sentence of a phrase has a meaning, but it does not form a complete sense which cannot be understood when standalone.	The sentence of a clause gives complete meaning and can be understood when standalone.
Does it Convey thoughts or ideas?	The phrase is a part of a sentence without two parts of speech that are subject and verb, which does not convey any thought or idea.	A clause is a part of a sentence which have two speech that is subject and verb; therefore, it makes complete sense and conveys a thought or idea.
Instances	She is sitting under a tree. Cat is sitting at the table. The baby is drawing on the wall. Justin loves to travel alone. He is swimming in the pool. Over the horizon.	She is sitting under a tree. Cat is sitting at the table. The baby is drawing on the wall. Justin loves to travel alone. He is swimming in the pool. I like coffee but she like tea.