What is the Difference Between Noun Clause and Noun Phrase?

The main difference between a noun clause and a noun phrase lies in the presence of a verb and the ability to stand alone as a complete sentence. Here are the key differences:

• Noun Clause: A noun clause contains a noun and a verb, and it usually starts with a relative pronoun. It can function as a subject, an object, or a subject complement in a sentence. However, it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence, as it is a dependent clause. For example: "She loves what she wears."
• Noun Phrase: A noun phrase does not contain a verb and only has a noun and its modifiers. It can also function as a subject, an object, or a subject complement in a sentence. Unlike a noun clause, it does not usually start with a relative pronoun. For example: "The directions from Main Street to the highway."

In summary, noun clauses have verbs and can function as subjects, objects, or complements in sentences, while noun phrases do not have verbs and can also function as subjects, objects, or complements in sentences.

Comparative Table: Noun Clause vs Noun Phrase

Here is a table summarizing the differences between noun clauses and noun phrases:

In summary, a noun clause has a subject and a verb, making it a dependent clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. On the other hand, a noun phrase does not contain a verb and functions as a unit in a sentence, acting as an independent element. Their differences mainly stem from their composition and sentence dependence.