1. Phrases & Clauses
AND WHY IT MATTERS…

2. How are they alike? They are both a group of words.
Phrases and Clauses
How are they alike? They are both a group of words.

3. How are they different?
Phrases do not have subjects and verbs- they may have one or the other or neither.
Clauses have both a subject and a verb, so clauses can actually be complete sentences.

4. Examples of Phrases Subject but no verb: Verb but no subject:
The ancient oak tree.
Verb but no subject:
Running like a cheetah
No subject or verb:
On a jet plane

5. Types of Phrases Prepositional Phrases Adjective Phrases
Begin with a preposition and end with the object of the preposition (a noun)
Usually tell where something is
Under the table
Adjective Phrases
A group of words that describe a noun
Focused and attentive
Adverb Phrases
A group of words that describe anything other than a noun
Quickly and efficiently
Participial or –ing Phrases
A group of words that begin with a verb ending in –ing
Springing into action

6. Types and Examples of Clauses
Independent Clause
Contains a subject and a verb and is a complete sentence that can stand on its own
You go to the store.
Dependent Clause
Contains a subject and a verb but cannot stand on its own as a sentence
Next time you go to the store
Dependent clauses begin with a subordinating conjunction
after, although, as, because, before, even though, in order, once, provided that, since, so, that, though, unless, until, where, whereas, while

7. What is a CONJUNCTION? a connecting word
A coordinating conjunction is a word that connects 2 independent clauses (or complete sentences), such as and, but, and or.
A subordinating conjunction connects a dependent clause to an independent clause.
Therefore, the connecting word used is a BIG HINT of whether you have a dependent or independent clause!!!

8. Now For The Comma Rules:
1. Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet.
The game was over, but the crowd refused to leave.
The student explained her question, yet the instructor still didn't seem to understand.
Yesterday was her brother's birthday, so she took him out to dinner.

9. While I was eating, the cat scratched at the door.
2. Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause.
a. Common starter words for introductory clauses that should be followed by a comma include after, although, as, because, if, since, when, while.
While I was eating, the cat scratched at the door.
Because her alarm clock was broken, she was late for class.
If you are ill, you ought to see a doctor.
When the snow stops falling, we'll shovel the driveway.

10. 2. Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause.
b. Common introductory phrases that should be followed by a comma include participial and infinitive phrases, absolute phrases, nonessential appositive phrases, and long prepositional phrases (over four words).
Having finished the test, he left the room.
To get a seat, you'd better come early.
After the test but before lunch, I went jogging.
The sun radiating intense heat, we sought shelter in the cafe.

11. Well, perhaps he meant no harm.
2. Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause.
c. Common introductory words that should be followed by a comma include yes, however, well.
Well, perhaps he meant no harm.
Yes, the package should arrive tomorrow morning.
However, you may not be satisfied with the results.

12. Happy Tuesday, November 19, 2013
When you come in:
Take out your notebooks, and turn to your grammar notes.
Label this entry “Comma Rules 2.”
Take out a ½ sheet of paper for comma practice. Save the other half for your quiz.

13. Comma Practice Add commas where necessary according to rules 1 & 2.
My mother is a Tai Chi instructor and she holds weekly classes.
Whenever I meet someone with diabetes or joint pain I recommend they take her class.

14. To set off clauses and phrases in the middle of the sentence
3. Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. Use one comma before to indicate the beginning of the clause and one at the end to indicate the end of the clause.
Here are some clues to help you decide whether the sentence element is essential:
If you leave out the clause, phrase, or word, does the sentence still make sense?
Does the clause, phrase, or word interrupt the flow of words in the original sentence?
If you move the element to a different position in the sentence, does the sentence still make sense?

15. 4. Use commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series.
The Constitution establishes the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government.
The candidate promised to lower taxes, protect the environment, reduce crime, and end unemployment.
The prosecutor argued that the defendant, who was at the scene of the crime, who had a strong revenge motive, and who had access to the murder weapon, was guilty of homicide.

16. Rule 4 continued…
Be sure never to add an extra comma between the final adjective and the noun itself or to use commas with non-coordinate adjectives.
He was a difficult, stubborn child.
Your cousin has an easy, happy smile.

17. 5. Use a comma near the end of a sentence to show contrast
He was merely ignorant, not stupid.
The chimpanzee seemed reflective, almost human.
You're one of the senator's close friends, aren't you?
The speaker seemed innocent, even gullible.

18. Happy Wednesday, November 20, 2013
When you come in:
Take out your notebooks, and turn to your grammar notes.
Take out a ½ sheet of paper for comma practice. Save the other half for your quiz- specify whether you are going double or nothing! ;-)

19. Comma Practice Add commas where necessary according to rules 1-5.
Some people even though they have debilitating diseases can do light exercise to help their condition.
My mother teaches Tai Chi for diabetes back pain and arthritis.
For some classes she teaches Tai Chi seated not standing and this is better for many of her students with hip problems.

20. Happy Thursday, November 21, 2013
When you come in:
Take out your notebooks, and turn to your grammar notes.
Copy down the following comma rules.

21. 6. Use commas to set off all geographical names and addresses.
Birmingham, Alabama gets its name from Birmingham, England.
Who lives at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC?
My mailing address is: Melody Bolduc, 9025 Smoketree Drive, Jacksonville, FL

22. 7. Use commas to set off items in dates (except the month and day).
Today is Thursday, November 21, 2013.
When you use just the month and the year, no comma is necessary after the month or year: "The average temperatures for July 1998 are the highest on record for that month."

23. 8. Use a comma to separate titles in names.
Rachel B. Lake, MD will be the principal speaker.
Martin Luther King, Jr was a very influential man.

24. 9. Use a comma to shift between the main discourse and a quotation.
John said without emotion, "I'll see you tomorrow."
"I was able," she answered, "to complete the assignment."
In 1848, Marx wrote, "Workers of the world, unite!"

25. 10. Use commas wherever necessary to prevent possible confusion or misreading.
To George, Harrison had been a sort of idol.

26. 11. Use a comma to directly address a person.
Brandon, please be quiet.
Ms. Daly, would you please escort this student to the office.
Never use a comma to separate the subject of the sentence from the verb.
Brandon needs to be quiet.
Ms. Daly will escort him to the office.