Craziness with Clauses!!

What is the difference between a phrase & a clause?? Clause: a group of words that includes a subject or a verb Phrase: a group of words that is missing either a subject or a verb

What is a clause? Used as a sentence or as part of a sentence Independent: expresses a complete thought Dependent: does not express a complete thought

For example…. Lichens are plants (independent clause) S HV AV That are composed of fungi & algae (dependent clause)

Adjective Clause Very similar to an adjective prepositional phrase! A dependent clause that modifies a noun or pronoun Usually begins with a relative pronoun (that, which, who, whom, whose)

For example…. Ferdinand Magellan, who was the commander of the first expedition around the world, was killed before the end of the journey. (modifies Magellan) The treasure that they are searching for belonged to the Aztec emperor Montezuma. (modifies treasure)

Noun Clause A dependent clause that is used as a noun Common words to signal noun clauses: how, that, what, whatever, when, where, whether, which, who, whoever, whose, why

For example…. Do you remember who painted Washington crossing the Delaware? Cassi said that she would be late. You should have a kind word for whoever you meet.

Try it out! *Identify the dependent clauses in each sentence as adjective or noun clauses. If they are adjective—circle what they modify The oldest sequoia trees are only 2,200 years old, according to those who know. Whoever respects strength has to admire the wrestling team. Like all members of this family, the bristlecone pine has needle clusters that resemble a fox’s tail. Judge by what you can see in the photo.

Adverb Clause A dependent clause that modifies a verb, adjective or adverb. Tells how, when, where, why, to what extent For example: The pitcher felt as though all eyes were on him. The water in the lake was much colder than we had expected

It’s all a matter of where it is in the sentence! The day when we got our puppy was a Friday. Does Jimmy remember when we got our puppy? Our older dog sulked a little when we got our puppy.

Subordinating Conjunctions Adverb clauses are introduced by a subordinating conjunction After, although, as, as if, as long as, as though, because, before, if, in order that, once, so that, since, than, though, unless, until, when, whenever, where, while

Try it out! *Identify the adverb clause and circle what word it modifies* When our school has a fire drill, everyone must go outside, As soon as you’re ready, we’ll leave. You can set the table while I prepare the salad. You understand the situation much better than I. She walked until she was too tired to stand.

Elliptical Clause Part of a clause may be left out when its meaning can be clearly understood from the context of the sentence Most are adverb clauses Ex: Leilana finished her research sooner than Marta did. Ex: Martine asked her more questions than I asked her.

Try it out! Identify the elliptical clauses in the sentence and supply the left out words You understand the situation much better than I. I asked her more questions than me.

Identify the following in italics as a adjective, noun or adverb clause. If needed, circle the modifiers Because he was late so often, he bought a watch. You can pick whoever you like. The teacher would like us to prepare the slides. They finally found my briefcase, which had been missing for two weeks. Please indicate the people to whom we should go to for help.

Clauses *Fill in the type of clause(s) asked for in each sentence. Be sure to include a subject and a verb for each clause. 1. (adverb clause), she will feel stronger (adverb). 2. The car (adjective) will arrive next week. 3. (Noun) is a generous person 4. The librarian found (noun). 5. (Adverb) you cannot hang pictures on it.

Clauses cont. Bright and blue skies are (noun clause). We certainly realize (noun clause) (Adverb Clause) his wife cooked dinner. It seems (noun clause) The librarian found (noun clause)