Unit Two: Phrases, Clauses, & Sentence Structure English Center Tutor Training ESOL Modified by Kristin Hearnsberger

A phrase is a coherent group of words that contains a subject or a verb, but never both. Phrases 1. Noun phrase: a noun and its modifiers 2. Verb phrase: a verb and the words that follow many culturally diverse students the City College book fair my magically delicious Lucky Charms bands those poisonous red apples on the table an interesting dream the drawer next to the bed talented and helpful tutors have been playing all night long attend this school has been on my mind all day will be in high demand open were for Snow White and not for you is always in October were eaten by the boy next door

Clauses A clause contains a subject and a verb. Clauses can be dependent or independent. First, let’s practice distinguishing phrases and clauses. Determine which of the examples are phrases and which are clauses. Phrases Clauses stayed out all night they didn’t understand the instructions the little kitten sitting in the shade of the tree he cried when I go to the store

Clauses There are two types of clauses: independent and dependent. An independent clause is a subject/verb combination that makes a complete sentence. A dependent clause cannot stand alone, and must be attached to an independent clause. In the following sentence, which one is the independent clause? Example 1: As soon as I woke up, I made the coffee. If you said I made the coffee, then you are correct!

Complete Sentences A complete sentence includes: 1. Subject (noun) 2. Verb (may need a direct object or complement) 3. Complete Thought/Idea Example 1: Marcel understands the importance of attending class regularly. Example 2: Shu, Tony, and Ana studied together after class. subject verb subject verb

Caution! Not all complete sentences have a stated subject. The command form (also known as the imperative) has you as the implied subject. This sentence structure is not common in academic writing… except perhaps as a “hook” in an introductory paragraph. For example: Be careful! Moreover, certain authors and genres do not adhere to traditional sentence structure and may use phrases and dependent clauses as complete sentences. However, this is unacceptable for academic writing. For example: Because I said so.

Subjects The subject may be A single noun A noun phrase A pronoun Two or more nouns, noun phrases or pronouns A gerund (verb + -ing) An infinitive (To + verb) . College is challenging. The English Center can help you succeed. It is open Monday through Friday. Rose, Todd, Humberto, and Jess are all tutors there. Online tutoring is available on weekends. To err is human.

Subject Error It is common for students to incorrectly use a prepositional phrase as a subject. Incorrect: In the morning is a good time to take classes. Incorrect: In the article says global health is important. Students can usually fix this problem by removing the preposition. Correct: The morning is a good time to take classes. Correct: The article says global health is important.

Verb Error The linking verbs include am, is, are, was, and were. The verb of a sentence must be complete or include all necessary verb parts. Often, students leave out part of the verb. Example 1: She working in the lab. This would be incorrect as the progressive requires the linking verb to be. It should be: She is working in the lab. The linking verbs include am, is, are, was, and were.

Verb Error A sentence can consist of more than one verb. However, parallel structure is important. Incorrect: She works, studies, and is taking care of her children. The three verbs are not the same form. The example should be. Correct: She works, studies, and takes care of her children.

Complete Sentences? Choosing a major is an important decision. Because I study a lot. In my college has a cafeteria and several snack areas. It is difficult to study on the weekend. There three things to do to be a successful student. While I was in my ESOL 30 class. My college has many buildings, so easy to get lost.

Correct the Sentence Structure Error In my opinion, speaking in English easier than writing in English. Is a very interesting point you have raised. My summer internship, for example, it is one way for me. At present, I am finishing a project, and I also starting a new one. I felt happy. Because I moved to the U.S. is It am I felt happy because I moved to the U.S.