Grammar Unit 2 Phrases & Clauses

What is a Phrase? A phrase is a group of related words that does not contain a subject and verb. Common Phrases Prepositional Phrases Infinitive Phrases Participial Phrases Gerund Phrases

Prepositional Phrase Begins with a preposition (in, on, under, over, around, of, about, through, etc.) Followed by an object and any modifiers Functions as an adjective or adverb Examples The cadets marched through the woods. through is the preposition the is the modifier for the object woods functions as an adverb Everyone in the class wrote an essay. in is the preposition the is the modifier for the object class functions as an adjective

Infinitive Phrase Begins with an infinitive: “to” + verb Followed by an object and any modifiers Functions as a noun, adjective or adverb Examples To exercise every day is a good habit. to exercise is the infinitive every is the modifier for the object day Functions as a noun I was relieved to finish my project. to finish is the infinitive my is the modifier for the object project Functions as an adjective

Participial Phrase Begins with a participle: verb ending in “-ed,” “-en,” or “-ing” Followed by an object and any modifiers Functions as an adjective Examples The marine biologist, diving near a reef, saw a shark. diving is the participle near a are the modifiers for the object “reef” Known for her patience, Mrs. Garcia was his favorite teacher. known is the participle for her are the modifiers for the object patience

Gerund Phrase Begins with a gerund: verb ending in “-ing” Followed by object and any modifiers Functions as a noun Examples Marching in unison builds teamwork. marching is the gerund in is the modifier for the object unison The student enjoys taking morning classes. taking is the gerund morning is the modifier for the object classes

What is a Clause? A clause is a group of related words that contains both a subject and a verb. Two Types of Clauses: Independent Clause Dependent Clause

Independent Clause Contains a subject and a verb Makes a complete statement Can stand alone Examples Del Mar is a community college. Del Mar is the subject is is the verb a community college completes the thought The Writing Center offers a variety of services. The Writing Center is the subject offers is the verb a variety of services completes the thought

Dependent Clause Contains a subject and a verb Does not make a complete statement Cannot Stand Alone Begins with a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun: Subordinating conjunctions = after, although, as, because, before, if, since, until, when Relative pronouns = who, whom, that, which, whose

Examples of Dependent Clause Because the student prepared for the exam, she answered all of the questions correctly. because is the subordinating conjunction the student is the subject prepared is the verb for the exam completes the dependent clause The uniform that I am required to wear is green and brown. that is the relative pronoun I is the subject am is the verb required to wear completes the dependent clause

Practice: Phrases Identify the type of phrase in the following sentences: Being an excellent cook, Ryan hosted a dinner party. To be elected president is his objective. The puppy chased the kitten around the house. Hoisting the sail correctly is a critical component of yachting.

Answer Key: Identify the type of phrase in the following: Being an excellent cook, Ryan hosted a dinner party. Participial Phrase To be elected president is his objective. Infinitive Phrase The puppy chased the kitten around the house. Prepositional Phrase Hoisting the sail correctly is a critical component of yachting. Gerund Phrase

Practice: Clauses Identify the type of clause in the following sentences: I walk my dog every day. Because he is a teacher. As the soccer player scored the winning goal. Zeke hit his thumb with a hammer.

Answer Key: Identify the type of clause in the following: I walk my dog every day. Independent Because he is a teacher. Dependent As the soccer player scored the winning goal. Dependent Zeke hit his thumb with a hammer. Independent

Sentence Types Simple Compound Complex Compound-Complex

Simple one independent clause I like Spongebob.

Compound two or more independent clauses I like Spongebob, and I like Plankton.

Complex dependent clause and independent clause Because he makes me laugh, I like Spongebob.

Compound-Complex two independent clauses and one dependent clause Because they make me laugh, I like Spongebob, and I like Plankton.

Q: What is a Subordinating Conjunction? A: A subordinating conjunction is a word that links sentence elements that are not of equal importance. The following is a list of common subordinating conjunctions: after once until although since when as that whenever because though where before till wherever if unless while Return to presentation.

Q: What is a Relative Pronoun? A: A relative pronoun is a word that relates the dependent clause to the independent clause within a sentence. The following is a list of relative pronouns: who whoever what whatever that whom whomever whose whichever which Return to presentation.