Phrases and Clauses Before you can master sentence structure and use commas correctly, you need to know a bit about phrases and clauses.

Clauses A clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a verb that complement each other. An independent clause stands alone as a complete sentence. S + V + Complete Thought = Independent Clause Ex.: The fans cheered. A dependent clause can’t stand alone—it depends on the rest of the sentence to complete the thought Ex.: When the fans cheered

Phrases A phrase is a group of words that does not contain a subject and a verb that complement each other. Ex.: Sitting in the stands Essential phrases are used to modify a noun and add information that is critical to the meaning of the sentence. Ex.: The people who work in my office are so uptight. Nonessential phrases add extra information to a sentence which can be eliminated from the sentence without jeopardizing the meaning of the sentence. Ex.: My brother, who just got a new job, plans to throw a party.

Introductory Phrases and Clauses Dependent clauses and nonessential phrases can appear anywhere in a sentence—beginning, middle or end. When they come at the beginning they are called introductory phrases and clauses. Introductory phrases and clauses are always followed by a comma.

Phrases and Clauses Introductory clauses are dependent clauses that provide background information or "set the stage" for the main part of the sentence, the independent clause. Introductory phrases also set the stage for the main action of the sentence, but they are not complete clauses, meaning they don’t have a subject and a verb that complement each other. Introductory words like however, still, furthermore, and meanwhile create continuity from one sentence to the next.

Introductory clauses start with adverbs like after, although, as, because, before, if, since, though, until, when, etc. For example: If you want to become a better writer, you have to actually practice writing. (introductory dependent clause, main clause) Because he kept snoring in his sleep, we couldn’t let the dog sleep in our bed. (introductory dependent clause, main clause) Phrases and Clauses

Introductory phrases also provide background information or "set the stage" for the main part of the sentence but don't have both a subject and a verb that are separate from the subject and verb in the main clause of the sentence. For example, To perform well in school, students must get eight hours of sleep a day. Snoring consistently, the dog was kicked out of bed. A sweet boy, Tom bought me flowers for Valentine’s Day. With a deadline quickly approaching, the students’ had to work as a team. The temperature well above 90 degrees, Hinsdale Central students were given the day off.

Phrases and Clauses Sometimes, introductions are one word and modify the entire sentence. Other times, introductions serve as transitions or provide sequence. For example: Silently, the students enjoyed the grammar lesson! The students spent a great deal of time researching their projects. However, they still need to develop a thesis before they can begin their papers. Finally, this is the last example for today’s presentation.

Phrases and Clauses Just kidding… let’s try a few! As far as I'm concerned you should all enjoy your weekends. Although you studied for the test you still didn’t pass. Reluctantly Max lent his notes for Carly to review. Completing all of her courses with a passing grade Stacey was ready to head off to college. Mostly I hope to talk about topics that interest you during our grammar mini-lessons.