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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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!

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.