1. Grammar Unit 2 Phrases & Clauses

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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.

12. 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

13. 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.

14. 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

15. Sentence Types
Simple
Compound
Complex
Compound-Complex

16. Simple
one independent clause
I like Spongebob.

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

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

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

20. 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.

21. 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.