Session One:Phrases & Clauses

Grammar Boot Camp

Presents…

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This workshop will teach you to…

– Identify & Write Phrases– Identify & Write Clauses

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Phrases

Q: What is a phrase? A: A phrase is a group of related words

NOT containing a subject or a verb.

Subject Verb

Phrases

Prepositional Infinitive Participial Gerund

Group of Related Words

Types of Phrases:

Begins with a signal word: either a preposition, an infinitive, a participle or a gerund

May be followed by a modifier: “the” or “a”

Includes an object: noun or pronoun

Prepositional Phrase

Begins with a preposition: about above across after around

at before behind below by

down for from in inside

into near of off on

outside over since through to

under until up upon with

Prepositional Phrase

The cadets marched through the woods.

Everyone in the class wrote an essay.

preposition

modifier

object

prepositionmodifier object

Practice Pause…

Identify the prepositional phrases in the sentences below:

1. The playful puppy ran around the yard.

2. My shoes are in the back of the closet.

3. The students listened with great interest.

Practice Pause…

Identify the prepositional phrases in the sentences below:

1. The playful puppy ran around the yard.

2. My shoes are in the back of the closet.

3. The students listened with great interest.

KEYKEY

Infinitive Phrase

Begins with “to” + verb:

“to run”“to see”“to talk”

Infinitive Phrase

To exercise every day is a good habit.

I was relieved to finish my project.

infinitive

infinitive

modifier

modifier

object

object

Participial Phrase

Begins with a verb ending in “-ed,” “-en,” or “-ing”

“stopped”“chosen”“going”

Participial Phrase

Jerry, carrying the suitcases, helped his Mom out of the taxi cab.

Known for her patience, Mrs. Garcia was his favorite teacher.

modifier objectparticiple

participle

modifiersobject

Practice Pause…

Identify the participial phrases in the sentences below:

1. Being an excellent cook, Ryan hosted the dinner party.

2. Anne strolled down the path lined with roses.

3. The soda, frozen by the ice, was impossible to drink.

Practice Pause…

Identify the participial phrases in the sentences below:

1. Being an excellent cook, Ryan hosted the dinner party.

2. Anne strolled down the path lined with roses.

3. The soda, frozen by the ice, was impossible to drink.

KEYKEY

Gerund Phrase

Begins with a verb ending in “-ing”

“giving”“reading”“writing”

Gerund Phrase

Marching in unison builds teamwork.

Alice enjoys taking afternoon classes.

gerund

modifier

object

modifierobject

gerund

Clauses

Q: What is a clause?A: A group of related words containing

a subject and verb.

Subject Verb

Clauses

Independent Dependent

Group of Related Words with a Subject and Verb

Types of Clauses:

Independent Clause

Contains a subject and a verb

Can stand alone

Independent Clause

Del Mar is a community college.

The SWC offers many services.

subjectverb

subject verb

Can Stand Alone

Can Stand Alone

Practice Pause…

Identify the subject and verb of the following Independent Clauses:

1. I walk my dog every day.

2. Zeke hit his thumb with a hammer.

3. The politician gave three speeches today.

Practice Pause…

Identify the subject and verb of the following Independent Clauses:

1. I walk my dog every day.

2. Zeke hit his thumb with a hammer.

3. The politician gave three speeches today.

KEYKEY

Dependent ClauseContains a subject and a verb

Cannot stand alone

Begins with a signal word—

after although as

because before if

since until when

who whom whose

whoever whomever

whosever

what what which

Subordinating Conjunctions Relative Pronouns

Dependent Clause

Because the student prepared for the exam

The uniform that I am required to wear

signal wordsubject

verb

signal word

subject

verb

Cannot Stand Alone

Cannot Stand Alone

Practice Pause…Identify the Dependent Clauses below:

1. Because he is a teacher, he travels during the summer.

2. As the player scored the winning goal, the crowd burst into cheer.

3. The book that I read is inspirational.

Practice Pause…Identify the Dependent Clauses in the

sentences below:

1. Because he is a teacher, he travels during the summer.

2. As the player scored the winning goal, the crowd burst into cheer.

3. The book that I read is inspirational.

KEYKEY

Congratulations!

You have successfully completed Session One of

Grammar Boot Camp!For more information on Phrases & Clauses, visit a friendly, professional tutor

at the Stone Writing Center.

SW 104, East Campus 698-1364 www.delmar.edu/engl/wrtctr