Sentences, Phrases, and Clauses

Mr. Anderson’s 1st and 2nd Periods

What is a Sentence?

A sentence is a group of words with a subject and predicate.– The subject of the sentence usually tells what the

sentence is about.– The predicate of a sentence tells about the subject

or tells what the subject is doing. A sentence begins with a capitalized word,

and it can end with a period, question mark, or exclamation point.

Good sentences convey a complete thought.

Examples of Complete Sentences

The large, red dog ran quickly down the path.

ACT scores can be improved through study and practice.

Real fans like the Chicago Cubs.

What is a Phrase?

A phrase is a part of a sentence which does not contain its own subject and predicate.– The subject of the sentence usually tells

what the sentence is about.– The predicate of a sentence tells about the

subject or tells what the subject is doing.

Examples of Phrases

After school

Before the boys’ basketball game

While it was raining

Inside my car

Down the hall

In the principal’s office

What is a Clause?

A clause is a group of words that includes a subject and a predicate.

Subject - The noun, noun phrase, or pronoun in a sentence or clause that denotes who does the action or what is described by the predicate.

Predicate - A part of a sentence modifying the subject, including the verb, objects, or phrases governed by the verb.

Examples of a Clause

The family stood in front of the helicopter.

The father taught piano to his daughter.

What is an Independent (Main) Clause?

An independent clause is a clause that can STAND ALONE as a sentence.

It does NOT need to be attached to another clause.

Examples of an Independent Clause

The boy played baseball all day.

The cat chased the mouse around the house.

I went to karate practice after school.

What is a Dependent (Subordinate) Clause?

A dependent clause is a clause that does not complete a thought, and must be accompanied by an independent clause.

Examples of a Dependent Clause

After class was over, I bounced the ball in the cafeteria.

The baby was crying because he was hungry.

Quick Quiz! Independent Clause?

Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

1. We went to the mall last week.

2. Because of your bad haircut.

3. After the fish jumped out of the bowl.

4. I can’t believe our friends did that!

5. You need to leave.

6. When we left the restaurant.

Let’s Check Our Answers!

We went to the mall last week.

Independent Clause

Because of your bad haircut.

Dependent Clause

After the fish jumped out of the bowl.

Dependent Clause

I can’t believe our friends did that!

Independent Clause

You need to leave.Independent Clause

When we left the restaurant.

Dependent Clause

Citation PageCheck Out These Websites!

http://www.english.uiuc.edu/cws/wworkshop/writer_resources/grammar_handbook/dependent_independent_clauses.htm

http://education.yahoo.com/reference/dictionary/entry/predicate

http://education.yahoo.com/reference/dictionary/entry/subject;_ylt=At2dXwl0a1Bc0YzUFolTN9OsgMMF

YOU MADE IT!