Grammar 101 How to be awesome

Clauses A clause has a subject/verb form. A subject is who or what is doing the stuff. A verb is what is being done by the subject. There are two types of clauses. Independent Clause (IC) Dependent Clause (DC) or Subordinate Clause

Subject/ Identification Andy is going to the movies. She dances like a ballerina! They are going to the skate park. Who is still working? You should read these books! Please move silently!

Independent Clause An independent clause is a complete sentence and can stand on its own. An independent clause has a subject/verb combination.

One of these things is not like the other Mrs. Butcher dances. Mrs. Butcher is often very boisterous. When she dances.

Dependent/Subordinate Clause A dependent clause depends upon (is subordinate to) an independent clause in order to make sense. A Dependent Clause (DC) or Subordinate Clause has a subject/verb combination.

One of these things is not like the other Before Sally sings. Because Kerry is smart. Jasmine went shopping after she took a nap.

Subordinating Conjunction Subordinating conjunctions usually begin a Dependent Clause (DC) or Subordinate Clause. Let’s look at our tool box!

So, how do they all fit together? Independent clause Dependent Clause. Mrs. Butcher dances when she is happy. Dependent Clause, Independent clause. When she is happy, Mrs. Butcher dances.

Finding Parts of Speech 1.Articles 2.Prepositions, prepositional phrases 3.Conjunctions 4.Verbs: action, linking, helping 5.Subject 6.Direct objects and indirect objects 7.Adjectives 8.Adverbs

Sentence Combining 3 Ways to Combine Sentences 1.Semicolon 1.Comma + Coordinating Conjunction 1.Semicolon + Conjunctive Adverb + Comma

Sentence Combinings #1 1 step: Semicolon: a semicolon combines two independent clauses. Ms. Widman sings. Mrs. Butcher dances. Ms. Widman sings ; Mrs. Butcher dances.

Combining Sentences #2 2 step: Comma + Coordinating Conjunction (Tool Box) Ms. Widman sings. Mrs. Butcher dances. Ms. Widman sings, and Mrs. Butcher dances.

Sentence Combining #3 3 Step: 1.Semicolon + Conjunctive Adverb + Comma Ms. Widman sings. Mrs. Butcher dances. Ms. Widman sings ; however, Mrs. Butcher dances.

Types of Phrases Prepositional Phrase (Adjective) Prepositional Phrase (Adverb) Infinitive Appositive Participle Gerund Absolute

Prepositional Phrase (Adjective) Description: tells which one, what kind, how many, or gives more info about a noun/pronoun Function: Adjective (describes a noun) Example: The store around the corner is painted green.

Prepositional Phrase (Adverb) Description: tells how, why, where, when, and to what extent Function: Adverb Example: Sally is coloring outside the lines.

Infinitive Phrase Description: To + Action Verb Function: adjective, adverb, noun or subject, direct object *Remember to chunk phrases!

Infinitive Phrase Examples Her plan to become a millionaire fell through. John went to college to study journalism. To dance is sheer freedom. She wanted to become rich.

Appositive Phrase Description: Renames or identifies a noun or pronoun (it gives a positive identification) Function: adjective Example: My dog, the three-legged one, is crazy!

Participle Phrase Description: Verb form either past - ed or present - ing Function: Adjective. The main subject cannot be in the chunk. Example: Blinded by the light, she walked in the cave. Swimming for her life, she crossed the Mississippi.

Gerund Phrase Description: Verb form - ing Function: Noun or subject Example: Walking the dog is my favorite hobby.

Absolute Phrase Description: Noun or pronoun + participle Function: Modify the whole set Example: His head pounding, his hands shaking, his heart filled with trepidation, the young man knelt and proposed marriage to his sweetheart.

Sentence types Simple Compound Complex Compound-Complex

Simple Sentence 1 independent clause: 1 subject and 1 verb *the subject and the verb can be compound (there can be more than one). Example: John waited for the train. John and Mary waited for the train. (compound subject) John and Mary arrived early and waited for the train. (compound subject/verb)

Compound Sentence 2 or more independent clauses: The two independent clauses can be joined in one of two ways: A coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) OR a semicolon ; Example: I waited for John and Mary to arrive on the train; they were running late. I waited for John and Mary to arrive on the train because they were running late.

Complex Sentence 1 independent clause AND at least 1 dependent clause: Subordinating conjunctions are used to connect the ideas: after, although, because, even though, until, unless, etc. Examples: Because my coffee was too cold, I heated it in the microwave. She returned the computer after she noticed it was damaged. The movie, although very long, was still very enjoyable.

Compound Complex At least: 2 independent clauses, 1 dependent clause Examples: When we won the state championship, the team captain jumped for joy, and the fans cheered! We had a party because we had lots of cookies, and our guests ate all the cookies.