Clauses, Phrases, Oh My! Ms. Do KSJC

Phrase A phrase is a collection of words that may have nouns or verbs, but it does not have a subject doing the verb Ex: Leaving behind the dog Entering Gatsby’s party Before the first test Between ignorance and intelligence Because of her glittering smile Broken into thousands of pieces

Clause A clause is a collection of words that has a subject that/who is actually doing the verb Ex: Since Jordan came off as narcissistic I despise supercilious individuals When the saints go marching in Gatsby is wealthier than most men Because Daisy smiled at him

Dependent Clauses A dependent clause is a clause that cannot stand alone—it must be accompanied by an independent clause It is usually marked by a dependent marker word Example marker words (also from your handout from last week): When Because Although Since Until While Etc.

Independent Clause An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence (it expresses a complete thought) Ex: Daisy is a narcissistic girl. Nick attended Gatsby’s party. Tom and Myrtle are having an affair.

Clause A clause is a collection of words that has a subject that/who is actually doing the verb Ex: Since Jordan came off as narcissistic I despise supercilious individuals When the saints go marching in Gatsby is wealthier than most men Because Daisy smiled at him

Introductory Clauses Dependent clauses that provide background info to “set the stage” for the main part of the sentence Ex: Because Gatsby sent over an invitation, Nick decided to attend the party.

Introductory Phrase Also set the stage for the main action of the sentence, but they are not complete clauses Ex: Talking absently, it was obvious that Jordan was not paying attention to Nick. Working insistently, the student studied all through the night.

Introductory Words Like however, furthermore, and meanwhile create continuity from one sentence to the next (transition words) Ex: Most of Daisy’s characteristics seem supercilious. However, she also seems saturnine.

When to use a comma After an introductory clause After a long introductory phrase If there is a distinct pause

When to not use a comma If the phrase is essential in the meaning Ex: Nick was exhausted after going to Gatsby’s party.