PHRASES AND CLAUSES 8 th Grade Language Arts Mrs. Brunner

Phrase  A group of words that is used as a single part of speech  It does NOT contain a subject or predicate  Each type of phrases can be used as an adjective or an adverb  Example of adjectival phrase  Mrs. Brunner and Mrs. Louden are part of St. Joseph School.  Example of adverbial phrase  In the 1960s, Mrs. Delio wore an Afro and a mini-skirt.

Types of Phrases  1. Prepositional  Has a preposition, object of preposition and modifiers of the preposition  Begins with preposition, ends with a noun  Adverbial prepositional phrase Mr. Brunner was a Marine in phrase modifies the verb ‘was’  Adjectival prepositional phrase Mr. Brunner was weapons expert within the United States Marine Corp. Phrase modifies the noun ‘expert’

Types of Phrases  2. Participial  Made up of a present or past participle and the words that go along with it  Always adjectival, can’t be adverbial  Example Participating in every major US war, Mr. Brunner is a decorated hero.  Phrase describes the proper noun Mr. Brunner

Phrases  3. Infinitive  Made up of to and it’s base verb (ex. to serve), plus the any words that go along with it  can act as an adjective, adverb, or a noun  Begins with to and verb  Adjective example A good way to serve the country is in the Marine Corp. Phrase modifies the noun ‘way’  Adverb example It was good enough to be in the Marine Corp. Phrase modifies the adjective ‘enough’  Noun example To serve his country is the reason that he became a Marine. Phrase is acting and a noun (the subject of sentence)

Phrases - The Big Point…  A phrase is a group of words used as a single part of speech  Mostly used as an adjective or adverb  Does not have a subject or predicate  There are 3 types of phrases; know them  There are certain clues to identify the type; know them

Clauses  Group of words that contains a subject and predicate  Ex.  2 types:  Dependant -  Independent -  Each clause acts as either an adjective or adverb

Adjectival Clauses  Is a dependant clause  Describes a noun or pronoun  Most begin with a relative pronoun  Who, whom, whose, which, that  Some begin with a subordinate conjunction  Where, when, why  Antecedent – word that relative pronoun refers to  Ex. I attend St. Joseph school, which is in Downingtown.  What is the clause? Relative pronoun? Antecedent?

Identify the adjectival clause and the noun/pronoun it describes.  1. I traveled to the land of 8A with my friend Steve, who invited me on the trip.  2. Steve is a person whose ideas of adventure always turn out to be exciting.  3. We headed to the playground which was covered with snow.  4. It seemed suited to the people who like to play in the cold.  5. Can you answer exercises 2 and 3 on pg. 145?

Restrictive and Nonrestrictive Adjectival Clauses  Restrictive – clause is essential to the meaning of sentence  Doesn’t have comas  Relative pronoun ‘that’ is usually used  Nonrestrictive – clause that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence  Has comas  Proper noun usually follows the clause  Relative pronoun ‘which’ is usually used

Restrictive and Nonrestrictive Clauses  Identify the clause and if it is restrictive or nonrestrictive. What are your clues?  1. Math class, which is taught by Mrs. Louden, is the best in the school.  2. The page has more than 50 problems, which need to be done in order.  3. The benefits that are provided by math include intelligence, problem solving, and happiness.

Adverbial Clauses  Dependant clauses that act as adverbs or give information about verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs  Ex. Where ever they went, 8A was respected by all of the other students.

Common Adverbs  List the adverbs from page 148 in your text.

Clauses – The Big Point…  Group of words that have a subject and predicate  2 types: dependant and independent  Act like adjectives and adverbs  If you know your adverbs, it is easier to identify

Review exercise  Identify the dependent clause. Tell whether it is adjectival or adverbial.  1. Nobody knows 8A’s fate when they graduated from St. Joseph school.  2. Perhaps Katarina became a millionaire, unless she married Matt Honjnacki.  3. The book Jessica wrote, which was called Trials of a Middle School Student, was a best seller.  4. So you don’t get lost at Shanahan, you should take a tour first.