Phrases & Clauses Grammar Unit 2

Phrase vs. Clause Clause = group of words that has a subject and a verb The world’s smallest dog is a Chihuahua. Phrase = group of words that doesn’t have a subject AND a verb Lives in Kentucky(no subject) Only four inches tall(no verb)

Prepositional Phrases a group of words that starts with a preposition and then has a couple more words to complete the idea The cat ran (around the chair) and jumped (into my lap. The mouse peeked out (of his hole), darted (across the floor), and disappeared (under the couch.)

Preposition = a word that tells what a cat can do with a chair A cat can be… In the chair Under the chair Beside the chair Near the chair By the chair With the chair A cat can jump… Over the chair On the chair Into the chair Off the chair From the chair

More Prepositions A can can run… Around the chair To the chair Through the legs of the chair A cat can be so still that it looks like part… Of the chair

Other Prepositions include… AboutAlongAtbeyond Beneath Between For Like

Remember The subject or verb of a sentence will almost NEVER be inside a prepositional phrase.

Subordinating Conjunctions A word that goes at the beginning of a clause and makes the clause less powerful or dependent on another clause.

Common Subordinating Conjuctions AfterAlthoughAsBecauseBeforeIfsince So that ThatThoughTillUntilUnlessWhenWhereWhile

Independent vs. Dependent Clauses Independent Clause = has a subject and verb AND expresses a complete idea. It may begin with a subordinating conjunction, but it IS a finished and complete sentence. After I ate dinner, I washed the dishes. Dependent Clause = starts with a subordinating conjunction and sounds unfinished. After I ate dinner. (What?)

Identifying Phrases and Clauses Step 1: Find the VERB and double underline it. If there is NO VERB, you have a PHRASE. If there IS A VERB, go to Step 2. Step 2: Find the SUBJECT and underline it. If there is NO SUBJECT, you have PHRASE. If you have a SUBJECT AND A VERB, you have a clause; go to Step 3 to determine which type.

Step 3: Determine whether the CLAUSE is INDEPENDENT or DEPENDENT. Look for a SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTION. If there a SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTION, underline it with a wavy line; you have a DEPENDENT CLAUSE. If there is NO SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTION, you have an INDEPENDENT CLAUSE.

Your Assignments… Complete the Phrases and Clauses Practice Worksheet Be ready for a quiz on Phrases and Clauses!