1. Grammar Notes: Phrases & Clauses

2. Part I: Phrase vs. Clause
A clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a predicate.
Quick Review: The subject of the sentence tells who or what the sentence is about. The predicate is the verb or verb phrase that tells something about the subject.
EX: We are studying Of Mice and Men.
Predicate
Subject

3. Part I: Phrase vs. Clause
A phrase is a group of words that does not have both a subject and a predicate. We have discussed several types of phrases so far: prepositional phrases, appositive phrases, participial phrases, and infinitive phrases.

4. Practice #1
Derek, the star quarterback, threw 4 touchdowns at the game.
A: Nonessential appositive phrase
2. Your test grades are already in Phoenix.  
A: Prepositional phrase (in= prep. Phoenix = OP)
3. After we complete our notes, we will watch Of Mice and Men.  
A: Clause
4. Running down the hallway, the boy hoped he would not be late to class.
A: Present Participial Phrase
5. The Buffalo Bills won the game.

5. Part II: Independent vs. Dependent Clauses
An independent clause expresses a complete thought. It makes sense as a sentence all by itself.
Ex: George worked on the ranch.
Lennie played with the puppy.

6. Part II: Independent vs. Dependent Clauses
A dependent clause cannot express a complete thought by itself. It needs to be joined to an independent clause to make a complete sentence.
Ex: Because Lennie could not control his strength
As soon as Curley entered the room
Dependent clauses are introduced by subordinating conjunctions. A list of common subordinating conjunctions is as follows:

7. Practice #2
After George opened the can of beans, Lennie asked for ketchup.
A: Dependent clause (After = subordinating conjunction)
A: Independent Clause
The men got very nervous whenever Curley’s wife came into the room.
A: Dependent Clause (whenever = subordinating conjunction)
The boss questioned George and Lennie.