1. Clauses, Phrases, Oh My!
Ms. Do
KSJC

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

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

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