““Meet the Meet the Clauses”Clauses”

Grammar TopicGrammar Topic

Mr. McGowan – English 3Mr. McGowan – English 3

Phrases vs. ClausesPhrases vs. Clauses

across the river across the river ((prepositional phraseprepositional phrase))

studying math (studying math (verbal verbal phrasephrase))

the vice-president of the vice-president of the bank (the bank (appositive appositive phrasephrase))

to play in the NFL to play in the NFL ((infinitive phraseinfinitive phrase))

Rudy proofread his Rudy proofread his essayessay

when I answered the when I answered the phonephone

that we collectedthat we collected as soon as we reached as soon as we reached

the housethe house

DEFINITIONSDEFINITIONS

CLAUSECLAUSE– A group of words A group of words – Contains a verb and its subjectContains a verb and its subject– Used as part of a sentenceUsed as part of a sentence

How does this differ from a PHRASE?How does this differ from a PHRASE?

PHRASE: group of related words that functions as PHRASE: group of related words that functions as one one part of speechpart of speech

Mini-quiz: Phrase or Clause?Mini-quiz: Phrase or Clause?

1. riding in the car1. riding in the car

2. when we got to the party2. when we got to the party

3. while she was talking to me3. while she was talking to me

4. to say something like that4. to say something like that

5. rodents are small mammals5. rodents are small mammals

AnswersAnswers

1.1. riding in the carriding in the car– PHRASE (Verbal)PHRASE (Verbal)

2. when we got to the party2. when we got to the party– CLAUSECLAUSE

3. while she was talking to me3. while she was talking to me– CLAUSECLAUSE

4. to say something like that4. to say something like that– PHRASE (infinitive)PHRASE (infinitive)

5. rodents are small mammals5. rodents are small mammals– CLAUSECLAUSE

Independent vs. Subordinate Independent vs. Subordinate ClausesClauses

INDEPENDENT CLAUSE (or main clause)INDEPENDENT CLAUSE (or main clause)– Contains a subject and its verbContains a subject and its verb– Expresses a complete thoughtExpresses a complete thought– CAN stand by itself as a full sentenceCAN stand by itself as a full sentence

Ex: Ex: Ms. Reilly doesn’t know how to teach math.Ms. Reilly doesn’t know how to teach math.Ashley is a fun personAshley is a fun person;; she loves to go out and she loves to go out and

have fun.have fun.

SUBORDINATE CLAUSE (or SUBORDINATE CLAUSE (or dependentdependent))– Has a subject and verbHas a subject and verb– Does NOT express a Does NOT express a completecomplete thought thought– CANNOT stand on its own as a full sentenceCANNOT stand on its own as a full sentence

Ex:Ex:

what Jill named her new dogwhat Jill named her new dog

when Jose read his essaywhen Jose read his essay

which is used to measure temperaturewhich is used to measure temperature

How do we make a subordinate How do we make a subordinate clause into a full sentence?clause into a full sentence?

Ex: Ex: what Jill named her new dogwhat Jill named her new dog

Do you know Do you know what Jill named her new dog?what Jill named her new dog?

Answer: Add an independent clause to it Answer: Add an independent clause to it somehow.somehow.

PRACTICE EXERCISE: Using these PRACTICE EXERCISE: Using these subordinate clauses, write a full and subordinate clauses, write a full and complete sentence.complete sentence.

1.1. when Jose read his essaywhen Jose read his essay

2.2. which is used to measure temperaturewhich is used to measure temperature

Sample AnswersSample Answers

when Jose read his essaywhen Jose read his essay– When Jose read his essay, he found lots of errors.When Jose read his essay, he found lots of errors.– When Jose read his essay, he realized he needed to fix When Jose read his essay, he realized he needed to fix

it.it.– Do you know when Jose read his essay?Do you know when Jose read his essay?

that is used to measure temperaturethat is used to measure temperature– A thermometer is an instrument that is used to measure A thermometer is an instrument that is used to measure

temperature.temperature.– What is the name of that thing that is used to measure What is the name of that thing that is used to measure

temperature?temperature?

Independent or Subordinate? Independent or Subordinate?

1.1. Mr. Smith took the aluminum cans Mr. Smith took the aluminum cans that we that we collectedcollected to the recycling center. to the recycling center.

2.2. After a hen lays an egg, After a hen lays an egg, it gently rolls it gently rolls along the slanted floor of the cagealong the slanted floor of the cage..

3.3. The eggs pass through an inspection area, The eggs pass through an inspection area, where bad eggs can be removedwhere bad eggs can be removed..

4.4. What is truly amazingWhat is truly amazing is that no human is that no human hands ever touch the eggs.hands ever touch the eggs.

AnswersAnswers

1.1. Mr. Smith took the aluminum cansMr. Smith took the aluminum cans that we that we collectedcollected to the recycling center.to the recycling center.

– SUBORDINATESUBORDINATE

2. 2. After a hen lays an egg,After a hen lays an egg, it gently rolls along it gently rolls along the slanted floor of the cagethe slanted floor of the cage..

– INDEPENDENTINDEPENDENT

3. 3. The eggs pass through an inspection area,The eggs pass through an inspection area, where bad eggs can be removedwhere bad eggs can be removed..– SUBORDINATESUBORDINATE

4. 4. What is truly amazingWhat is truly amazing is that no human is that no human hands ever touch the eggs.hands ever touch the eggs.– SUBORDINATESUBORDINATE

– How could it be independent?? How could it be independent?? Make it a questionMake it a question

What is truly amazing?What is truly amazing?

ADJECTIVE CLAUSESADJECTIVE CLAUSES

Subordinate clauseSubordinate clause Modifies a noun or pronounModifies a noun or pronoun

Usually begins with a Usually begins with a RELATIVE RELATIVE PRONOUN or RELATIVE ADVERBPRONOUN or RELATIVE ADVERB

WHOWHO WHOMWHOM WHOSEWHOSE WHICHWHICHTHATTHAT WHEN WHEN WHEREWHERE

I have read every novel that John Irving has I have read every novel that John Irving has written.written.

I have read every I have read every novelnovel that John Irving has that John Irving has written.written.

Grandma Moses, who began painting at the Grandma Moses, who began painting at the age of 76, became famous for her primitive age of 76, became famous for her primitive style of art.style of art.

Grandma MosesGrandma Moses, , who began painting at the who began painting at the age of 76,age of 76, became famous for her primitive became famous for her primitive style of art.style of art.

Identify the Adjective ClauseIdentify the Adjective Clause

My uncle told me about the time when he My uncle told me about the time when he traveled across the country.traveled across the country.– when he traveled across the countrywhen he traveled across the country..– Modifies “time”Modifies “time”

From 1996-2000, Bill lived in Spain, where From 1996-2000, Bill lived in Spain, where he went to school.he went to school.– where he went to schoolwhere he went to school– Modifies “Spain”Modifies “Spain”

The book I am reading is a biography of John F. The book I am reading is a biography of John F. Kennedy.Kennedy.– I am readingI am reading– Modifies “book” (tells which one)Modifies “book” (tells which one)– Where is the relative pronoun? (That) is understoodWhere is the relative pronoun? (That) is understood

We’ll never forget that summer we stayed in San We’ll never forget that summer we stayed in San Diego.Diego.– we stayed in San Diego.we stayed in San Diego.– Modifies “summer” (tells which one)Modifies “summer” (tells which one)– (When) is understood(When) is understood

NOUN CLAUSESNOUN CLAUSES

Subordinate clauseSubordinate clause Used as a nounUsed as a noun

– SubjectSubject– Direct ObjectDirect Object– Indirect ObjectIndirect Object– Object of prepositionObject of preposition– Predicate nominativePredicate nominative

How do I know this is a How do I know this is a noun clause?noun clause?

Some common intro words:Some common intro words:

WHATWHAT WHICHWHICH THATTHAT HOWHOW

WHICHEVERWHICHEVER WHOEVERWHOEVER

WHATEVERWHATEVER WHOMEVERWHOMEVERWHYWHY

WHETHERWHETHER WHOMWHOM WHOWHO

Dr. Rodriguez, a scientist, will explain what the Dr. Rodriguez, a scientist, will explain what the

greenhouse effect is.greenhouse effect is.– what the greenhouse effect iswhat the greenhouse effect is..– DIRECT OBJECT (answers the question “what?”)DIRECT OBJECT (answers the question “what?”)

She said that she would be late.She said that she would be late.– that she would be late.that she would be late.– DIRECT OBJECT (answers the question “what?”)DIRECT OBJECT (answers the question “what?”)

Do you know who painted Do you know who painted The Mona LisaThe Mona Lisa??– who painted who painted The Mona LisaThe Mona Lisa– Looks like it could be independentLooks like it could be independent– But not in this case: needs the first partBut not in this case: needs the first part

Mini-quiz: Identify the noun clauseMini-quiz: Identify the noun clause

1.1. Can you tell me what the past tense of Can you tell me what the past tense of “swing” is?“swing” is?

2.2. I will listen carefully to whatever you say.I will listen carefully to whatever you say.

3.3. Give whoever wants one a free pass.Give whoever wants one a free pass.

4.4. Do you know why Ricardo missed the Do you know why Ricardo missed the party?party?

5.5. A remote island was where Napoleon was A remote island was where Napoleon was exiled.exiled.

AnswersAnswers

1. Can you tell me what the past tense of “swing” is?1. Can you tell me what the past tense of “swing” is? what the past tense of “swing” iswhat the past tense of “swing” is

2. I will listen carefully to whatever you say.2. I will listen carefully to whatever you say.– whatever you saywhatever you say

3. Give whoever wants one a free pass.3. Give whoever wants one a free pass.– whoever wants onewhoever wants one

4. Do you know why Ricardo missed the 4. Do you know why Ricardo missed the party?party?

– why Ricardo missed the party?why Ricardo missed the party?

5. A remote island was where Napoleon was 5. A remote island was where Napoleon was exiled.exiled.

- where Napoleon was exiled.- where Napoleon was exiled.

ADVERB CLAUSESADVERB CLAUSES

Subordinate clauseSubordinate clause Modifies verb, adjective, or another adverbModifies verb, adjective, or another adverb

– Answers the questions:Answers the questions:

How? When? Where? Why? To what extent? How? When? Where? Why? To what extent? Under what condition?Under what condition?

The pitcher felt as though all eyes were on The pitcher felt as though all eyes were on him.him.

The pitcher felt The pitcher felt as though all eyes were on as though all eyes were on him. him. (modifies verb “felt”)(modifies verb “felt”)– HOW did he feel?HOW did he feel?

Alex Rodriguez made his major debut when Alex Rodriguez made his major debut when he was only 18.he was only 18.

Alex Rodriguez made his major debut Alex Rodriguez made his major debut when when he was only 18. he was only 18. (modifies verb “made”)(modifies verb “made”)– WHEN did he make his debut?WHEN did he make his debut?

Introduced by SUBORDINATING Introduced by SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTIONSCONJUNCTIONS

– Partial list:Partial list:AS LONG ASAS LONG AS AS SOON ASAS SOON ASAS WELL ASAS WELL AS UNLESSUNLESS SINCESINCEIN ORDER THATIN ORDER THAT WHILEWHILE UNTILUNTILBECAUSEBECAUSE IFIF AS IFAS IF

He played as if he were a kid again.He played as if he were a kid again.He played He played as if he were a kid again.as if he were a kid again.

(HOW did he “play?”)(HOW did he “play?”)

Mini-quiz: Identify the adverb clauseMini-quiz: Identify the adverb clause

1.1. When our school has a fire drill, everyone When our school has a fire drill, everyone must go outside.must go outside.

2.2. She walked until she was too tired to take She walked until she was too tired to take another step.another step.

3.3. As soon as you’re ready, we’ll leave.As soon as you’re ready, we’ll leave.4.4. I visited the museum because I wanted to I visited the museum because I wanted to

see the exhibit.see the exhibit.5.5. You should return your gift if you are not You should return your gift if you are not

satisfied.satisfied.

AnswersAnswers

1.1. When our school has a fire drill, everyone must When our school has a fire drill, everyone must go outside.go outside.

When our school has a fire drillWhen our school has a fire drill Modifies “must go” (WHEN?)Modifies “must go” (WHEN?)

2. She walked until she was too tired to take another 2. She walked until she was too tired to take another step.step.

until she was too tired to take another step.until she was too tired to take another step. Modifies “walked” (TO WHAT EXTENT?)Modifies “walked” (TO WHAT EXTENT?)

3. As soon as you’re ready, we’ll leave.3. As soon as you’re ready, we’ll leave. As soon as you’re readyAs soon as you’re ready Modifies “will leave” (WHEN?)Modifies “will leave” (WHEN?)

4. I visited the museum because I wanted to see the exhibit.4. I visited the museum because I wanted to see the exhibit. because I wanted to see the exhibit.because I wanted to see the exhibit. Modifies “visited” (WHY?)Modifies “visited” (WHY?)

5. You should return your gift if you are not satisfied.5. You should return your gift if you are not satisfied. if you are not satisfied.if you are not satisfied. Modifies “should return” (UNDER WHAT CONDITION?)Modifies “should return” (UNDER WHAT CONDITION?)

Sentences Classified According to Sentences Classified According to StructureStructure

SIMPLESIMPLE (S)(S)

COMPOUNDCOMPOUND (CD)(CD)

COMPLEXCOMPLEX (CX)(CX)

COMPOUND-COMPLEXCOMPOUND-COMPLEX(CC)(CC)

SIMPLE SentencesSIMPLE Sentences– 1 Independent clause1 Independent clause– 0 Subordinate clauses0 Subordinate clauses

My My uncleuncle taughttaught me how to play the guitar. me how to play the guitar. The The polar bearpolar bear isis an endangered species. an endangered species. Covered with dust, the old Covered with dust, the old bikebike lookedlooked dirty dirty

but but workedworked well. well.

COMPOUND SentencesCOMPOUND Sentences– 2 or more independent clauses2 or more independent clauses– 0 subordinate clauses0 subordinate clauses

Clauses are connected by:Clauses are connected by:– Comma + (and, but, for, nor, or, so, yet)Comma + (and, but, for, nor, or, so, yet)– SemicolonSemicolon– Semicolon + Transition expressionSemicolon + Transition expression

Examples of Compound SentencesExamples of Compound Sentences Leonardo’s story sounded incredible, but it Leonardo’s story sounded incredible, but it

was true.was true. Leonardo’s story sounded incredible, Leonardo’s story sounded incredible, butbut it it

was true.was true.

Agatha Christie was a prolific writer; she Agatha Christie was a prolific writer; she wrote 80 books in 60 years.wrote 80 books in 60 years.

Agatha Christie was a prolific writerAgatha Christie was a prolific writer; ; she she wrote 80 books in 60 years.wrote 80 books in 60 years.

The defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo was a The defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo was a

victory for England; however, it brought to victory for England; however, it brought to an end an era of French grandeur.an end an era of French grandeur.

The defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo was a The defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo was a victory for Englandvictory for England; however, ; however, it brought to it brought to an end an era of French grandeur.an end an era of French grandeur.

Transitional Expressions to UseTransitional Expressions to Use

HOWEVERHOWEVER THEREFORETHEREFORE

MEANWHILEMEANWHILE FOR EXAMPLEFOR EXAMPLE

IN ADDITIONIN ADDITION IN FACTIN FACT STILLSTILL

BY THE WAYBY THE WAY ON THE OTHER HANDON THE OTHER HAND

The discovery was made in the fall; The discovery was made in the fall; meanwhile, it was held secret until spring.meanwhile, it was held secret until spring.

COMPLEX sentencesCOMPLEX sentences– 1 independent clause1 independent clause– 1+ subordinate clause1+ subordinate clause

Gerald Ford, who served as the U.S. President Gerald Ford, who served as the U.S. President from 1974-1977, died in 2006.from 1974-1977, died in 2006.

Gerald FordGerald Ford, , who served as the U.S. President who served as the U.S. President from 1974-1977from 1974-1977, , died in 2006.died in 2006.

While we were on vacation in Puerto Rico, we While we were on vacation in Puerto Rico, we went to the beach every day.went to the beach every day.

While we were on vacation in Puerto RicoWhile we were on vacation in Puerto Rico, , we we went to the beach every day.went to the beach every day.

COMPOUND-COMPLEXCOMPOUND-COMPLEX 2+ independent clauses2+ independent clauses 1+ subordinate clause1+ subordinate clause

The two witnesses told the police what they The two witnesses told the police what they saw, but their accounts were quite different.saw, but their accounts were quite different.

The two witnesses told the policeThe two witnesses told the police what they what they sawsaw, , butbut their accounts were quite differenttheir accounts were quite different..

Mini-quiz: Classify these sentencesMini-quiz: Classify these sentences

1.1. Charles Drew did research on blood Charles Drew did research on blood plasma and helped develop blood banks.plasma and helped develop blood banks.

2.2. If the month of March comes in like a lion, If the month of March comes in like a lion, it goes out like a lamb.it goes out like a lamb.

3.3. When World War I ended in 1918, many When World War I ended in 1918, many thought it was the last war; however, WWI thought it was the last war; however, WWI began in 1939.began in 1939.

4.4. You should leave now; therefore, your You should leave now; therefore, your guests should follow you, too.guests should follow you, too.

AnswersAnswers

1.1. Charles Drew did research on blood plasma and Charles Drew did research on blood plasma and helped develop blood banks.helped develop blood banks.

SIMPLESIMPLE Only one subject (compound verb)Only one subject (compound verb)

2. If the month of March comes in like a lion, it goes 2. If the month of March comes in like a lion, it goes out like a lamb.out like a lamb.

COMPLEXCOMPLEX If the month of March comes in like a lionIf the month of March comes in like a lion, , it goes it goes

out like a lamb.out like a lamb.

3. When World War I ended in 1918, many thought it 3. When World War I ended in 1918, many thought it was the last war; however, WWI began in 1939.was the last war; however, WWI began in 1939.

COMPOUND-COMPLEXCOMPOUND-COMPLEXWhen World War I ended in 1918When World War I ended in 1918, , many thought many thought it was the last warit was the last war; ; howeverhowever, , WWI began in WWI began in 1939.1939.

4. 4. You should leave now; therefore, your guests will You should leave now; therefore, your guests will follow you, too.follow you, too.

COMPOUNDCOMPOUND Two independents joined by transitional Two independents joined by transitional

expression expression thereforetherefore