3. Let’s Review
Independent Clauses …
Have a subject and a verb
Convey a complete idea
Can be a stand along sentence
REMEMBER: Every sentence must have at least one
main clause. Otherwise, you have a fragment, a
major error.
4. EXAMPLES of
Independent Clauses
Here are some examples:
Lazy students whine.
Students = subject; whine = verb.
Cola spilled over the glass and splashed onto the
counter.
Cola = subject; spilled, splashed = verbs.
My dog loves pizza crusts.
Dog = subject; loves = verb.
6. REVIEW CONTINUED:
I don’t get this one either, but I
thought it was funny.
Subordinate Clauses…
Include a subject and verb
Do not contain a complete thought
Cannot stand alone as a sentences
7. Examples of
Subordinate Clauses
Whenever lazy students whine
students = subject; whine = verb.
As cola spilled over the glass and splashed onto the
counter
cola = subject; spilled, splashed = verbs.
Because my dog loves pizza crusts
dog = subject; loves = verb.
8. PHRASES
Phrases are groups of words that do not
contain both a verb and its subject.
For example:
On the tugboat (does not contain subject or
verb)
Have been laughing (does not contain a
subject)
9. NOW PRACTICE
The groups of words on the next page will either be
Complete Sentence (an independent clause that
conveys a complete idea)
Subordinate Clause (contains a verb and its subject,
but does not convey a complete idea)
Phrase (does not contain a verb and its subject, and
therefore it does not convey a complete idea at all)
10. Sentence, Clause, or Phrase?
DIRECTIONS: Without worrying about punctuation, write
the blue letter to indicate the type of word group for each
number. You DO need to write down the questions. Be
ready to explain why!
1. we memorized the lyrics
2. by the back porch
3. if no one is coming
4. after last year’s flood
5. the singer wore a yellow silk scarf
6 .when the lights were flickering
11. Sentence, Clause, or Phrase?
1. we memorized the lyrics S
2. by the back porch P
3. if no one is coming C
4. after last year’s flood P
5. the singer wore a yellow silk scarf S
6 .when the lights were flickering C
12. Combine them
to make it work.
A subordinate clause MUST be
attached to an independent clause
in order to construct a complete
sentence.
It might go BEFORE or AFTER the
independent clause.
13. Example: Because it is difficult,
students often dislike grammar.
EXPLANATION: This sentence combines a
SUBORDINATE CLAUSE (Because it is difficult)
with an INDEPENDENT CLAUSE (students often
dislike grammar). Students is the subject of the
sentence. Dislike is the verb. Because it is difficult
tells us WHY they don’t like it.
14. Example: Students need to work hard to
understand grammar because it isn’t always
intuitive.
EXPLANATION: In this sentence, the
SUBORDINATE CLAUSE (because it isn’t always
intuitive) comes after the INDEPENDENT
CLAUSE (Students need to work hard to
understand grammar). Students is the subject of
the sentence. Need is the verb. Because it isn’t
always intuitive us WHY they need to work hard
on it.
15. TRY IT.
DIRECTIONS: Copy each sentence down. Underline the
SUBORDINATE CLAUSE. Circle the INDEPENDENT
CLAUSE
Whenever lazy students whine, Mrs. Russell throws chalk
erasers at their heads.
Anthony ran for the paper towels as cola spilled over the
glass and splashed onto the counter.
Because my dog loves pizza crusts, he never barks at the
deliveryman.
16. Answers
The SUBORDINATE CLAUSE is underlined.
The INDEPENDENT CLAUSE is bolded.
Whenever lazy students whine, Mrs. Russell throws
chalk erasers at their heads.
Anthony ran for the paper towels as cola spilled
over the glass and splashed onto the counter.
Because my dog loves pizza crusts, he never barks at
the deliveryman.
17. More Practice
You have a worksheet to complete by tomorrow.
Your vocab is also due tomorrow.
There are Post-It Notes on Ms. Keasling’s desk. If you have
a question, grab a Post-It, write down the question you
have, stick it on the poster for your hour on the board,
and we’ll talk about them tomorrow.
Now get to work!
