The document discusses the differences between clauses and phrases, and how commas are used to separate them. A clause contains a subject and verb, while a phrase does not. An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence, while a dependent clause cannot and usually begins with a marker word like "while" or "because". Commas are used to separate clauses and phrases in sentences.

1. Conquering the Confusion

2. More Uses for Commas You have already learned that commas are used to separate groups of nouns, verbs, or adjectives. Commas are also used to separate clauses and phrases. Many people do not understand the difference between a clause and a phrase. Do you?

3. Clauses and Phrases What is the difference between a clause and a phrase? Both are a group of words. A CLAUSE has a subject and verb that work together. A PHRASE does not have a subject and a verb that work together.

4. Practice – clause vs. phrase Which group of words is a clause? Which group of words is a phrase? while watching the football game Sam ate popcorn and chips his wife read a magazine

5. Answer – clause vs. phrase while watching the football game No subject – PHRASE Sam ate Subject and verb work together – CLAUSE popcorn and chips No verb – PHRASE his wife read a magazine Subject and verb work together - CLAUSE

6. More Practice 1 Is this a clause or a phrase? as soon as the game was over Sam and his wife took a walk in the rain

7. Answers as soon as the game was over Subject and verb work together - CLAUSE Sam and his wife took a walk Subject and verb work together - CLAUSE in the rain No subject or verb - PHRASE

8. Sentences Sentences are made up of clauses and phrases. Some clauses are independent – they can stand alone. Some clauses are dependent – they cannot stand alone. There are several types of phrases .

9. Independent Clause An independent clause: Has a subject and verb that work together Forms a complete thought Can stand alone as a sentence

10. Examples of Independent Clauses the dog barked Subject + verb Forms a complete thought Can stand alone as a sentence INDEPENDENT CLAUSE

11. Examples of Independent Clauses Mary hummed and sewed Subject + verb Forms a complete thought Can stand alone as a sentence INDEPENDENT CLAUSE

12. Examples of Independent Clauses she listened to her children playing outside Subject + verb Forms a complete thought Can stand alone as a sentence INDEPENDENT CLAUSE

13. Dependent Clause A dependent clause: Has a subject and verb that work together Can NOT stand alone as a sentence

14. Markers of Dependent Clauses Many times, a dependent clause is introduced by a marker word. Examples: www.asia.wub After Before Whether Once Until When While Where As Since If Although Whereas Unless Because

15. Example of a Dependent Clause while the dog barked Subject + verb Can NOT stand alone as a sentence DEPENDENT CLAUSE *Dependent clause marker word “while” begins the clause

16. Example of a Dependent Clause because Ralph was ill Subject + verb Can NOT stand alone as a sentence DEPENDENT CLAUSE *Dependent clause marker word ”because” begins the clause

17. Example of a Dependent Clause before the farmer planted his crops Subject + verb Can NOT stand alone as a sentence DEPENDENT CLAUSE *Dependent clause marker word “before” begins the clause

18. Practice 1 Independent or Dependent Clause? Jim bent over the wounded toe

19. Practice 1 . Jim bent over the wounded toe Subject and verb work together Forms a complete thought Can stand alone as a sentence INDEPENDENT clause

20. Practice 2 Independent or Dependent Clause? while the bandage was being unwound

21. Practice 2 . while the bandage was being unwound Subject and verb work together Does NOT form a complete thought Can NOT stand alone as a sentence DEPENDENT clause * NOTE: marker word “while” begins clause

22. Practice 3 Independent or Dependent Clause? Tom whitewashed with vigor

23. Practice 3 . Tom whitewashed with vigor Subject and verb work together Forms a complete thought Can stand alone as a sentence INDEPENDENT clause

24. Practice 4 Independent or Dependent Clause? as Aunt Polly retired triumphantly

25. Practice 4 . as Aunt Polly retired triumphantly Subject and verb work together Does NOT form a complete thought Can NOT stand alone as a sentence DEPENDENT clause * NOTE: marker word “as” begins clause

26. Summary Commas are used to separate series of phrases or clauses. Commas are used to set clauses apart from other clauses. A phrase is a group of words that does NOT have a subject and verb that work together. A clause is a group of work that DOES have a subject and verb that work together. A clause may be independent or dependent. Independent clauses form a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. Dependent clauses cannot stand alone and usually begin with a “marker” word.