Phrases, Clauses, & Sentence Structure

English Syntax

Phrases1. a noun (and its modifiers)

2. a verb (and the words that follow)

an interesting dream

my magically delicious Lucky Charms

the City College book fairmany culturally diverse students

those poisonous red apples on the table

talented and helpful tutors

the drawer next to the bed

bands

were eaten by the boy next door

attend this school

will be in high demand

is always in October

were for Snow White and not for you

has been on my mind all day

open

have been playing all night long

Combine the noun phrases and verb phrases to make complete sentences.

Phrases Clauses

ClausesA clause is a subject / verb combination. Clauses can be dependent or independent (More explanation on this later) First, let’s practice distinguishing phrases and clauses. Determine which of the examples are phrases and which are clauses.

when I go to the storehe criedthe little kitten sitting in the shade of the tree

they didn’t understand the instructions

stayed out all night

ClausesThere are two types of clauses: independent and dependent. An independent clause, or main clause, is a subject/verb combination that makes a complete sentence. A dependent clause cannot stand alone, and must be attached to an independent clause.

In the following sentence, which one is the main clause?

Example 1: As soon as I woke up, I made the coffee.

If you said I made the coffee, then you are correct!

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Complete SentencesA complete sentence includes: 1. Subject (noun)2. Verb (may need a direct object or complement)3. Complete Thought/Idea3. Example 1: Marcel understands the importance of

attending class regularly.

Example 2: Sue, Tony, and Ana studied together after class.

subject verb

verbsubject

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SubjectsThe subject may be

A single noun

A noun phrase

A pronoun

Two or more nouns, noun phrases or pronouns

A gerund (verb + -ing)

An infinitive (To + verb)

.

College is challenging.

The English Center can help you succeed.

It is open Monday through Friday.

Online tutoring is available on weekends.

Rose, Todd, Humberto, and Jess are all tutors there.

To err is human.

Verbs

• There are different categories of verbs, some of which require a direct object or complement to make the sentence complete. These are called transitive verbs.

• Intransitive verbs do not require a direct object or complement.

Direct ObjectsA direct object is the noun that is receiving the action of the verb.

1.Some verbs must take an object

2. Some verbs may take an object. It’s correct with or without.

3. Some verbs cannot take an object

*We analyzed.

We wrote.

She disappeared.*She disappeared the dog.

We analyzed the data.

ComplementsA complement is a word or words that follow the verb but aren’t direct objects. Depending on the verb, some are obligatory.

Example 1: Rufus seems.

Example 1 is not a complete sentence because the verb requires a complement. The example should be: Rufus seems extraordinarily sleepy.

Example 2: Rufus walks.

This is a complete sentence. However, we can add a complement if we want to be more precise. The example could be: Rufus walks with vigor.

ComplementsThere are three types of phrases that can act as

complements.

1. A noun or noun phrase

1. George Michael is a brilliant lyricist.

2. An adjective or adjective phrase

1. George Michael is brilliant.

3. A prepositional phrase

1. George Michael is on tour.

It’s important to distinguish between direct objects and complements as knowing which verbs take a direct object is vital when forming the passive.

Example 1: Rufus is a good dog.

A good dog is not the direct object as it is not receiving the action of the verb. Thus, it cannot be made passive.

Example 2: Rufus fetched the ball.

Here, the ball is the direct object, and the sentence can be made passive: The ball was fetched by Rufus. (More explanation on this later.)

Types of SentencesThere are four types of sentences.

1. Simple Sentences

2. Compound Sentences

3. Complex Sentences

4. Compound-Complex Sentences

Roxie is a dog.

Roxie is a dog, and Rufus is her friend.

Rufus loves Roxie because she is adorable.

Rufus loves Roxie because she is adorable, and she defers to him.

Simple SentencesSimple sentences are single, independent clauses.

Subject + verb + object or complement

Subject + verb

Rufus runs. Roxie is a dog.

Compound Sentences

Compound sentences consist of two independent clauses that are combined with a coordinating conjunction.

Independent Clause = IC

Coordinating Conjunction = cc

Formula: IC, cc IC.

I like ice cream, and Judy likes cookies.IC c

cIC.,

Coordinating Conjunctions

F

A

N

B

O

Y

S

or

nd

o

ut

r

et

or

= because

= more information

= contrast

=result/consequence

I like ice cream, and Judy likes cookies.

I like ice cream, but I don’t like cake.

Neither ice cream nor cookies are good for your health.

I like ice cream, for it is delicious.

= alternativeI could eat ice cream, or I could eat carrots.

= contrast I could carrots, yet I wouldn’t feel happy.

I will eat ice cream, so I can feel happy.

= two negative options

Identify each item as a clause or a phrase.

1. Cats make very affectionate pets 2. Several very old books 3. The editor rejected the manuscript 4. We drove through an enormous forest in

Germany 5. Cyclists get very wet in fall 6. Singularly unimpressed with Jerry 7. We really enjoy the funny stories he tells 8. My brother won the lottery 9. She gave me a dollar 10. Mark send her wife a letter.

9. If they want to talk to me Clause / Phrase10. Towards the north Clause / Phrase11. In front of the building Clause / Phrase12. Until the next time Clause / Phrase13. Until she finds a car Clause / Phrase14. I don't know the answer Clause / Phrase15. Across the street from us Clause / Phrase