ClausesSentence Structure Lesson

What is a Clause?A subject and predicate working together

I am.Reading is fun.I study hard so I get good grades.

What is a phrase?A group of words related to the subject

or predicate.

Hiding under the table, the dog knew he was bad.

Warren, the world’s best Yu-Gi-Oh player, arranged a duel.

ConjunctionsJoin words, clauses, and phrases.

Examples

Rob and I went to the movies.She is good at singing and great at dancing.We ordered pizza but we couldn’t pay for it.

Coordinating ConjunctionsF.A.N.B.O.Y.S.

ForAndNorButOrYetSo

Subordinating ConjunctionsMost common subordinators

After Now that WhenAlthough Once WheneverAs Since WhereBecause That WhereverBefore Though WhileEven if UnlessIf Until

Dependent ClausesCannot stand by themselves.Do not express a complete thought.Subject + Predicate + Subordinator

ExamplesUnless you want to go.Because I care. Before you lose your cool.

Independent ClauseCan stand by itself or with a dependent.Expresses a complete thought.Subject + Predicate

ExamplesI ran.Fractions are fun.Pizza tastes good.

Run-On Sentence

Joining two independent clauses.

Examples

I got home, mom yelled at me.Pizza tastes good, cookies taste better.

Joining Clauses1. Use a subordinating conjunction.2. Use a coordinating conjunction.

ExamplesWrong: I got home, mom yelled at me.Right: When I got home, mom yelled at me.

Wrong: Pizza tastes good cookies taste better.Right: Pizza tastes good but cookies taste better.

PracticeCombine the sentences using conjunctions.

You may remove or add wordsYou may change verb tensesDo not change the meaning Do not remove information

1

Bob went to schoolBob forgot to bring his home workBob had a bad day

2

Jenna’s favorite rapper is Lil’ Wayne.I like the Ghostface Killah.I am old school.

3

Surfing can be dangerous.Sitting on the beach is safe.I’m not going out into the ocean.