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Phrases and Clauses - Notes

The document discusses phrases and clauses, explaining the difference and providing examples. Clauses contain both a subject and predicate and can stand alone as a sentence, while phrases do not contain subjects or predicates and cannot stand alone. The document also lists and describes different types of clauses and phrases.

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151 views3 pages

Phrases and Clauses - Notes

The document discusses phrases and clauses, explaining the difference and providing examples. Clauses contain both a subject and predicate and can stand alone as a sentence, while phrases do not contain subjects or predicates and cannot stand alone. The document also lists and describes different types of clauses and phrases.

Uploaded by

vidyamane23
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Grade 7 Quarter2 Unit 1—Phrases and Clauses

Phrases and Clauses

Teaching Point(s):
I can explain the function of phrases and clauses.
Standards(s):
CC.1.4.7.L
E07.D.1.1.1
Materials:
Class copies of Clauses and Phrases worksheet (see appendix)
Grammar Usage and Mechanics Workbook pages 127-129, 145-147, 148-150 (included in appendix)
Connection:

Both clauses and phrases are basic components of writing sentences. When combined with other parts of
speech and other parts of sentences, clauses and phrases help build an intricate system through which
your words convey meaning. Understanding the difference between the two is vital to write
grammatically correct and properly constructed sentences.

Modeling (I do):

What are clauses?

A clause is a group of words that can act as a sentence, but is not necessarily a complete sentence on its
own. All clauses contain both a subject and a predicate, which always contains a verb. A predicate tells
something about what the subject is doing. Some clauses can stand alone as a complete sentence; others
cannot. Below are a few examples of clauses:

Example 1: She danced. (“She” is the subject. “Danced” is both the verb and the predicate. Even though
the clause is only two words, it functions as an independent clause because it can stand alone as a
sentence.)

Example 2: While she is dancing, the audience cannot tear its eyes off her.

In Example 2, there are actually two clauses. The first “while she is dancing” contains a subject (she) and
a predicate (is dancing), but it cannot stand alone as a sentence, making it a dependent clause. The
second clause, “the audience cannot tear its eyes off her,” contains a subject (the audience) and a
predicate (tear its eyes off her), and because it can function as a sentence on its own, it is an
independent clause.

What are phrases?

A phrase is a group of two or more words that does not have the subject and verb combination and does
not form a predicate. It can contain a noun or a verb, but does not have a subject or predicate.
Essentially, a phrase provides some sort of additional information or provides more context to the
sentences you write. A phrase can never stand alone as a sentence; however, a phrase can nestle itself
inside clauses that are either complete sentences on their own or ones that are dependent on the rest of
the sentence. When a phrase is within a clause, it functions as a part of speech. Below are a few
examples of a phrase:

Erie’s Public Schools – Writing Curriculum Draft Spring 2014


Grade 7 Quarter2 Unit 1—Phrases and Clauses

Example 3: The dance was held at the reception hall. (“At the reception hall” is a prepositional phrase. It
does not have a subject or predicate, and it cannot stand alone as a sentence.)

Example 2 revisited: While she is dancing, the audience cannot tear its eyes off her.

In Example 2 revisited, “off her” is a prepositional phrase that is nestled within the independent clause
identified earlier. It does not contain a subject/predicate, nor can it stand alone as a sentence.

Understanding the difference

It is vital to understand the main differences between clauses and phrases to ensure your writing is clear
in both construction and context. If you are unsure whether a group of words is a clause or phrase, break
down the words into the parts of speech to help you decide. If there is a subject and a verb with a
predicate, it is a clause. If there is a noun but no verb or a verb but no noun and does not have a
predicate, it is a phrase. Always keep in mind that sometimes phrases are built into clauses.

Types of clauses

The two main types of clauses are independent and dependent. These are covered in a separate article
on Write.com if you feel you need more help in distinguishing between the two. In addition, the following
types of clauses are used in constructing sentences:
•Adverbial clauses
•Defining and non-defining clauses (also called adjective or relative clauses)
•Independent and dependent clauses
•Noun clauses

Types of phrases

Phrases can take many forms and different constructions. They cannot however, ever function as a
sentence on their own. The different types of phrases include the following:
•Gerund phrases
•Infinitive phrases
•Noun phrases
•Participle phrases
•Prepositional phrases
•Verb phrases

Guided Practice (We do):

Let’s tackle this Clauses and Phrases Worksheet to brush up on your grammar skills by fostering the
ability to recognize both clauses and phrases. The exercises have you identify both clauses and phrases
in each of the 10 sentences.
Clauses and Phrases Worksheet

Instructions
For each of the following exercises, draw a circle around any phrases within each sentence. Likewise,
underline any clauses within each sentence. Some phrases are nestled within a clause, so sections of
some sentences may have both a circle around them and a line underneath them.

Erie’s Public Schools – Writing Curriculum Draft Spring 2014


Grade 7 Quarter2 Unit 1—Phrases and Clauses

 The singer who won the competition was born in England.


 Planning her trip frugally, Maria was able to take a vacation with a very small budget.
 Shawn won the singing contest because his vocals were flawless.
 The examples given by the professor were not an accurate representation of reality; real life
does not always follow theories and guidelines.
 During her senior year of college, Torrey discovered what it meant to fall in love.
 Every student in the class, recognizing the signs of the professor’s anger, glanced to the floor
waiting for the outburst to occur.
 The best place for pizza is in the heart of Chicago, where Chicago-style pizza is abundantly
available and delectably delicious.
 Despite hearing several explanations, I am still not sure why Paul did what he did.
 Candice, who is known for her skills in the kitchen, baked the best peanut butter cookies I have
ever tasted.
 Whenever Mike walks through the door, his dog, Colby Jack, jumps on him as if many days have
passed since they saw each other.

Independent Practice (You do):

Complete the following exercises from the Grammar Usage and Mechanics Workbook

Using Prepositional Phrases pages 127-129


Verbal Phrases pages 145-147
What is a clause pages 148-150

Sharing/Closure:
Class discussion—look back at previous draft of a writing piece and check for correct use of phrases and
clauses

Assessment—Check for Understanding

Reflection:

Erie’s Public Schools – Writing Curriculum Draft Spring 2014

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