Phrases, Clauses, Sentence Structure
Phrases, Clauses, Sentence Structure
Sentence Structure
English Center Tutor Training
ESOL
Table of Contents
Unit 1: Parts of Speech
Unit 2: Phrases, Clauses, and Sentence
Structure
Unit 3: Simple & Progressive Verbs
Unit 4: Perfect & Passive Verbs
Unit 5: Complex Sentences
Unit 6: Overview of City ESOL Program
Introduction
This could be the single most important unit
to assist ESOL students’ success. Difficulty
with sentence structure is often times what
results in incomprehensible sentences and
failure to convey meaning.
Combine the noun phrases
and verb phrases to make
Phrases complete sentences.
Phrases Clauses
Clauses
There 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?
subject verb
verb 7
subject
Not all complete sentences have a stated subject.
The command form (also known as the imperative)
has you as the implied subject. This sentence
structure is not common in academic writing…
except perhaps as a “hook” in an introductory
paragraph. For example: Be careful!
Moreover, certain authors and genres do not
adhere to traditional sentence structure and may
use phrases and dependent clauses as complete
sentences. For example: Because I said so.
Subjects
he subject may be
College is challenging.
The English Center can help you succeed.
single noun
It is open Monday through Friday.
Student: “Article.”
Student: A preposition.
Tutor: Correct. Prepositions need a noun for an object, and “article” is the
object of the preposition. So it can’t be the subject of the sentence. So what is
the subject of the sentence? This is a trick question.
Scene Two
tudent: “Article.”
tudent: says.
. A prepositional phrase
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.)
The verb of a sentence must be complete or
include all necessary verb parts. Often times ESOL
students leave out part of the verb.
Roxie isSentences
. Simple a dog.
. Complex Sentences
Rufus loves Roxie because she is adorable, and
she defers to him.
Simple Sentences
imple sentences are single, independent clauses.
Subject + verb + object or
Subject + verb complement
Coordinating Conjunction = cc
Independent Clause = IC
I like ice cream, and Judy likes cookies.
IC , cc IC.
Coordinating Conjunctions
F or = because I like ice cream, for it is delicious.