Dependent and independent Clauses
Lecture Three
Phrases and Clauses
PHRASE - A phrase is a group of related words. It does not contain a subject and a verb. There are different types of phrases.
Examples: 1. from the stairs
2. to run
3. playing the piano
Clauses
- a group of related words that has a subject and a verb - may or may not express a complete thought or idea
Two kinds of clauses:
1. Independent Clause
- can stand alone as a sentence because it expresses a complete idea
e.g. The play was funny.
Dependent /Subordinate Clause
- cannot stand alone as a sentence because it does not express a complete idea
e.g. After the horses had eaten.
Independent clause is a subject verb combination that makes a complete sentence.
e.g. Tom fainted
Dependent or subordinate clauses cannot stand by themselves and depend upon independent clauses to provide them with full meaning.
e.g.
* Because he and Sue had an argument over his lack of initiative.
* As Tom carried his suitcases from the house
* That Sue would never forgive him.
Note that each clause contains a subject and a predicate (he and Sue had, Tom carried, Sue would never forgive), but neither clause expresses complete thought. As a result, they must be attached to independent clauses:
e.g. Tom left home because he and Sue had an argument over his lack of initiative.
e.g. Sue cried in frustration as Tom carried his suitcases from the house.
e.g. Tom suspected that Sue would never forgive him.
Exercise
Consider the following clauses: dependent or independent. And if the clause is DC, add information to make it a complete sentence.
1- Although the day was bright and sunny.
2- Because she is so vain and conceited.
3- I believe in ghosts
4- When we reach our destination
5- He completed his work.
6- The cat climbed the oak tree.
Say whether the underlined parts are clauses or phrases
1. Faced with so many problems, I decided to get professional help.
A. Phrase
B. Clause
2.She arrived to work on time in spite of leaving home so late.
A. Phrase
B. Clause
3.Before taking any medicine, I always speak to my doctor.
A. Phrase
B. Clause
4.Mark has lived outside of his country for 14 years.
A. Phrase
B. Clause
5.In the morning it’s best to get up early.
A. Phrase
B. Clause
6.Having always been keen on caring for people, Susan decided to become a nurse.
A. Phrase
B. Clause
7.They were annoyed by the baby crying so loudly.
A. Phrase
B. Clause
8.Although injured, John managed to crawl to safety.
A. Phrase
B. Clause
9.I will be running for President.
A. Phrase
B. Clause
10.I like the guy with the green shirt.
A. Phrase
B. Clause
11. because of his health problems
A. Phrase
B. Clause
12. though he was ill
A. Phrase
B. Clause
13. as you are my friend
A. Phrase
B. Clause
14. once upon a time
A. Phrase
B. Clause
15. a few months ago
A. Phrase
B. Clause
16. once in a while
A. Phrase
B. Clause
17. as soon as he arrived
A. Phrase
B. Clause
18. if you are in a hurry
A. Phrase
B. Clause
19. a well-known writer
A. Phrase
B. Clause
20. despite working hard
A. Phrase
B. Clause
21. after working hard for years
A. Phrase
B. Clause
22. even if you forbid me
A. Phrase
B. Clause
Determine whether the underlined word groups are dependent clauses, independent clauses, or not a clause.
1. Although it was raining, Maria went for a jog at Civitan Park.
2. Brianna eats chocolate whenever she gets a poor grade in math.
3. After the flood, the family moved into a temporary shelter.
4. While walking at the park, John saw a raccoon eating potato chips.
5. Students enrolled in bachelor's and associate's degree programs must pass the Regents' Test as a graduation requirement.
6. Students who fail to show up for the Regents' test must enroll in the Regents' remediation courses.
7. When you finish your homework, please take the dog for a walk.
8. After Juan completed the assignment, he swam laps at the gym.
9. Christa left home at 4:00 a.m. since she had to drive to Atlanta for a meeting.
10. Before completing the assignment, Evan decided to eat a quick lunch.
Determine whether the underlined word groups are dependent clauses, independent clauses, or not a clause.
1. Juan continued playing although he injured his knee.
2. I thought that the offer was too good to be true.
3. While I was scrubbing the floors, Juliet was watching television.
4. Although tired and grumpy, Laura agreed to babysit for her sister-in-law.
5. Inspired and energized, Sean solved the case of the missing energy drink.
6. While driving home from spring break, Maria saw a tornado touch down.
7. People who drink and drive should be arrested.
8. Ever since my daughter purchased a ferret, I have noticed that authors describe their bad guys as ferret-like.
9. Such descriptions are not fair to ferrets.
10. Since I could not go to the Pancake Breakfast, I gave away my tickets.