Clauses & Phrases Pt. II

Lang. Review: Clauses & Phrases Pt. II

Quick Recap

A phrase is a group of words without a verb or a subject. Ex. In the living room, running down the stairs, my friend. A clause is a group of words that have the subject and the verb. They can stand on their own (make sense). NOTE: A phrase by itself is not a complete sentence. A clause is a complete sentence, and you can attach many phrases to it or connect many clauses to give more information. Ex. I went in the living room. My cat was running down the stairs. My friend is Spanish.

Quick Recap

Independent clauses make sense on their own (they can stand alone). Ex. I stayed home all day. I like dark chocolate. Subordinate clauses don't make sense on their own. NOTE: They are usually introduced by a conjunction or linking words (and, but, because, after, when). If you read them on their own, they give you the impression of giving an incomplete thought. Ex. Because I was sick. But I don't like chocolate ice-cream. So, attach a subordinate cause to an independent cause for it to make sense! Ex. Because I was sick, I stayed home all day. I like chocolate, but I don't like chocolate ice- cream.

Subordinate Clause

Independent Clause

Subordinate Clause

Independent Clause

Conjunctions

Being able to write with a variety of conjunctions and linking words is important because it helps making your paragraph more cohesive (united, connected). In a paragraph, you should have a variety of sentences (simple, independent clauses, and dependent clauses connected to independent clauses) to make a bigger impact on your reader. Challenge yourself and start using new conjunctions you don't usually use!

PRO-TIPS: Instead of and, use additionally or moreover. Instead of but, use however or although. Instead of so, use therefore or as a consequence.

Friendly Reminders

We're going to focus on two simple rules to improve your use of the most common conjunctions and linking words: 1. FANBOYS (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, As) never start a new sentence. Sometimes writers break this rule to create a special effect and emphasize something. Don't do it though! 2. If you start a sentence with a dependent clause, you must divide the two clauses with a comma. NOTE:This does not apply to FANBOYS, since they cannot be the first word of your sentence.

Because I am really good at algebra, I finished my homework quickly.

Subordinate Clause

Independent Clause

Classwork

1. Head to Schoology. 2. Click on our LA Course Folder. 3. Find the assignment that's entitled "Conjunctions & Linking Words." 4. Complete the assignment. 5. Submit when you're done! REMEMBER: The best way to learn how to use conjunctions is by paying attention to what you read and practicing using them!