Download File

Unit Two:
Phrases, Clauses, &
Sentence Structure
English Center Tutor Training
ESOL
Modified by Kristin
Hearnsberger
Phrases
A phrase is a coherent group of words
that contains a subject or a verb, but
never both.
1. Noun phrase: a noun and its modifiers
bands
many culturally diverse students
the City College book fair
my magically delicious Lucky Charms
those poisonous red apples on the table
an interesting dream
the drawer next to the bed
talented and helpful tutors
2. Verb phrase: a verb and the words that follow
attend this school
have been playing all night long
has been on my mind all day
will be in high demand
open
were for Snow White and not for you
is always in October
were eaten by the boy next door
Clauses
A clause contains a subject and a verb. Clauses
can be dependent or independent. First, let’s
practice distinguishing phrases and clauses.
Determine which of the examples are phrases and
which are clauses.
Phrases
stayed out all night
the little kitten sitting in the shade of
the tree
Clauses
they didn’t understand the instructions
he cried
when I go to the store
Clauses
There are two types of clauses: independent and
dependent. An independent 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
independent clause?
Example 1:
As soon as I woke up, I made the
coffee.
If you said
I made the coffee, then you are correct!
Complete Sentences
A complete sentence includes:
1. Subject (noun)
2. Verb (may need a direct object or complement)
3. Complete Thought/Idea
3. Example 1: Marcel understands the importance
of attending class regularly.
subject
verb
Example 2: Shu, Tony, and Ana studied together
after class.
verb
subject
5
Caution!
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. However, this is unacceptable for
academic writing. For example: Because I said so.
Subjects
The subject may be

A single noun

A noun phrase

A pronoun

Two or more nouns, noun phrases or pronouns

A gerund (verb + -ing) Online tutoring is available on weekends.

An infinitive (To + verb)
College is challenging.
The English Center can help you succeed.
It is open Monday through Friday.
Rose, Todd, Humberto, and Jess are all tutors there.
.
To err is human.
7
Subject Error
It is common for students to incorrectly use a
prepositional phrase as a subject.
Incorrect: In the morning is a good time to take classes.
Incorrect: In the article says global health is important.
Students can usually fix this problem by removing
the preposition.
Correct: The morning is a good time to take classes.
Correct: The article says global health is important.
Verb Error
The verb of a sentence must be complete or
include all necessary verb parts. Often, students
leave out part of the verb.
Example 1:
She working in the lab.
This would be incorrect as the progressive requires
the linking verb to be. It should be: She is working
in the lab.
The linking verbs include am, is, are, was, and were.
Verb Error
A sentence can consist of more than one verb.
However, parallel structure is important.
Incorrect: She works, studies, and is taking care of
her children.
The three verbs are not the same form. The
example should be.
Correct: She works, studies, and takes care of her
children.
Complete Sentences?
1.
Choosing a major is an important decision.
2.
Because I study a lot.
In my college has a cafeteria and several snack
areas.
3.
4.
It is difficult to study on the weekend.
There three things to do to be a successful
student.
5.
6.
While I was in my ESOL 30 class.
My college has many buildings, so easy to get
lost.
7.
Correct the Sentence Structure Error
1.
In my opinion, speaking in English easier than
writing in English.
is
2.
Is a very interesting point you have raised.
It
3.
My summer internship, for example, it is one
way for me.
4.
am
At present, I am finishing a project, and I also
starting a new one.
5.
I felt happy. Because I moved to the U.S.
I felt happy because I moved to the U.S.