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Grammar Boot Camp
Building Muscle:
Phrases and Clauses
Essential Question
How would you
explain the
differences between
the types of phrases
and clauses?
What is a Phrase?
 A phrase is a group of related words that
does not contain a subject and a verb.
 Common Phrases:
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Prepositional Phrases
Infinitive Phrases
Participial Phrases
Gerund Phrases
Prepositional Phrase
 Begins with a preposition (in, on, under,
over, around, of, about, through, etc.)
 Followed by an object and any modifiers
 Functions as an adjective or adverb
Examples of Prepositional Phrase
1. The cadets marched through the woods.
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“through” is the preposition
“the” is the modifier for the object “woods”
functions as an adverb
2. Everyone in the class wrote an essay.
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“in” is the preposition
“the” is the modifier for the object “class”
functions as an adjective
Infinitive Phrase
 Begins with an infinitive: “to” + verb
 Followed by an object and any modifiers
 Functions as a noun, adjective or adverb
Examples of Infinitive Phrase
1. To exercise every day is a good habit.
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“to exercise” is the infinitive
“every” is the modifier for the object “day”
Functions as a noun
2. I was relieved to finish my project.
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“to finish” is the infinitive
“my” is the modifier for the object “project”
Functions as an adjective
Participial Phrase
 Begins with a participle: verb ending in “-
ed,” “-en,” or “-ing”
 Followed by an object and any modifiers
 Functions as an adjective
Examples of Participial Phrase
1. The marine biologist, diving near a reef, saw a
shark.
“diving” is the participle
“near a” are the modifiers for the object “reef”
Functions as an adjective
2. Known for her patience, Mrs. Garcia was his
favorite teacher.
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“known” is the participle
“for her” are the modifiers for the object “patience”
Functions as an adjective
Gerund Phrase
 Begins with a gerund: verb ending in “-ing”
 Followed by object and any modifiers
 Functions as a noun
Examples of Gerund Phrase
1. Marching in unison builds teamwork.
“marching” is the gerund
“in” is the modifier for the object “unison”
Functions as a noun
2. The student enjoys taking morning
classes.
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“taking” is the gerund
“morning” is the modifier for the object
“classes”
Functions as a noun
What is a Clause?
 A clause is a group of related words that
contains both a subject and a verb.
 Two Types of Clauses:
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Independent Clause
Dependent Clause
Independent Clause
 Contains a subject and a verb
 Makes a complete statement
 Can stand alone
Examples of Independent Clause
1. Del Mar is a community college.
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“Del Mar” is the subject
“is” is the verb
“a community college” completes the thought
2. The Writing Center offers a variety of services.
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“The Writing Center” is the subject
“offers” is the verb
“a variety of services” completes the thought
Dependent Clause
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Contains a subject and a verb
Does not make a complete statement
Cannot Stand Alone
Begins with a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun:
after
although
as
because
before
if
since
until
when
subordinating conjunctions
who
whom
that
which
whose
relative pronouns
Examples of Dependent Clause
1. Because the student prepared for the exam, she
answered all of the questions correctly.
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“because” is the subordinating conjunction
“the student” is the subject
“prepared” is the verb
“for the exam” completes the dependent clause
2. The uniform that I am required to wear is green
and brown.
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“that” is the relative pronoun
“I” is the subject
“am” is the verb
“required to wear” completes the dependent clause
Exercise Your Muscles:
Clauses
Identify the type of clause in the following:
1. I walk my dog every day.
2. Because he is a teacher.
3. As the soccer player scored the winning
goal.
4. Zeke hit his thumb with a hammer.
Answer Key:
Identify the type of clause in the following:
1. I walk my dog every day. Independent
2. Because he is a teacher. Dependent
3. As the soccer player scored the winning
goal. Dependent
4. Zeke hit his thumb with a hammer.
Independent
Congratulations!
You have successfully completed Building
Muscle: Phrases and Clauses of
Grammar Boot Camp.