Grammar Boot Camp

Building Muscle:Phrases and Clauses

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Your Mission: To Study Phrases To Study Clauses To Exercise your Writing Muscles

This presentation is enhanced with “Question and Answer” slides. To access, simply click on the words that are highlighted and underlined.

What is a Phrase? A phrase is a group of related words that

does not contain a subject and a verb.

Common Phrases: 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. “through” is the preposition “the” is the modifier for the object “woods” functions as an adverb

2. Everyone in the class wrote an essay. “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 Phrase1.To exercise every day is a good habit.

“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. “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 Phrase1. 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. “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 Phrase1. 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. “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:

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. “Del Mar” is the subject “is” is the verb “a community college” completes the thought

2. The Writing Center offers a variety of services. “The Writing Center” is the subject “offers” is the verb “a variety of services” completes the thought

Dependent Clause 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 whoalthough whomas that relative

pronounsbecause whichbefore subordinating conjunctions whoseifsinceuntilwhen

Examples of Dependent Clause

1. Because the student prepared for the exam, she answered all of the questions correctly. “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. “that” is the relative pronoun “I” is the subject “am” is the verb “required to wear” completes the dependent clause

Exercise Your Muscles:PhrasesIdentify the type of phrase in the following:1. Being an excellent cook, Ryan hosted a

dinner party.2. To be elected president is his objective.3. The puppy chased the kitten around the

house.4. Hoisting the sail correctly is a critical

component of yachting.

Answer Key:Identify the type of phrase in the following:1. Being an excellent cook, Ryan hosted a

dinner party. Participial Phrase2. To be elected president is his objective.

Infinitive Phrase3. The puppy chased the kitten around the

house. Prepositional Phrase4. Hoisting the sail correctly is a critical

component of yachting. Gerund Phrase

Exercise Your Muscles:ClausesIdentify 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. Independent2. Because he is a teacher. Dependent3. As the soccer player scored the winning

goal. Dependent4. Zeke hit his thumb with a hammer.

Independent

Congratulations!You have successfully completed Building

Muscle: Phrases and Clauses of Grammar Boot Camp.

Sign up for the other sessions of Grammar Boot Camp at the Stone Writing Center’s Website:http://www.delmar.edu/engl/wrtctr .