(Not the Santa type…ha!)

Clauses and Sentence Structures

What is a clause?A clause is a group of words that contains a

subject and a verb.Your genes carry your family’s genetic

history.Subject: genesVerb: carry

Independent ClausesExpress a complete thought and can stand

alone as a sentence.Genes contain the code for your physical

appearance.

Dependent (Subordinate) ClausesContain a subject and a verb but do not

express a complete thought. They cannot stand alone.

Often begin with if, because, even though, how, what, why, that, while, when, and since.that determines your heightbecause inherited traits often skip a

generation

Subordinate Clauses need Independent Clauses!To express a complete thought, a

subordinate clause must be joined with, or be a part of, an independent clause.Because Britney Spears can’t sing, many

people refuse to buy her latest record.Kevin Federline has the paperwork that says

he gets the kids full time.

What’s the difference between a clause and a phrase?Don’t confuse a subordinate clause with a

phrase. Unlike a clause, a phrase has no subject and/or verb!!!Driving over the bridge, she sneezed.

(participial phrase modifying “she”)As she was driving over the bridge, she

sneezed. (dependent clause)

Adjective ClausesSubordinate clauses that function as

adjectives to modify nouns or pronouns.They usually follow the word(s) they

modify. Like adjectives, they answer the questions

Which oneWhat kindHow manyHow much

Adjective Clause ExamplesBritney Spears is more than a singer who

has a drug problem.It was she who began the teen pop tart

revolution.

Relative Pronouns/AdverbsIntroduce adjective clauses.Called relative because they RELATE

adjective clauses to the words they modify.Relative Pronouns: who, whom, whose, that,

whichRelative Adverbs: when, where, why

Essential Adjective ClausesProvide necessary information to identify

the preceding noun or pronoun.Someone who is your first cousin is the child

of your aunt or uncle.THAT is used to introduce an essential

clause

Nonessential Adjective ClausesAdd information to a noun or pronoun in a

sentence in which the meaning is already clear.

Set off by commas.Irene, who is your first cousin, was married

last fall.WHICH is used to introduce a nonessential

clause

Adverb ClausesSubordinate clauses that modify verbs,

adjectives, or adverbs. Like adverbs, the clauses tell

WhereWhyHowWhenTo what extent

Adverb Clause ExamplesMost children leave home when the time is

right.Many are marrying later in life than their

parents did.

Subordinating ConjunctionsAdverb clauses are often introduced by a

subordinating conjunctionThese are the most common subordinating

conjunctions:after before tillalthough even though unlessas if untilas if in order that whenas long as since wheneveras soon as so that whereas though than whereverbecause though while

When do I need a comma?An adverb clause that comes before the

independent clause is set off by commas.An adverb clause that comes after the

independent clause does NOT need commas.

Noun ClausesSubordinate Clauses used as nounsCan be S, PN, OP, DO, or IO

Noun Clause ExamplesThat my brothers and sisters influence me

is obvious.They know exactly what drives me crazy.My parents tell whoever is loudest to quiet

down.My sister’s or brother’s praise is also what

inspires me.We encourage each other in whatever ways

we can.

Noun Clause Hint!If you can substitute the word someone or

something for a clause in a sentence, it is a noun clause.

Noun ClausesIntroduced by a subordinating conjunction

or by a pronoun.How much brothers and sisters argue

depends on their ages.You usually argue with whoever is closest to

your age.

Sentence StructureSimple Sentence: 1 Independent Clause

and NO Subordinating ClauseMrs. Cottrill is cool.

Compound Sentence: 2 or more Independent ClausesMrs.Cottrill is my English teacher, and Mr.

Belcher is my history teacher.

Sentence Structure, cont.Complex Sentence: 1 Independent Clause

and 1 or more Subordinate ClausesAlthough she is not as popular as my sister, I

still really like hanging out with my best friend.Compound-Complex Sentence: 2 or more

Independent Clauses and 1 or more Subordinate ClausesOn November 20, 1980, Mrs. Cottrill was born,

and the world finally got to see someone that would eventually make English fun and love Freshmen.