Phrases, Clauses, &
Sentence Structure
Syed saeed ul hassan

Table of Contents
 Unit 1: Parts of Speech
 Unit 2: Phrases, Clauses, and Sentence
Structure
 Unit 3: Simple & Progressive Verbs
 Unit 4: Perfect & Passive Verbs
 Unit 5: Complex Sentences
 Unit 6: Overview of City ESOL Program

Phrases
1. a noun (and its modifiers)
2. a verb (and the words that follow)
an interesting dream
my magically delicious Lucky Charms
the City College book fair
many culturally diverse students
those poisonous red apples on the table
talented and helpful tutors
the drawer next to the bed
bands
were eaten by the boy next door
attend this school
will be in high demand
is always in October
were for Snow White and not for you
has been on my mind all day
open
have been playing all night long
Combine the noun phrases
and verb phrases to make
complete sentences.

Phrases Clauses
Clauses
A clause is a subject / verb combination. Clauses
can be dependent or independent (More
explanation on this later)  First, let’s practice
distinguishing phrases and clauses. Determine
which of the examples are phrases and which are
clauses.
when I go to the storehe criedthe little kitten sitting in the shade of the
tree
they didn’t understand the instructionsstayed out all night

Clauses
There are two types of clauses: independent and
dependent. An independent clause, or main
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 main
clause?
Example 1: As soon as I woke up, I made the coffee.
If you said I made the coffee, then you are correct!

6
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.
Example 2: Shu, Tony, and Ana studied together
after class.
subject verb
verb
subject

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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)
 An infinitive (To + verb)
.
College is challenging.
The English Center can help you succeed.
It is open Monday through Friday.
Online tutoring is available on weekends.
Rose, Todd, Humberto, and Jess are all tutors there.
To err is human.

Verbs
There are different categories of verbs,
some of which require a direct object or
complement to make the sentence
complete. These are called transitive verbs.
(Memory trick: Transitive verbs are like a
train; they need a caboose.) Intransitive
verbs do not require a direct object or
complement.

Direct Objects
A direct object is the noun that is receiving
the action of the verb.
1.Some verbs must take an object
2. Some verbs may take an object. It’s correct
with or without.
3. Some verbs cannot take an object
*We analyzed.
We wrote.
She disappeared.
*She disappeared the dog.
We analyzed the data.

Complements
A complement is a word or words that follow the
verb but aren’t direct objects. Depending on the
verb, some are obligatory.
Example 1: Rufus seems.
Example 1 is not a complete sentence because the
verb requires a complement. The example should
be: Rufus seems extraordinarily sleepy.
Example 2: Rufus walks.
This is a complete sentence. However, we can add
a complement if we want to be more precise. The
example could be: Rufus walks with vigor.

Complements
There are three types of phrases that can act as
complements.
1. A noun or noun phrase
1. George Michael is a brilliant lyricist.
2. An adjective or adjective phrase
1. George Michael is brilliant.
3. A prepositional phrase
1. George Michael is on tour.

The verb of a sentence must be complete or
include all necessary verb parts.
Example 1: She working in the lab.
This would be incorrect as the progressive requires
the verb to be. It should be: She is working in the
lab.

A sentence can consist of more than one verb.
However, parallel structure is important.
Example 1: She works, studies, and is taking care of
her children.
The three verbs are not the same form. The
example should be: 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.
3. In my college have a cafeteria and several snack
areas.
4. It is difficult to study on the weekend.
5. There three things to do to be a successful
student.
6. While I was in my ESOL 30 class.
7. My college has many buildings, so easy to get
lost.

Types of Sentences
There are four types of sentences.
1. Simple Sentences
2. Compound Sentences
3. Complex Sentences
4. Compound-Complex Sentences
Roxie is a dog.
Roxie is a dog, and Rufus is her friend.
Rufus loves Roxie because she is adorable.
Rufus loves Roxie because she is adorable, and
she defers to him.

Simple Sentences
Simple sentences are single, independent clauses.
Subject + verb + object or
complement
Subject + verb
Rufus runs. Roxie is a dog.

Compound Sentences
Compound sentences consist of two independent
clauses that are combined with a coordinating
conjunction.
Independent Clause = IC
Coordinating Conjunction = cc
Formula: IC, cc IC.
I like ice cream, and Judy likes cookies.
IC cc IC.,

Coordinating Conjunctions
F
A
N
B
O
Y
S
or
nd
o
ut
r
et
or
= because
= more information
= contrast
=result/consequence
I like ice cream, and Judy likes cookies.
I like ice cream, but I don’t like cake.
Neither ice cream nor cookies are good for your
health.
I like ice cream, for it is delicious.
= alternative I could eat ice cream, or I could eat carrots.
= contrast I could carrots, yet I wouldn’t feel happy.
I will eat ice cream, so I can feel happy.
= two negative options

Sentence Structure
 Each of the sentences on the next slide has
a problem with sentence structure. Find
and correct the one sentence-structure
error in each of the sentences.

Correct the Sentence Structure Error
1. In my opinion, speaking in English easier than
writing in English.
2. Is a very interesting point you have raised.
3. My summer internship, for example, it is one
way for me.
4. 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.
is
It
am
I felt happy because I moved to the U.S.