Basic GrammarChapter 4

Clause

A clause is a group of words with a subject and a verb that functions as part or all of a complete sentence.

There are 2 kinds of clauses: independent and dependent

Independent Clause

An independent clause is a group of words with a subject and a verb that can stand alone and make sense.

Sabrina plays the bass guitar.

Dependent Clause

A dependent clause is a group of words with a subject and a verb that depends on the main clause to give it meaning.

Since Carlotta came home Since Carlotta came home, her mother

has been happy.

Relative Clause (dependent)

A relative clause begins with a relative pronoun such as that, which, or who.

that fell last night The snow that fell last night is nearly

gone.

Phrase

A phrase is a group of words that go together. It does not have a subject and a verb.

Examples: in the house, to go home, running the computer

Identify the clause or phrase

In the following groups of words, determine whether they are independent clauses, dependent clauses or phrases.

IC, DC, or P?

1. Under the table2. After I scanned the document3. I scanned the document.4. To find a fossil5. Mr. Darwin found a fossil.6. Over the bridge and through the

woods

IC, DC or P?

1. We chased the wind over the bridge and through the woods.

2. Which is on the floor3. Find your new socks.4. Because of the new guidelines5. Standing on the corner6. Why are we standing on the corner?