Phrases, Clauses, &

Sentence Structure
English Syntax

Phrases

Combine the noun phrases

and verb phrases to make
complete sentences.

1. a noun (and its modifiers)

many culturally diverse
the City College book fair
students
my magically delicious Lucky
band
Charms
those
poisonous
red apples on
s
an interestingthe table
the drawer next to the bed
dream
talented and helpful
tutors

2. a verb (and the words that follow)

have been playing all night

attend this school
long
has been on my mind all day
will be in high demand
open
were for Snow White and not
for you
is always in October
were eaten by the boy next
door

Clauses
A clause is a subject / verb combination. Clauses can be dependent
or independent (More explanation on this later) First, lets
practice distinguishing phrases and clauses. Determine which of the
examples are phrases and which are clauses.

stayed out all night they didnt understand the

instructions
the little kitten sitting in thehe criedwhen I go to the store
shade of the tree
Phrases

Clauses

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!

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.
subje
ct

ver
b

Example 2: Sue, Tony, and Ana studied together

after class.
subject

ver
b

Subjects
The subject may be

A single noun

College is challenging.

A noun phrase

A gerund (verb + -ing)

An infinitive (To + verb)

The English Center can help

you succeed.
A pronoun
It is open Monday through
Friday.
Two or more nouns,
Rose,noun
Todd,phrases
Humberto,
and Jess are all tutor
or pronouns

Online tutoring is available on w

To err is human.

.
6

Verbs

There are different categories

some of which require a direct
complement to make the
complete.
These are called
verbs.

of verbs,
object or
sentence
transitive

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

*We
analyzed.

We analyzed the
data.

2. Some verbs may take an object. Its correct

with or without.

We wrote.
3. Some verbs cannot take an object

She disappeared.
*She disappeared the

Complements
A complement is a word or words that follow the verb but
arent 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.

Its important to distinguish between direct objects and

complements as knowing which verbs take a direct object
is vital when forming the passive.
Example 1: Rufus is a good dog.

A good dog is not the direct object as it is not

receiving the action of the verb. Thus, it cannot be made

passive.
Example 2: Rufus fetched the ball.
Here, the ball is the direct object, and the sentence can
be made passive: The ball was fetched by Rufus.
(More explanation on this later.)

Types of Sentences
There are four types of sentences.
1. Simple Sentences

Roxie is a dog.
2. Compound Sentences

Roxie is a dog, and Rufus is

3. Complex
Sentences
her friend.
Rufus loves Roxie because she
4. Compound-Complex
Sentences
is adorable.
Rufus loves Roxie because she is
adorable, and she defers to him.

Simple Sentences
Simple sentences are single, independent clauses.
Subject + verb

Rufus runs.

Subject + verb + object or

complement

Roxie is a dog.

Compound Sentences
Compound sentences consist of two independent
clauses that are combined with a coordinating
conjunction.

Formula: IC, cc IC.

Coordinating
Conjunction = cc
Independent Clause = IC
I like ice cream, and Judy likes cookies.

IC

, c
c

IC.

Coordinating Conjunctions
F or = because

I like ice cream, for it is

delicious.
I like ice cream, and Judy likes
cookies.

A nd = more
information
Neither ice cream nor cookies are good
or
N
= two negative
for your health.
options
B ut = contrast I like ice cream, but I dont like
O r
Y et
So

cake.
= alternativeI could eat ice cream, or I could eat
carrots.
= contrast I could carrots, yet I wouldnt feel
happy.
I will eat ice cream, so I can feel
=result/consequence
happy.

Identify each item as a

clause or a phrase.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

10. Mark send her wife a letter.

Cats make very affectionate pets

Several very old books
The editor rejected the manuscript
We drove through an enormous forest in Germany
Cyclists get very wet in fall
Singularly unimpressed with Jerry
We really enjoy the funny stories he tells
My brother won the lottery
She gave me a dollar

9. If they want to talk to me Clause / Phrase

10. Towards the north Clause / Phrase
11. In front of the building
Clause / Phrase
12. Until the next time Clause / Phrase
13. Until she finds a car Clause / Phrase
14. I don't know the answer Clause / Phrase
15. Across the street from us Clause / Phrase