Basic Sentence Structure
Student: What are some things that can help me in editing my punctuation?
Tutor: It will help if you understand basic sentence structure. Let’s make sure that you know the difference between a phrase and a clause. If you are confused about this, please do this exercise on phrases and clauses.
Slide 2 – Phrases & Clauses
Clauses
- Every English sentence has one or more clauses.
- Every clause has both a subject and a verb.
Slide 3 – The Subject
In general, the subject does the action. The sentence is about the subject.
Sally cried.
Everyone went home.
Alfred was unhappy.
Slide 4 – The Verb
In general, the verb describes the action or condition.
Sally cried.
Everyone went home.
Alfred was unhappy.
Slide 5
Remember that in order to be a clause, there must be both a subject and a verb!
Sally passed the salt.
If they arrive on time…
…because it is wrong.
Slide 6 – Exception
There are a few cases where the subject is understood.
These are usually requests or orders.
(You) Pass the salt.
(You) Give me the knife!
In these cases, “You” is understood to be the subject.
Slide 7 – Phrases
Phrases are groups of words that are missing either a subject or a verb.
at home
went to the store
the book with a red cover
ran quickly
Slide 8 – Phrases
The following are phrases because they do not have verbs:
- in the garden
- to the bridge
- the boy with the blond hair
Slide 9 – Phrases
The following are phrases because they do not have subjects:
- going home
- to know the truth
- worked hard
Slide 10 – Activity Introduction
On the next few screens, you will see some groups of words. Decide if each group is a phrase or a clause. Select the best choice.
Slides 11-20 – Multiple Choice Questions
Slide 21 – Summary Slide
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In the lower right corner of the activity, click the printer icon. (NOTE: This is not the Print button at the bottom of the page.)
Select either Print all slides or Print current slide.
On the Print popup, in the Name: field, select the option that relates to pdf.
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Give the file a name. (NOTE: It is recommended that you include your name in the file name if you plan to send the file to someone as proof that you have completed the activity.)
Navigate where you would like the file saved, and click Save.
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Select either Print all slides or Print current slide.
On the Print popup, click the dropdown menu in the bottom left that says PDF and sect Save as PDF.
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