1. Phrases, Clauses, Conjunctions And Related Punctuation
Sentence Structure
Phrases, Clauses, Conjunctions
And Related Punctuation

2. Phrase
A group of words with no self-contained, independent meaning.

3. Types of phrases Modifying (describing)
Prepositional (spatial or time)
Verbal (infinitive, participle, gerund)

4. Clauses
All clauses have at least a subject and verb.

5. Sentence A sentence is a complete thought.
It consists of a subject and predicate.
The predicate is the verb and everything that follows it.
A sentence is also an independent clause.

6. ?
How can a dependent clause have a subject and verb yet not express a complete thought?

7. Two Types of Clauses
Independent Clauses can stand alone as complete thoughts.
Dependent Clauses cannot stand alone, and they depend on another word group (an independent clause) to complete meaning.

8. Subordinators Two groups of words cause dependence or subordination:
Subordinating Conjunctions
Relative Pronouns

9. Examples
Examples of SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS & the meanings they express:
Time: when, since
Reason: because, since, as
Result: that, so that
Condition: if, unless
Contrast: although, whereas
Location: where, wherever
Choice: whether, than
SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS CREATE DEPENDENT CLAUSES.
See your text for a complete list of SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS.

10. “BISAWAWE” is a memory tool for a few subordinating conjunctions
Because If
So that
After
When
Although
While
Even though

11. More subordinators
Another group of words that create dependent or subordinating clauses is called RELATIVE PRONOUNS.
They are:
Who, which, that, whom, whoever

12. Examples If the bond issue passes, the city will install new sewers.
In the above sentence, the underlined clause is dependent or subordinate.
The bold clause is the independent clause which could stand alone:
The city will install new sewers.

13. Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating Conjunctions connect “equal” or independent clauses with a comma preceding the conjunction.

14. Coordinating Conjunctions “FANBOYS”
For
And
Nor
But Or
Yet So

15. Examples of Coordinating Conjunctions Connecting Independent Clauses
The sky turned gray, and it rained.
Two independent Clauses:
The sky turned gray.
It rained.
I left early, yet I was late for class.
I left early.
I was late for class.

16. Addition: also, furthermore, moreover, besides
Conjunctive Adverbs (Several are also known as transition-words) and the Relationships They Express
Addition: also, furthermore, moreover, besides
Contrast: however, still, nevertheless, conversely, nevertheless, instead, otherwise
Comparison: similarly, likewise
Result or Summary: therefore, thus, consequently, accordingly, hence, then
Time: next, then, meanwhile, finally, subsequently, indeed, certainly

17. Examples— I am overweight; therefore, I should exercise more.
THE PATTERN: Independent Clause/Semicolon/Conjunctive Adverb/Comma/Independent Clause
Examples—
I am overweight; therefore, I should exercise more.
I enjoy swimming; however, I don’t get to swim often.

18. FOR MORE STUDY
Sentence Structure & Punctuation Phrases Clauses Independent clauses Dependent Clauses Comma Splices Fragments Semicolons & Colons Run-On, Comma Splice, Fragment Self-check Quiz

19. For More Study
Commas & Sentence Structure Trying to place commas by noting pauses is very dangerous!
The reason it's dangerous is that often people do not know correct sentence structure, so they pause in the wrong place! To understand comma use, you need to understand independent clauses, dependent clauses, subordinating conjunctions, and coordinating conjunctions. Note the links below Clauses Sentence Structure Exercises

20. Reminder
Remember to document your Study Journal to show what you have studied!

21. In Closing
I hope you enjoyed your journey down the adventurous yellow-brick-road to the wonderful world of grammar!