Module 2
Phrase - A phrase is a group of words that function together as a single unit but do not contain
all the components necessary to form a complete sentence.
• shiny gold watches
• the smelly socks
• the beautiful flower (Noun phrase)
• hitting nails with a hammer (Gerund phrase)
• has been peacefully sleeping (Verb phrase)
• of my favourite movies (Prepositional phrase)
• really small (Adjective phrase)
Clause - A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb. A clause mostly
conveys a complete idea/information.
• Meera sings
• Raju paints
• She is dancing
• Alice eats mangoes
✓ Independent Clause: An independent clause can stand by itself as a complete sentence.
❖ I am allergic to peanuts, but I like them.
❖ I saw a man, he was crying.
❖ He bought an expensive car.
✓ Dependent Clause: A dependent clause cannot stand by itself as a complete sentence.
Typically, a dependent clause begins with a conjunction or a pronoun, that connects it
to the rest of the sentence
❖ Since I am allergic to peanuts, I cannot eat them.
❖ I saw a man, who was crying in the corner.
❖ After years of saving up, he bought an expensive car.
Coordinating Conjunctions
The most common conjunctions are FANBOYS – For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So (used to
create compound sentences)
Subordinating Conjunctions (used with dependent clauses)
after how that whether
although if though while
as much in order unless whether
as/as soon to/in order
as/as long as that
as though once until
because since when/whenever
Conjunctive Adverbs / Connective Adverbs / Linking Adverbs
Conjunctive adverbs are transition words or phrases.
Sentence Patterns (4)
1. Simple Sentence
A simple sentence is a short sentence consisting of a subject and a verb. In other words, it can
be said that a simple sentence is one independent clause – a complete thought.
• Grace opened the door.
• I cried yesterday.
• Raju likes sports.
• We learned English today.
2. Compound Sentence
A compound sentence is a combination of two simple sentences, combined using a comma
(,)+/_, or a coordinating conjunction.
(Subject +Verb) +(,)+/-*(coordinating conjunction)+ (Subject Verb)
➢ The father and daughter fought angrily for a long time.
➢ The boy smiled and nodded, yet he was hurt inside.
➢ I have not met Jhon, nor have I met Susan.
➢ Ricky is studying with me, and I am helping him.
➢ He is poor but honest.
➢ Roy likes cakes and all sweet things.
*Usage of Comma:
Two complete/independent sentences joined together = comma (subject in the second half)
Two parts of a sentence joined together = no comma
3. Complex Sentences
A complex sentence is a combination of an independent clause and a dependent clause.
Independent Clause + Dependent Clause
• I went to the park (IC) while my sister was sleeping (DC).
• When he won the award (DC), everyone cheered (IC).
• Now that I have saved up (DC), I can buy a bike (IC).
• I took my umbrella (IC) because it was raining outside (DC).
• She can play (IC) after she completes her homework (DC).
If a DC begins the sentence, we use a comma to separate the sentence.
4. Compound-Complex Sentences
A compound-complex sentence comprises a compound and a complex sentence. This means
that a compound-complex sentence has two (or more) independent clauses, and at least one
dependent clause.
• I woke up in the morning (IC) and I brushed my teeth (IC) even though everyone else
was sleeping (DC).
• There are some ruins near my house (IC); I go there sometimes (IC) when I need to
think (DC).
• While waiting for the bus, Angela played games on her phone, and Lizzy read a book.
• As I put the kettle on, I looked in the jar for biscuits, but I couldn't see any in there.
• While Jessica likes rom-coms, Sarah likes thrillers, but Ellie only watches
documentaries.
