1. Lesson Overview
In this lesson, you will learn:
- What is a sentence
- What is a phrase
- What is a clause
- Independent vs dependent clause
- How to identify complete thoughts
This lesson is foundational for all advanced grammar.
2. What Is a Sentence?
A sentence must:
- Have a subject
- Have a verb
- Have a verb
- Express a complete thought
Example:
The Earth revolves around the Sun.
Subject: The Earth
Verb: revolves
Complete meaning
Incomplete example:
Because the Earth revolves around the Sun.
Not complete.
This is a dependent clause.
3. What Is a Phrase?
A phrase:
- Does NOT contain both subject and finite verb
- Does NOT express complete thought
Examples:
- in the classroom
- after the meeting
- very quickly
- running in the park
These are groups of words — but not sentences.
4. What Is a Clause?
A clause:
- Has a subject
- Has a verbHas a verb
There are two types:
- Independent clause
- Dependent clause
Independent Clause
Can stand alone.
She finished the project.
Complete meaning.
Dependent Clause
Cannot stand alone.
Because she was tired.
When the meeting ended.
If it rains tomorrow.
These require additional information.
5. Identifying Dependent Markers
Common subordinators:
because
although
if
when
while
since
after
before
If a sentence starts with any of these, check for completeness.
6. Sentence Fragments
Fragment = an incomplete sentence.
Incorrect:
After the lecture ended.
Correct:
After the lecture ended, the students left.
7. Run-On Sentences
Incorrect:
She studied hard she passed the exam.
Correct:
She studied hard, so she passed the exam.
She studied hard. She passed the exam.
8. Quick Structural Check
Ask:
Is there a subject?
Is there a verb?
Is it a complete idea?
If yes → sentence
If not → phrase or dependent clause
9. Common Errors
Treating a dependent clause as a complete sentence
Incorrect: Because she was tired.
Correct” Because she was tired, she left early.
Writing sentence fragments
Incorrect: After the meeting ended.
Correct: After the meeting ended, the participants dispersed.
Confusing phrases with sentences
Incorrect: She studied hard she passsed the exam.
Correct: She studied hard, so she passed the exam.
10. End of Lesson Check
You should now be able to:
✅Identify sentences
✅Identify phrases
✅Distinguish clauses
✅Recognize dependent markers
✅Correct fragments and run-ons