Clauses, Phrases, and Run-on sentences

Clauses: a group of words that contains a subject and
verb

An independent clause, sometimes
called a main clause, can stand by itself
as a complete sentence.

Ex. We reached our destination on
time.

●The independent clause has a
subject (we) and a verb (reached)
and can stand alone as a complete
sentence.

A dependent clause, often called a
subordinate clause, cannot stand by
itself as a complete sentence.

Ex. Although the bus arrived late, we
reached our destination on time.

●Each clause has a subject (bus,
we) and a verb (arrived, reached),
but only the independent clause
could stand alone as a complete
sentence.

You can have a sentence with multiple independent and dependent clauses:
Ex. We reached our destination on time, and my cousin met us at the door.

●Each clause has a subject (we, cousin) and a verb (reached, met) and could stand
alone as a complete sentence.

Clauses vs. Phrases

Be careful not to confuse clauses with phrases. A clause has both a subject and a verb; a
phrase does not. A preposition is a word that shows the relationship of a noun or pronoun
to another word in a sentence. The relationship may involve, for example, location,
direction, time, cause, or possession.

Prepositional Phrase vs. Dependent Clause:
The factory reopened after a rebuilding project.

After a rebuilding project is a prepositional phrase. It starts with a preposition,
after, and ends with the object of the preposition, project. It does not contain a
subject and verb.

The factory reopened after the landlord rebuilt it.

After the landlord rebuilt it is a dependent clause. It has a subject, landlord, and a
verb, rebuilt. Notice that, in this case, after is used as a subordinating
conjunction, not as a preposition.

Multiple Choice

A famous soccer soccer player, Jerry's friend signed my World Cup poster.

The highlighted portion of the sentence is an example of a(n)...

• independent clause

• dependent clause

• phrase

Multiple Choice

Louis will set up early for the picnic as long as you promise to bring the sandwiches.

The highlighted portion of the sentence is an example of a(n)...

• independent clause

• dependent clause

• phrase

Multiple Choice

Christina's neighbor, a star video game player, keeps his skills sharp by having thumb wars.

The highlighted portion of the sentence is an example of a(n)...

• independent clause

• dependent clause

• phrase

Multiple Choice

After the movie was over, Bryce bought a bucket of popcorn for the car ride home.

The highlighted portion of the sentence is an example of a(n)...

• independent clause

• dependent clause

• phrase

Multiple Choice

Luna's favorite singer, a guitarist from Seattle, is performing at a cafe right now.

The highlighted portion of the sentence is an example of a(n)...

• independent clause

• dependent clause

• phrase

Multiple Choice

Eliza entertained us with magic tricks while we waited for the party to start.

The highlighted portion of the sentence is an example of a(n)...

• independent clause

• dependent clause

• phrase

Multiple Choice

Izzie learned a song that her grandfather wrote.

The highlighted portion of the sentence is an example of a(n)...

• independent clause

• dependent clause

• phrase

Multiple Choice

Martha found a large, smooth rock, which she thought would make a great paper weight.

The highlighted portion of the sentence is an example of a(n)...

• independent clause

• dependent clause

• phrase

Multiple Select

Was dreaming happily.

This is a sentence fragment because it is missing a...

Select all that apply

• subject

• verb

• complete thought

Multiple Select

While she ate her breakfast.

This is a sentence fragment because it is missing a...

Select all that apply

• subject

• verb

• complete thought

Multiple Select

They and I.

This is a sentence fragment because it is missing a...

Select all that apply

• subject

• verb

• complete thought

Multiple Select

Frying potatoes.

This is a sentence fragment because it is missing a...

Select all that apply

• subject

• verb

• complete thought

Multiple Choice

Is this a complete sentence or run-on?

My brother just graduated from high school, so he will attend St. Petersburg College.

• complete sentence

• run-on sentence

Multiple Choice

Is this a complete sentence or run-on?

I was tired from working late, I had to go to class right away.

• complete sentence

• run-on sentence

Multiple Choice

Is this a complete sentence or run-on?

Since it was a holiday, we went to the park.

• complete sentence

• run-on sentence