Glossary of Grammar Terms
Subject: The person or thing that is performing the action. Example: The boy hit the ball. "The boy" is the subject. He is doing the hitting.
Object: The person or thing that is on the receiving end of an action. Example: The boy hit the ball. "The ball" is the object. It is being hit.
Clause: A group of words that includes a subject and a verb.
An independent clause expresses a complete thought. It can be a sentence by itself. Example: "I stood up." In a longer sentence: "I stood up before my friend reached the table."
A dependent clause is a supporting part of a sentence. It cannot stand alone as a complete thought. Example: before my friend reached the table.
Object: The person or thing that is on the receiving end of an action. Example: The boy hit the ball. "The ball" is the object. It is being hit.
Clause: A group of words that includes a subject and a verb.
An independent clause expresses a complete thought. It can be a sentence by itself. Example: "I stood up." In a longer sentence: "I stood up before my friend reached the table."
A dependent clause is a supporting part of a sentence. It cannot stand alone as a complete thought. Example: before my friend reached the table.
Phrase: A group of related words that are part of a sentence. A phrase does not include a subject and verb, so it is not a complete thought. A phrase cannot be a complete sentence. Example: in the middle of the field.
Modifier: A modifier is a word, phrase or clause that works as an adjective or verb. It gives more information or detail about a noun or adjective. Example: incredibly small book.
Note: Did you know that Modifiers can "dangle" and "squint?" Check it out!
Modifier: A modifier is a word, phrase or clause that works as an adjective or verb. It gives more information or detail about a noun or adjective. Example: incredibly small book.
Note: Did you know that Modifiers can "dangle" and "squint?" Check it out!