3 из 29

This could be the single most important unit to assist ESOL students’ success. Difficulty with sentence structure is often times what results in incomprehensible sentences and failure to convey meaning.

4 из 29

1. a noun (and its modifiers)

2. a verb (and the words that follow)

an interesting dream

my magically delicious Lucky Charms

the City College book fair

many culturally diverse students

those poisonous red apples on the table

talented and helpful tutors

the drawer next to the bed

were eaten by the boy next door

attend this school

will be in high demand

is always in October

were for Snow White and not for you

has been on my mind all day

have been playing all night long

Combine the noun phrases and verb phrases to make complete sentences.

5 из 29

A clause is a subject / verb combination. Clauses can be dependent or independent (More explanation on this later) ☺ First, let’s practice distinguishing phrases and clauses. Determine which of the examples are phrases and which are clauses.

when I go to the store

the little kitten sitting in the shade of the tree

they didn’t understand the instructions

stayed out all night

6 из 29

There are two types of clauses: independent and dependent. An independent clause, or main clause, is a subject/verb combination that makes a complete sentence . A dependent clause cannot stand alone, and must be attached to an independent clause.

In the following sentence, which one is the main clause?

Example 1 : As soon as I woke up, I made the coffee.

If you said I made the coffee , then you are correct!

7 из 29

A complete sentence includes:

2. Verb (may need a direct object or complement)

3. Complete Thought/Idea

• Example 1 : Marcel understands the importance of attending class regularly.

Example 2 : Shu, Tony, and Ana studied together after class.

8 из 29

Not all complete sentences have a stated subject. The command form (also known as the imperative) has you as the implied subject. This sentence structure is not common in academic writing… except perhaps as a “hook” in an introductory paragraph. For example: Be careful!

Moreover, certain authors and genres do not adhere to traditional sentence structure and may use phrases and dependent clauses as complete sentences. For example: Because I said so.

9 из 29

The subject may be

• A single noun
• A noun phrase
• A pronoun
• Two or more nouns, noun phrases or pronouns�
• A gerund (verb + -ing)
• An infinitive (To + verb)

College is challenging .

The English Center can help you succeed .

It is open Monday through Friday .

Online tutoring is available on weekends.

Rose, Todd, Humberto, and Jess are all tutors there.

To err is human .

10 из 29

ESOL students frequently have incorrect sentence structure due to missing subjects in their sentences. It is often times the “dummy” it or there that is missing. For example: It is raining outside.

Additionally, it is common for ESOL students to use a prepositional phrase as a subject. For example: In the morning is a good time to take classes.

11 из 29

A student’s sentence is In the article says global health is important. There are many ways to assist him in correcting this error. Here’s one:

Tutor: What is the subject of this sentence?

Tutor: Not quite. What part of speech is “in?”

Student: A preposition.

Tutor: Correct. Prepositions need a noun for an object, and “article” is the object of the preposition. So it can’t be the subject of the sentence. So what is the subject of the sentence? This is a trick question.

Student: There isn’t one.

Tutor: That’s right! So how can you correct this?

Student: I can take away the preposition and just write, “The article says global health is important.”

12 из 29

A student’s sentence is In the article says global health is important. There are many ways to assist him in correcting this error. Here’s another:

Tutor: What is the subject of this sentence?

Tutor: Not quite. What is the verb of the sentence?

Tutor: Correct. So what is the subject?

Student: Global health.

Tutor: Not quite. The subject has to go before the verb.

Student: There isn’t a subject.

Tutor: Correct! So how can we change it?

Student: I can add “it” so that the sentence says “In the article, IT says global health is important.”

13 из 29

There are different categories of verbs, some of which require a direct object or complement to make the sentence complete. These are called transitive verbs. (Memory trick: Transitive verbs are like a train; they need a caboose.) Intransitive verbs do not require a direct object or complement.

Note: ESOL students don’t need to know the terms “transitive” and “intransitive.”

14 из 29

A direct object is the noun that is receiving the action of the verb.

• Some verbs must take an object

2. Some verbs may take an object. It’s correct with or without.

3. Some verbs cannot take an object