‘Academic English for Tertiary Studies: EAP 5 WEEK 3 MON FILE 3 GRAMMAR: PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES AND SUBORDINATE CLAUSES ‘Adapted from TOEFL Preparation Course, Mahnke and Dufty, Heinemann, 1996 English prepositional phrases and subordinate clauses are easily confused. Confusion often happens because, although they are formed differently, prepositional phrases and subordinate clauses can function in similar ways in English. Because of her financial difficulties, Anne could not go. Prepositional phrase Because she had financial difficulties, Anne could not go. Subordinate clause In this pair of sentences, the prepositional phrase and the subordinate clause both function as adverbs telling why Anne could not go. The book on the table is mine. Prep phrase The book that is on the table is mine. Subordinate clause In this pair of sentences, the prepositional phrase and the subordinate clause both function as adjectives telling which book. A prepositional phrase contains a preposition followed by a noun structure object. Despite his problems, John was able to finish. Prep Noun phrase \__ Prep phrase__/ Page 1 of 6 © UWSCollege Pty LtdAcademic English for Tertiary Studies: EAP 5 A subordinate clause contains a subordinate clause marker followed by a clause (including a subject and a verb). Although John had some problems, he was able to finish. Clause marker Clause \—— Subordinate clause —__~ PRACTICE Samuel wasn't tired, he hadn't slept for a very long time. (A) however (B) though (C) despite (D) nevertheless What is needed in this sentence? Answer: An adverb clause marker Explanation In this question, there are two clauses, Samuel wasn’t tired and he hadn't slept for a very long time. A clause marker is needed to join these two clauses. Answers (A) and (D) contain clause markers. However , these clause markers are main clause markers and would need to be preceded by a semicolon (;). A comma separates the two clauses in this question, so answers (A) and (D) cannot be correct. Answer (C) contains a preposition, not a clause marker, so it cannot be correct. Answer (B) is the correct answer to the question. It contains a clause marker that can join these two clauses, making the second clause into an adverb clause. PRACTICE Laurie has no formal training in computer science, she knows a great deal about computers. (A) Despite (8) In spite of (©) Although (D) That What is needed in this sentence? Answer: An adverb clause marker Page 2 of 6 © UWSCollege Pty LtdAcademic English for Tertiary Studies: EAP 5 Explanation In this question, there are two clauses, Laurie has no formal training in computer science and she knows a great deal about computers. A clause marker is needed at the beginning of the first clause. Answers (A) and (B) do not contain clause markers. Instead, they contain prepositions. Answer (D) contains a clause marker. However, this clause marker would create a noun clause or an adjective clause. The clause in this sentence is an adverb clause. Answer (C) is the correct answer to this question because it contains a clause marker that can begin an adverb clause. PRACTICE , Jane enjoys gardening. (A) She is like her mother (B) Like her mother (C)_ That she is like her mother (D) Because her mother What is needed in this sentence? Answer: A prepositional phrase Explanation In this question, a prepositional phrase or an adverb clause is needed at the beginning of the sentence. Answer (A) is a main clause. Answer (C) is a noun clause. Answer (D) is part of an adverb clause, but it is missing a verb. Answer (B) is the correct answer to this sentence because it contains a prepositional phrase that can be used to complete the sentence. PRACTICE My father, an immigrant, came to the United States in 1925. (A) who he was (8) he was (C) that he was (D) who was What is needed in this sentence? Answer: The first part of an adjective clause Page 3 of 6 © UWSCollege Pty Ltd‘Academic English for Tertiary Studies: EAP 5 Explanation An incomplete adjective clause follows the noun, father, in this sentence. The beginning of this adjective clause is missing. Answers (A) and (C) contain noun clauses. Answer (B) contains a main clause. Answer (D) is the correct answer to this sentence because it contains the necessary first part of an adjective clause. EXERCISE 1A: Practice Identifying Main Clauses, Subordinate Clauses, and Prepositional Phrases Use the choices provided to identify the underlined clause or phrase in each sentence. Choices are: MC (main clause) ‘ADJ C (an adjective clause) NC (a noun clause) ADV C (an adverb clause) PREP P (a prepositional phrase) ADJ C 1. Nancy, who wants to go to Spain, has been studying Spanish for five years. 2. Wilbur has been living here since last summer. 3. Lola will not be able to get what she wants this time. 4. Yesterday, Carlotta looked like a movie star. 5. When scientists perform experiments, they learn about the world around us. Because of his academic achievements, Ralph was given a scholarship. 7.He might want to join us tonight; on the other hand, he might want to stay home. 8. The large number of students who want to take this course is encouraging. 9. As I told you earlier, 1 am not interested in buying a new car. 10.Mabel wants to see you before you leave, 11.Nobody wants to watch the movie that is on television tonight. Page 4 of 6 © UWSCollege Pty LtdAcademic English for Tertiary Studies: EAP 5 EXERCISE 1B: Practice Identifying Errors in Prepositional Phrases and Subordinate Clauses On the line provided, put an J if the sentence is incorrect and a C if the sentence is correct. Then, correct each error. during _I_ 1. Student life white-the 1960s was chaotic. __ 2. What worries me the most is your health. _— 3. That he said in his letter, he will be home next week. — 4, The three people who they were here early were Joyce, Lee, and Tom. — 5. Marcia cannot come with us because of she has a play rehearsal tonight. — 6. I cannot tell you how you should budget your time. EXERCISE 1C: More Practice with Phrases and Clauses Circle the correct answer. 1. Writing a research paper takes 3. day were just a a lot of time it little bit longer, I would have requires library work. time to finish my work. (A) because of (A) Each (8) how (B) Since each (C) as (©) If each (D) due to (D) Were each his youth, Professor Hanagan was a boy scout. (A) While (8) During (C) When (D) That 4.Maple syrup is light in color and free of impurities is the most expensive kind. (A) and (B) which (c)it (D) about which Page 5 of 6 © UWSCollege Pty Ltd‘Academic English for Tertiary Studies: EAP 5 5. Skiing sport, is a popular American quite expensive. (A) however it is (B) even though it is (C) despite its () itis a . William is a hardworking person; (A) while he likes to have a good time (8) nevertheless, he likes to have a good time (C) that he also likes to have a good time (D) but also likes to have a good time a dentist, Mike is very concerned about having healthy teeth. (A) (B) (c) (D) Because He is As That he is 8. She had many unfortunate experien (A) (B) (©) (D) Ices. her childhood. it was while in addition during © . Bread is one type of food (A) all cultures seem to to have it (8) that all cultures seem to have (C) by all cultures (D) that all cultures seem to have it 10. is cooking, we can eat our salad. (A) While the steak (B) During the steak (C) The steak (D) Because of the steak 11. We will not go swimming today (A) because the bad weather (B) the weather is bad (C) because the weather is bad (D) because the bad weather is Page 6 of 6 © UWSCollege Pty Ltd