Grammar 16

 

Simplifying Sentences with Prepositional Phrases (Review)

You have already learned that prepositional phrases can always be canceled or ignored. And that's a wonderful thing, because it sure makes it easier to find the base clause of any sentence.

Study the sentences in the table below. All the prepositional phrases, helping words, adjectives, and adverbs have already been canceled for you.

Simplified Sentence Clause Pattern

The train passed through the tunnel.

intransitive (SV)

In front of the altar, the priest stopped suddenly.

intransitive (SV)

The woman in front of the orchestra is the conductor.

equative (S=C)

According to the news report, the criminal stole a red car.

transitive (SVO)

During the marathon, Iggy's legs complained with sharp pains.

intransitive (SV)

We gave five dollars to the woman on the corner.

transitive (SVO)

Janice loved him despite his faults.

transitive (SVO)

Instead of crying, Joanna laughed.

intransitive (SV)

I left the graduation ceremony before the final speech.

transitive (SVO)

The jumping frog landed in her lap.

intransitive (SV)

 

Instructions for the Quiz

Identify the base clause.

Quiz