HELP!
Fragments
Phrases & Clauses
What is a “Red Flag”?
In grammar, there are certain words or punctuation marks that should send an alarm to
your brain to let you know that something grammatically important is happening in the
sentence. You can use these Red Flags along with other helpful tips to check grammar.
1. Important Abbreviations
S = Subject
AV = Action Verb
IC = Independent Clause
OP = Object of Preposition
HV = Helping Verb
SC – Subordinate Clause
LV = Linking Verb
2. Helpful Tip – How do I find the Subject in a clause/sentence?
Step 1: Read the clause/sentence.
Step 2: Ask yourself “Who or what is the clause/sentence about?”
3. Helpful Tip – How do I find the Verb/Predicate in a clause/sentence?
Step 1: Read the clause/sentence.
Step 2: Find the Subject
Step 3: Ask yourself “Subject” What?
Step 4: Answer with the first word or two that comes to your brain as you read the
sentence. The answer will be a verb or verb phrase.
(A verb phrase is a HV + AV or LV)
4. Phrase or Clause?
Clause: Has both a SUBJECT & VERB (MUST have both)
Phrase: Missing either subject, verb, or both
5. Clause Fragment: Subordinate Clause
Subordinate Clause: Begins with a Subordinating Conjunction (AAAWWWWUUBBIS-T)
RED FLAGS!
FRAGMENTS
Phrases & Clauses
Subordinating Conjunctions - AAAWWWWUUBBIS – T!
Although
After
As
While
When
Whenever
Until
Unless
Before
Because
If
Since
Wherever
Though
WHY? These are the most common Subordinating Conjunctions. They begin
Subordinate Clauses (SC).
**Always! Check for a subject and a verb following the subordinating conjunction.
GRAMMAR NINJAS
After
As
Until
Before
Since
 Why are these words ninjas?
 They may be a Subordinating Conjunction (Clause) or a Preposition (Phrase)
How do I know what the word is?
 Check to make sure you do not have a subject and verb following the word.
 If there is an S & V = Subordinating Conjunction/AAAWWWWUUBIS-T!
 If there is NOT an S & V = Prepositional Phrase
Ninjafied: Some prepositions may be ninjas and turn into another part of speech (like
subordinating conjunctions).