Grade 7 · Precision in Language · Clauses and Modifiers
Phrases, Clauses and Misplaced Modifiers
Use subordinate clauses to combine ideas and place modifiers where they cannot cause confusion.
Learning objectives
- Distinguish a phrase from a clause
- Combine two sentences with a subordinate clause
- Repair a misplaced or dangling modifier
Common Core ELA alignment
L.7.1
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. Grade 7 emphasis: analyse how choices in a text create effects, and handle two related texts independently.
L.7.3
Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading or listening, choosing precise and concise wording. Grade 7 emphasis: analyse how choices in a text create effects, and handle two related texts independently.
L.7.2
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation and spelling when writing. Grade 7 emphasis: analyse how choices in a text create effects, and handle two related texts independently.
MYP criteria
- Criterion D — Using language
ENGAGE
Accidental comedy
Walking to school, the traffic lights turned red. As written, the traffic lights are walking to school. Misplaced modifiers create sentences nobody means.
Think about it
- Who should be walking to school?
- How would you fix the sentence?
EXPLAIN
Building blocks
| Unit | Has subject and verb? | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Phrase | No | after the storm |
| Subordinate clause | Yes, but cannot stand alone | because the storm passed |
| Independent clause | Yes, stands alone | the storm passed |
Combining for maturity
- Two short sentences: The bridge closed. The river rose.
- Combined: Because the river rose, the bridge closed.
- Combined with a relative clause: The bridge, which crosses the swollen river, closed.
Modifier rule
- Put the modifier next to the word it describes.
- An opening participle phrase must describe the subject that follows it.
- Dangling: the described noun is missing entirely from the sentence.
Quick fix
Ask who or what is doing the action in the opening phrase, then make that the subject of the main clause.
EXPLORE
Repair five sentences
- Running late, the bus was already gone.
- She almost drove her sister to school every day.
- Covered in chocolate, the children ate the cake.
- We saw a fox driving home from practice.
- Having finished the exam, the hall emptied quickly.
Think about it
- Which sentences contain a misplaced or dangling modifier?
- Rewrite each so the meaning is unmistakable.
MYP_PRACTICE
Criterion D task
Write a 120-word account of a journey. Include two sentences that open with a participle phrase, both correctly attached, and one relative clause set off with commas.
EXIT_TICKET
Check yourself
Think about it
- State the difference between a phrase and a clause.
- Write one dangling modifier, then fix it.
Interactive practice · sentence revision
Fix the modifier
Rewrite each sentence so the modifier attaches to the right noun.
Your answer
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Key vocabulary
- Phrase
- A group of words without both a subject and a verb.
- Subordinate clause
- A clause with a subject and verb that cannot stand alone.
- Modifier
- A word or group of words that describes something else.
- Dangling modifier
- A modifier whose intended subject is missing from the sentence.
Practice questions
0/2 correct
Level 1 · Criterion D
Which is a subordinate clause?
Level 2 · Criterion D
Which sentence fixes Running late, the bus was already gone?
MYP criterion tasks
Level 3 · Criterion D
Rewrite Covered in chocolate, the children ate the cake and explain the error.
Reflect & track
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