Maison Hero

Phrases as Structural Connectors

Modifiers and attachments that increase meaning

A clause is the main structure. A phrase is an attachment that adds detail or connects ideas (time, place, cause, condition, contrast). Today you will attach phrases to a stable clause, move phrases to change emphasis, and explain what changed with precise language.

Accountability today: submit one expanded sentence plus a written explanation of what changed and why.

Learning Targets and Success Criteria

Targets

  • I can tell the difference between a clause and a phrase by function.
  • I can attach phrases to a clause to add detail without breaking structure.
  • I can use at least one connector phrase (time, place, cause, condition, contrast).
  • I can move a phrase to change emphasis and explain what changed.
  • I can check that each phrase clearly attaches to the right word or idea.

Success Criteria

  • I expand a base sentence using at least three phrases.
  • I include one connector phrase and label its job.
  • I revise once by moving one phrase, then I explain the effect.
  • My final sentence is clear (no confusing attachments).
Clause
A structure with a subject and a verb.
Phrase
A group of words that adds detail or connects ideas, but cannot stand alone.
Modifier
A phrase that adds description or limits meaning.
Connector
A phrase that links ideas (time, place, cause, condition, contrast).

Mini-Lesson: Attach, Move, Explain

A phrase is not something you memorize by name. A phrase is a job. Its job is to add detail or connect ideas. It cannot become the main structure because it does not create a complete subject and verb structure on its own.

Two clarity rules
Rule 1: Every phrase must attach clearly to a word or idea.
Rule 2: More phrases can increase meaning, but too many can create confusion.

Anchor sentence (base clause)

The engineer tested the bridge.
Anchor
Underline the clause first. Keep it stable. Then attach phrases.

Attachments (phrases)

  • Detail: with careful measurements (how)
  • Connector: after the storm (when)
  • Connector: in the city (where)
Move to change emphasis
“After the storm, the engineer tested the bridge.” (time first)
Check for Understanding (CFU)
In one sentence, explain how a phrase improves a clause without becoming the main structure.

Sentence Expansion Lab

Choose a base sentence, then attach phrases to increase meaning. After you build, move one phrase to change emphasis. Then explain what changed.

Lab Controls
Anchor, attach, move, then explain.
1) Label the phrase jobs
For each phrase you added, label it as detail or connector.
2) Attachment point check
What does each phrase attach to (what is it modifying)? Write it clearly.
3) Emphasis revision
What changed when you moved a phrase (what the reader notices first)?
4) Final sentence (copy here)
Paste your final expanded sentence here. This is what you will submit.
Circuit Check
Base clause = working circuit. Phrases = extensions. Extensions should increase function, not create chaos. If meaning becomes confusing, remove one phrase or move it closer to what it modifies.

Build: Expand, Move, Explain

Build one expanded sentence that contains at least three phrases (including at least one connector phrase). Then revise by moving one phrase to change emphasis.

1
Anchor: choose your base clause (your main structure).
2
Attach: add three phrases (at least one connector phrase).
3
Move: move one phrase to the front or middle to change emphasis.
4
Explain: write what changed and why it is clearer or more effective.

Submit This

Final Expanded Sentence
Include at least three phrases, and label one connector phrase in your explanation.
Second Version (after moving a phrase)
Rewrite the sentence once with a phrase moved to change emphasis.

Written Explanation

  • My base clause was: ____.
  • I added the phrase ____ to show ____.
  • I added the connector phrase ____ to connect ____.
  • When I moved the phrase ____, the emphasis changed because ____.
  • My sentence is clear because each phrase attaches to ____.
Exit Ticket Frame

Exit Challenge

Write one base clause, then add two phrases. Underline the clause and circle the phrases. In one sentence, explain what your connector phrase connects.