Syntax Variety in Writing

Grammar and vocab together! Phrase: a group of two or more words that express a single idea but do not usually form a complete sentence (Merriam-Webster) Clause: a part of a sentence that has its own subject and verb (Merriam-Webster) Independent clause: a clause that is able to stand on its own as a complete sentence.  Example: I went to work today. Dependent clause: a clause that requires an independent clause to form a complete sentence.  Example: Because I didn’t want to get fired, I went to work today.

4 types of sentences Simple- one independent clause  Example: I love Justin Bieber. Compound- two or more independent clauses  Example: Justin Bieber is my hero, and I love him. Complex- one independent clause and at least one dependent clause  Example: I love Justin Bieber because he has curvaceous ears. Compound-Complex- two or more independent clauses and at least one dependent clause  Example: Justin Bieber’s ears are hot, so they make me sweat, ultimately causing my nose to quiver.

Practice Time Just as I did, you will practice writing three types of each sentence. Each set of four different types of sentence should be based around a different subject so that you have four different sentences about three different subjects for a total of twelve sentences.

Varying Sentence Beginnings Begin with a word.  Example: Horrified, I blundered into the classroom completely naked. Begin with a phrase.  Example: In a state of disorientation, I blundered into the classroom completely naked. Begin with a clause.  Example: Unable to stop my feet from dragging me onward, I blundered into the classroom completely naked.