Grammar Sentence Structures

Structurally, English sentences can be classified four different ways. Keep in mind, there are endless constructions of each. The classifications are based on the number of independent and dependent clauses a sentence contains.

4 sentence structures: Simple Sentence – 3. Compound Sentence- A sentence with one independent clause and no dependent clauses. 2. Complex Sentence: A sentence with one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. 3. Compound Sentence- A sentence with multiple independent clauses but no dependent clauses. 4. Complex-Compound Sentence: A sentence with multiple independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.

WHICH SENTENCE STRUCTURE IS THIS? Connor enjoyed riding The Velociraptor.

Did you answer Simple Sentence? Connor enjoyed riding The Velociraptor .

Which sentence structure is this? The clown frightened Madi, and she ran off screaming.

Did you answer compound sentence? The clown frightened Madi, and she ran off screaming.

What sentence structure is this? After Holden added up all the sales, he discovered that the lemonade stand was 32 cents short.

Did you answer complex sentence? After Holden added up all the sales, he discovered that the lemonade stand was 32 cents short.

What sentence structure is this? . Aidan is widely regarded as a talented chef, and because he is superb at baking cupcakes, which Rose, the financial mastermind loves, they decided to open The Tasty Cupcake Company.

Did you answer complex compound?  is widely regarded as a talented chef, and because he is superb at baking cupcakes, which Rose, the financial mastermind loves, they decided to open The Tasty Cupcake Company.

CLAUSES

JK…Clauses An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought. An independent clause forms a complete sentence on its own. Brandyn enjoyed taking the hayride with you.

STILL CLAUSES… A dependent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and verb but does not express a complete thought. A dependent clause cannot be a sentence. Often a dependent clause is marked by a dependent marker word. Although Brandyn enjoyed taking the hayride with you. Does this express a complete thought?

Common dependent markers are: after, although, as, as if, because, before, even if, even though, if, in order to, since, though, unless, until, whatever, when, whenever, whether, and while. Add an independent clause to this to make it a complete sentence: Although Brandon enjoyed taking the hayride with you.

Although Brandyn enjoyed taking the hayride with you, your potty mouth totally embarrassed him.

Connecting dependent and independent clauses These can be used as connectors at the beginning of an independent clause: coordinating conjunctions and independent marker words.

Coordinating Conjunction The seven coordinating conjunctions used as connecting words at the beginning of an independent clause are FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. When the second independent clause in a sentence begins with a coordinating conjunction, a comma is needed before the coordinating conjunction: Hayley studied at Isaiah’s birthday party for her chemistry quiz, but it was hard to concentrate because of the noise.

Independent Marker Words An independent marker word is a connecting word used at the beginning of an independent clause. These words can always begin a sentence that can stand alone. Also consequently furthermore however moreover nevertheless therefore

When the second independent clause in a sentence has an independent marker word, a semicolon is needed before the independent marker word. Andrew and Jayden each had $90; however, it was not enough to cover the cost of tickets and refreshments.

Some Common Errors to Avoid

Comma Splices (AKA run-on sentence) A comma splice - use of a comma between two independent clauses. Can usually fix the error by changing comma to period and make the two clauses into two separate sentences, by changing comma to semicolon, or by making one clause dependent by inserting a dependent marker word in front of it. I like this class, it is very interesting.

I like this class, it is very interesting. How might you fix this? Try now

Did you use any of these? I like this class; it is very interesting. I like this class, and it is very interesting. I like this class because it is very interesting. Because it is very interesting, I like this class.

Fused Sentences (AKA run-on sentence) Fused sentences happen when there are two independent clauses not separated by any form of punctuation. This error is also known as a run-on sentence. The error can sometimes be corrected by adding a period, semicolon, or colon to separate the two sentences. Daniel is intelligent I've learned a lot from him.

Daniel is intelligent I've learned a lot from him. How might you fix this? Try now:

Karen is intelligent I’ve learned a lot from her. Caire is intelligent. I've learned a lot from her. Katie is intelligent; I've learned a lot from her. Max is intelligent, and I've learned a lot from him. Chris is intelligent; moreover, I've learned a lot from him.

Sentence Fragments Sentence fragments happen by treating a dependent clause or other incomplete thought as a complete sentence. You can usually fix this error by combining it with another sentence to make a complete thought or by removing the dependent marker.

Because Jake forgot the exam was today. Time to fix it!

Because Jake forgot the exam was today. Because Jake forgot the exam was today, he didn't study. Jake forgot the exam was today.

YOUR MISSION, SHOULD YOU CHOOSE TO ACCEPT IT, (ACTUALLY, THERE IS NO CHOICE-YOU MUST DO IT), IS TO WRITE A PARAGRAPH WHICH CONTAINS AT LEAST ONE OF EACH SENTENCE STRUCTURE, ALL THE FANBOYS, AND THE NAMES OF AT LEAST 2 PEOPLE IN THIS ROOM. (BE FUNNY, BUT NOT UNKIND)

When you write your paragraph, please be sure to: Underline simple sentences in red. Underline compound sentences in green. Underline complex sentences in blue. Underline complex-compound in black. Circle your FANBOYS Highlight the names