Sentence Variety Basics

Subjects and Verbs (predicate) The subject in the sentence is always a NOUN or a PRONOUN You will always find the subject “doing” the verb! The verb is the action OR state of being (is/was/were/etc.) in the sentence and is what the subject is doing!

Independent Clause Is a fancy way to say “SENTENCE” It is simply a complete sentence…of which contains a subject and a verb!

SENTENCE TYPES. Two-word sentence: SV. Simple Sentence: SV+ SENTENCE TYPES Two-word sentence: SV. Simple Sentence: SV+. Compound Sentence: SV+,CSV+. Complex Sentence: SC, SV+. Or SV+SC.

Sentence Types (cont’d) Compound-Complex: Variety of ways to construct. Written by combing a compound sentence and a subordinating clause

Semicolons Use a semicolon (;) to replace the comma and coordinating conjunction in a compound sentence. Ex: Sam dislikes sitting on the beach; he always gets a nasty sunburn.

Colons Use a colon (:) to move from a general statement to a specific example. Bertram had trouble getting a date: he had intense body odor and long nasal hair.

Using the Correct Conjunction Compound sentences are created by using coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS) Complex sentences are created by using subordinating conjunctions

Comma Placement In Compound sentences SV+,CSV+. the comma is ALWAYS placed in FRONT of the coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) Ex: Jennie went to the homecoming dance, but Pauline decided to stay home.

Comma Placement In Complex sentences a comma is ONLY used in the SC,SV+ formula, placing the comma at the end of the subordinate clause which comes just before the second subject. EX: Although they are 250 miles apart, they keep in constant contact on the internet.

Compound subjects and verbs EX: Sue and Jennie wanted to go shopping, so they went to Lakeside Mall. Compound verb Ex: Justine sang and danced at her annual recital.