Sentence Variety Sentence Structure

Part 1

Clauses A clause is a group of related words containing a subject and a verb. There are two main types of clauses. Dependent (aka- subordinate) clause Independent clause

Independent Clause Independent clauses can stand alone as complete sentences.

Dependent (aka subordinate) Clause Dependent (subordinate) clauses cannot stand alone. They are sentence fragments. This type of clause depends on another clause type to get its meaning. Dependent clauses are created by subordinating conjunctions (aka dependent words)

Phrases A phrase is a group of words that stand together as a single unit, typically as part of a clause or a sentence. A phrase does not contain a subject and verb and cannot convey a complete thought.

Part 2

Simple Sentences Simple sentences have just one independent clause. They may have additional phrases. Example I went to the park to eat a hamburger. Kyle, Keith, and Doug, my best friend from middle school, went to the playhouse and watched Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

Coordinating Conjunctions F.A.N.B.O.Y.S. For And Nor But Or Yet So

Compound Sentence Two or more independent clauses joined with a coordinating conjunction. Using commas between clauses is NOT optional. Example I went home, so I could get some sleep. Doug did his math work but he got some wrong, yet he didn’t mind.

Subordinating Conjunctions Most common subordinators After Now that When Although Once Whenever As Since Where Because That Wherever Before Though While Even if Unless If Until

Complex Sentences Two or more clauses joined with a subordinating conjunction. If you begin a sentence with a subordinating conjunction, there MUST be a comma after the first clause. Unless you want trouble, you should stop. You should stop because I’m getting mad.

Compound-Complex Sentences Has an dependent clause and at least two independent clauses, one of which is joined with a coordinating conjunction and one with a subordinating conjunction. Examples Because I paid attention, I got an A on the test and I was so happy. I went home because it was getting late, but I had to wait on the porch until my mom got home anyway.

Practice Read and analyze each sentence. Determine whether the sentence is simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex. Write your answer.

1 The weather has been nice, but it may snow again any day.

2 Ever since the big blowout, she and I haven’t gotten along.

3 Dad brought candy because he felt bad.

4 If you want to go on the trip, you should bring your signed permission slip, and I’ll collect it before we go.

5 I left before the fight started.

6 Candy rots your teeth and TV makes you lazy, but I still like them.

7 He will call your home unless you are passing.