Sentence Structures and Types of Sentences An introduction to sentence fluency in writing

Types of Sentences Sentences are classified according to their structure. The structure of a sentence is determined by counting the number of clauses it contains and identifying the type(s) of clauses it contains. A clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a verb. There are four types of sentences: Simple Compound Complex Compound-Complex

2 Types of Clauses An independent clause expresses a complete thought. It is independent; therefore, it can stand alone as a complete sentence. A dependent clause does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. Dependent clauses are also referred to as subordinate clauses.

Simple Sentences The first type of sentence is called a simple sentence. A simple sentence consists of one independent clause and no dependent clauses. EXAMPLE: Different personality types may share similar interests. However, a simple sentence can contain a compound subject, compound verb, or both. Extroverts and introverts may love books and fear dogs.

Compound Sentences A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses joined together. The independent clauses in many compound sentences are joined together with a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction. There are seven coordinating conjunctions. (BOYSFAN) but, or, yet, so, for, and, nor EXAMPLE of a compound sentence in which the independent clauses are joined with comma/conjunction: Some people like change, but others like stability.

Compound Sentences (continued . . . ) The independent clauses in compound sentences can also be joined with a semi-colon or with a semi-colon followed by a transitional conjunction such as however, nevertheless, finally, furthermore, etc. EXAMPLE of a compound sentence joined with a semi-colon: Some people like change; others like stability. EXAMPLE of a compound sentence joined with a semi-colon/transitional conjunction: Some people like change; however, others like stability.

Complex Sentences A complex sentence contains one independent clause and one (or more) dependent (or subordinate) clauses. There are three types of dependent (or subordinate) clauses: adjective clauses noun clauses adverb clauses

Complex Sentences (continued . . .) that she bought yesterday who is wearing the brown coat if the rain continues because I was sick when she retired as long as you’re home by noon while the crowd cheered since we finished early wherever she goes before you leave today REMEMBER: Complex sentences MUST contain at least one dependent (or subordinate) clause. Many different words are used to begin dependent clauses. Look at the following examples . . .

Complex Sentences (continued . . .) Examples of COMPLEX sentences: The purse that she bought yesterday is red. The girl who is wearing the brown coat is my sister. Our field trip will be canceled if the rain continues. I went home early because I was sick. My aunt took up bird watching when she retired. As long as you’re home by noon, we can go shopping later. The player sprinted toward the end zone while the crowd cheered. Our teacher gave us free time since we finished early. Our new puppy follows my mother around wherever she goes. Turn in your work before you leave today.

Compound-Complex Sentences A compound-complex sentence contains two or more independent clauses and one (or more) dependent (or subordinate) clauses. Basically, a compound-complex sentence is a combination of compound sentence and a complex sentence; it meets the criteria for being both compound and complex. Examples of COMPOUND-COMPLEX sentences: Researchers have studied couples who have contrasting personalities, and the results have been interesting. School might be canceled if it snows; then we’ll get to sleep in.

There are two types of phrases and four types of verbals. Phrases and Verbals There are two types of phrases and four types of verbals. Phrases prepositional phrases appositive phrases Verbals participles absolutes gerunds infinitives

Prepositional Phrases A prepositional phrases consists of a preposition, its object, and any modifiers. It may function as an adverb or an adjective. When a prepositional phrase functions as an adverb, it answers how, when, where, and/or to what extent. When a prepositional phrase functions as an adjective, it describes or tells which or what kind. Examples: The room was painted with a faux finish. During their lifetimes, American Indians often use several different names. Many of the commonly used names are from Latin. Names like Miller, Cook, and Smith came from jobs.

Phrases Appositive Phrases An appositive phrase is a noun or pronoun (sometimes with modifiers) that renames another noun/pronoun and usually comes directly after the noun/pronoun it renames. An essential appositive provides information that is essential to a clear meaning. No commas are used to set off essential appositive phrases. A nonessential appositive phase provides information that is not necessary for clarity (or a clear meaning). Commas are used to set off nonessential appositive phrases. Examples (the appositive phrases are underlined): ESSENTIAL appositive phrase: Katherine Lee Bates wrote the patriotic hymn “America the Beautiful” after viewing the Rocky Mountains. NONESSENTIAL appositive phrase: The poetry of Robert Frost is identified with rural New England, the place where Frost was raised.

Verbals Participles Examples (the participial phrases are underlined): A participle is a verb phrase that functions as an adjective. Participles end in –ing, -ed, or some irregular form. Like adjectives, participial phrases help you add concrete details to the nouns and pronouns in your sentences. Examples (the participial phrases are underlined): Jumping from tree to tree, the squirrel seemed to fly. Writing and speaking eloquently, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. inspired generations. Left for too long, the puppy climbed out of the box.

Verbals Absolutes Examples (the absolute phrases are underlined): An absolute phrase consists of a noun or pronoun modified by a participle. While an absolute phrase is related in meaning to the sentence in which it is inserted, it does not modify any specific word in the sentence. Using absolute phrases allows you to add interesting details. Examples (the absolute phrases are underlined): She raced toward her teammate, the baton grasped tightly in her hand. His briefcase slipping from under his arm, Mr. Rodriquez frantically searched his pockets for the house key.

Verbals Gerunds A gerund is a verb form that ends in –ing and acts as a noun. Since a gerund is formed from a verb, it may have an object. In sentences, gerunds and gerund phrases may be used anywhere nouns may be used. Examples (the gerunds and gerund phrases are underlined): Searching for underwater wreckage is a dangerous occupation. Public speaking makes lots of people nervous. You can manage large amounts of information by using a computer.

Verbals Infinitives Examples (the infinitive phrases are underlined): An infinitive phrase is a verb form that begins with the word to. Infinitives may function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. Since an infinitive is formed from a verb, it may have an object. Examples (the infinitive phrases are underlined): To be awarded a Purple Heart is quite an honor. My long-term goal is to graduate from medical school. The children ran to meet their grandparents.