Sentence Structure
DEFINITION: Sentence structure is the way a sentence is arranged, grammatically. The sentence structure of your writing includes where the noun and verb fall within an individual sentence. Sentence structure depends on the language in which you're writing or speaking. HOW TO: The Four Sentence Structures A sentence can contain a single clause or several clauses. When a sentence is a single clause, it is called a simple sentence (and the clause is called an independent clause). A sentence must have at least one independent clause. Below are the four types of sentence structure (with their independent clauses shaded): A Complex Sentence. A complex sentence has an independent clause and at least one dependent clause. For example: When you’re on the Internet, nobody knows you’re a crackpot A Compound Sentence. A compound sentence must have at least two independent clauses. For example: Cry “Bloody Murder,” and then run for your life. A Simple Sentence. A simple sentence has only one independent clause. For example: You can’t surprise a woman with an old gift. A Compound-Complex Sentence. A compound-complex sentence has at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause. For example: When my dog bites me that is not a big deal because it happens all the time, but if I bite my dog, that is something to talk about. Everyday Use: Sentence Structure is used every day in reading and writing.
English Language Arts
