Song library
2 songs
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.
Simple Compound Complex
DEFINITION: A simple sentence has one independent clause which means it has one subject and one verb. Either or both can be compound. Also, a simple sentence can have adjectives and adverbs. What a simple sentence can't have is an additional independent clause or any subordinate clauses. An independent clause (unlike a dependent clause) can stand alone as a sentence. • A compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses. The independent clauses can be linked in one of two ways. A compound sentence has at least two independent clauses. An independent clause (unlike a dependent clause) is able to stand alone as a sentence. In a compound sentence, the two clauses are attached using: a conjunction with a comma (e.g., ", and") a semicolon a colon (This is rare because the words after a colon are not often an independent clause.) a dash a conjunction with a semicolon (e.g., "; and") • A complex sentence consists of one independent clause and as a minimum one dependent clause. The independent clause is referred to as the “main clause.” These sentences use secondary conjunctions to join ideas. HOW TO: Example of a simple sentence • Americans eat more chicken than they eat any other meat. one subject, one verb • I cannot drink warm water. • The moon reflects its glory. Example of compound sentence • Oprah Winfrey and Rosie Perez host talk shows. compound subject, one verb • Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former. (Albert Einstein, 1879-1955) • There used to be a real me, but I had it surgically removed. (Peter Sellers, 1925-1980) Example Complex sentence • My daughter combs and brushes her hair. one subject, compound verb • Stay in the bed until the phone rings. • The wheel chair rolled to Mrs. Johnson, who had slipped off the pavement.? Everyday Use: Simple Compound Complex is used every day in reading and writing.