Sentence Structure
SENTENCE STRUCTURE
The structure of a sentence is determined by the number of
independent and subordinate clauses it contains.
Independent clause: expresses a complete thought and can stand
by itself as a sentence.
Dependent (subordinate) clause: does not express a complete
thought and cannot stand alone as a sentence.
SENTENCES
Simple: one independent clause and no
subordinate clauses.
Example: Without music, life would be
a mistake.
SENTENCES
Compound: two or more independent clauses but no
subordinate clauses.
The independent clauses are usually joined with a
comma and a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor,
but, or, yet, so).
In 2009 MLA decided the comma was optional and a
stylistic choice.
SENTENCES
Complex: has one independent clause
and at least one subordinate clause.
Example: If you scatter thorns, don’t go
barefoot.
SENTENCES
Compound-complex: has two or more
independent clauses and at least one
subordinate clause.
Coordinating Conjunctions:
and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet
SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS
after
although
as
as soon as
because
before
by the time
even if
even though
every time
if
in case
in the event that
just in case
now that
once
only if
since
the first time
though
unless
until
when
whenever
whereas
whether or not
while
Wh words
LEARNING STRATEGY
Simple (S) = I
Compound (C) = II
;
,and but for nor so yet or
Complex (CX) = I + Sub
Compound-Complex (CC) = II +Sub
GUIDED PRACTICE – WHAT TYPE OF SENTENCE IS THIS?
1. I have never eaten and
rested so well.
INDEPENDENT PRACTICE
1. I have never eaten and
rested so well.
S=I
GUIDED PRACTICE – WHAT TYPE OF SENTENCE IS THIS?
2. Marbury is the player who
received the most applause.
INDEPENDENT PRACTICE
2. Marbury is the player who
received the most applause.
CX = I + S
GUIDED PRACTICE – WHAT TYPE OF SENTENCE IS THIS?
3. You can take the present to
them, and they should readily
accept it.
INDEPENDENT PRACTICE
3. You can take the present to
them, and they should readily
accept it.
C = II
GUIDED PRACTICE – WHAT TYPE OF SENTENCE IS THIS?
4. Since the orchestra is now
ready, the concert will start
immediately.
INDEPENDENT PRACTICE
4. Since the orchestra is now ready, the
concert will start immediately.
CX = I + S (adverb clause; “since” is a
subordinating conjunction)
GUIDED PRACTICE – WHAT TYPE OF SENTENCE IS THIS?
5. Your antique books are quite
rare, and you could easily sell
them for a lot of money.
INDEPENDENT PRACTICE
5. Your antique books are quite rare,
and you could easily sell them for a lot
of money.
C = II
GUIDED PRACTICE – WHAT TYPE OF SENTENCE IS THIS?
6. Since Long Island is so populated, its
residents who commute demand much from
the LIRR, and the railroad officials have
listened to the commuters’ requests.
INDEPENDENT PRACTICE
6. Since Long Island is so populated, its
residents who commute demand much from the
LIRR, and the railroad officials have listened to
the commuters’ requests.
CC = II + S (adverb clause; “since” is a
subordinating conjunction)
GUIDED PRACTICE – WHAT TYPE OF SENTENCE IS THIS?
7. These are the easiest ways
to do it, Rachel.
INDEPENDENT PRACTICE
7. These are the easiest ways
to do it, Rachel.
S=I
GUIDED PRACTICE – WHAT TYPE OF SENTENCE IS THIS?
8. Can spring be far behind?
INDEPENDENT PRACTICE
8. Can spring be far behind?
S=I
GUIDED PRACTICE – WHAT TYPE OF SENTENCE IS THIS?
9. The soldier whom you met is a
brave man, and he is going to
receive a medal for his bravery.
INDEPENDENT PRACTICE
9. The soldier whom you met is a brave
man and he is going to receive a
medal for his bravery.
CC = II + S (noun clause; “whom”)
GUIDED PRACTICE – WHAT TYPE OF SENTENCE IS THIS?
10. Find your keys, and then these
people can drive you home.
INDEPENDENT PRACTICE
10. Find your keys, and then these
people can drive you home.
C = II
GUIDED PRACTICE – WHAT TYPE OF SENTENCE IS THIS?
11. Yesterday I studied hard
for today’s test, but I did not
score very well on it.
INDEPENDENT PRACTICE
11. Yesterday I studied hard for
today’s test, but I did not score very
well on it.
C = II
GUIDED PRACTICE – WHAT TYPE OF SENTENCE IS THIS?
12. I enjoyed the show that
you directed, and I hope to see
it again soon.
INDEPENDENT PRACTICE
12. I enjoyed the show that you
directed, and I hope to see it again
soon.
CC = II + S
GUIDED PRACTICE – WHAT TYPE OF SENTENCE IS THIS?
13. You had better believe in
miracles, Jose.
INDEPENDENT PRACTICE
13. You had better believe in
miracles, Jose.
S=I
GUIDED PRACTICE – WHAT TYPE OF SENTENCE IS THIS?
14. My grandmother will be
there, although she will
probably be a little late.
INDEPENDENT PRACTICE
14. My grandmother will be there,
although she will probably be a little late.
CX = I + S (adverb clause; “although” is a
subordinating conjunction)
GUIDED PRACTICE – WHAT TYPE OF SENTENCE IS THIS?
15. Ian and Bill were the
commentators, and they called
an excellent game.
INDEPENDENT PRACTICE
15. Ian and Bill were the
commentators, and they called an
excellent game.
C = II