English Lab Types of sentences

Types of sentences: the basics A sentence is a group of words that is used to communicate ideas. A sentence expresses a complete thought. There are four types of sentences in English: simple compound complex compound-complex

Simple sentences: the rules A simple sentence consists of one independent clause. Every sentence must contain at least: A subject (containing the word or group of words that does something or is something) A predicate (containing the word or group of words that is used to express action (hit, run) or state of being (is, will be, am). The predicate always includes a verb. (A sentence must have a verb). Example: Many international students experience culture shock. The subject is: Many international students The predicate is: experience culture shock.

Types of sentences: the rules Other word groups can be added to the sentence, all supporting the meaning of the independent clause by adding more meanings to it. These word groups are called dependent clauses, and cannot operate without an independent clause. Example: When they come to Australia = Many international students experience culture shock when they come to Australia. Support units usually begin with a subordinator such as when, although, if, since, etc.

Compound sentences: the rules A compound sentence is one in which there are two or more independent clauses joined together. Note that you cannot join independent clauses with just a comma. This is an error called a ‘comma splice’. Example: I like Coke, I hate Pepsi.

Compound sentences: the rules There are three correct ways to join the clauses: With a coordinating conjunction: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so Example: I like Coke, but I hate Pepsi. (independent clause, + coordinating conjunction + independent clause) With a conjunctive adverb: besides, furthermore, however, therefore, etc Example: I like Coke; however, I hate Pepsi. (independent clause; + conjunctive adverb, + independent clause) With a semi-colon Example: I like Coke; I hate Pepsi. (independent clause; independent clause) Note that this kind of compound sentence can only be formed when the two independent clauses are closely related in meaning.

Complex sentences: the rules A complex sentence is one in which the independent clause has a dependent clause added to it. Example 1: Although it was raining lightly, (dependent clause), we went to the beach (independent clause). Example 2: Considering my poor results in the exam (dependent clause), I have decided to withdraw from the course (independent clause).  

Complex sentences: the rules Dependent clauses may be placed at the beginning, middle or end of an independent clause. Beginning: Whenever he tried to ask her out, she pretended she was too busy to go. Middle: The new lecturer, who is a highly respected scholar, began his classes today. End: Last holidays we went to Margaret River, which is a small town located south of Perth. Punctuation: As a general rule, keep an independent clause and a dependent clause apart by using a comma or pair of commas. If a dependent clause is placed at the end of a sentence, it may not be necessary to use a comma.

Compound-complex sentences: the rules A compound-complex sentence is made from two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses. Example: Although I like to go skiing, I haven't had the time to go lately, and I haven't found anyone to go with. independent clause: "I haven't had the time to go lately" independent clause: "I haven't found anyone to go with" dependent clause: "Although I like to go skiing... "  

These slides have been adapted from: Dawson, J. (2004). The Writing Construction Manual. Perth: Curtin University Press. Oshima, A., & Hogue, A. (2006). Writing Academic English (4th ed.). New York: Pearson Longman.