Sentence Structure

Flip Chart Create a Sentence Structure flip chart. Write the title on the first tab. Label each tab after: Clauses Simple Compound Complex Compound-Complex

Clauses A clause is a group of words with its own subject and verb. An independent clause has a subject and verb and makes sense by itself. It is a complete sentence. Example: I like this book. A subordinate clause has a subject and a verb but does not make sense by itself. It is only a part of a sentence. Example: I like this book [that I borrowed from Kim.]

Simple Sentences A simple sentence consists of a single independent clause. It must contain a subject and a verb.

Examples - Subjects & Verbs This book is unusually interesting. S V My brother and sister will arrive tomorrow. S S V He opened the package and found a new camera. SVV

Examples – Prepositional Phrase This book with the strange cover is unusually interesting. S PP V My brother will arrive tomorrow by train. S V PP At home, he opened the package. PP , S V

Examples - ADV Slowly, he opened the package. ADV , S V

Compound Sentences A compound sentence consists of a two or more independent clauses. The independent clauses are joined by: comma + coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) or a semicolon (;). CANNOT JOIN WITH JUST A COMMA – this is a COMMA SPLICE

Examples The book is unusually interesting, and I will finish it tonight. Tomorrow, my brother will arrive, but my sister will not come until Sunday. At home, he opened the package; it contained a new camera.

Complex Sentences A complex sentence consists of one independent clause and one or more subordinate clauses.

Subordinating Conjunctions Begin Subordinate Clauses after now where although once whereas as since where if as long as so that wherever as soon as than whether because though while before unless whoever even until why if when just as whenever

Relative Pronouns Begin Subordinate Clauses that who whom whose which

Examples This is the expensive camera that he wants to buy. If I visit the country fair, I will bring you something.

Compound-Complex Sentences A compound-complex sentence consists of two or more independent clauses and one or more subordinate clauses.

Examples If I am asking to play first-string, it will be an important milestone for me, but I am also afraid that the challenge will be too great. When I get home from school, I have to complete my homework, and I need to go to basketball practice.