Understanding Sentences: Types of Sentences

Types of sentences Types of sentences Sentences come in four varieties according to the number and type of clauses they contain. Simple sentences Compound sentences Complex sentences Compound-complex sentences

Clauses Independent Contain a subject and verb and express a complete thought. Can stand alone as a sentence. Dependent Contain a subject and verb but do not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone.

Using clauses Using clauses Recognizing dependent clauses will help you avoid writing sentence fragments. Both require proper punctuation. You can learn to use them to add variety to your sentence structures.

Simple Sentences Has one independent clause. Example: The TV5 weatherman predicted rain. Example: The trailer is surrounded by a wooden deck. Example: In the morning, Jack drinks coffee. Example: Hoping for the best, Mary tossed the bouquet. A simple sentence has One subject One predicate

Let’s try some… I have a pink shirt. I have a pet lion. Pizza Crunch cereal is the best! I am moving.

Compound Sentences Compound Sentences Consists two or more independent clauses and no dependent clauses. The clauses must be joined by either a comma and a coordinating conjunction or by a semicolon.

Coordinating Conjunctions For And Nor But Or Yet So

Compound Sentences A comma by itself is too weak a punctuation mark to separate and join two complete thoughts, so you must also add a conjunction.

Compound Sentences Using a comma to separate two complete ideas creates a sentence error known as a comma-splice.

Compound Sentences Compound Sentences Example: Occasionally a car goes up the dirt trail, and dust flies everywhere. Example: North Dakota has been ravaged by early spring floods; millions of its residents are homeless.

Compound Sentences Using no punctuation at all between two complete ideas creates a run- on sentence.

Compound Sentences The reader can’t tell where the first thought ends if the writer uses no punctuation at all.

Let’s try some compound sentences… My shark bit my finger, so I banged him on the glass. It was raining, so I stayed inside. I wondered if my dog could fly, so I threw my dog. I kicked the ball, then suddenly it hit my face.

Complex Sentences Complex Sentences Contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Example: Because affordable housing is scarce, many families are homeless. Dependent clause: Because affordable housing is scarce Independent clause: many families are homeless.

Complex Sentences Complex Sentences When a sentence begins with a dependent clause, a comma is needed to separate it from the rest of the sentence. No comma is needed when a complex sentence begins with an independent clause.

Let’s try some complex sentences… Because I am poor, I don’t buy new shoes. Because it is early, I get tired throughout the day. Because I love soccer, I play for the school. The fact that my cat looks scary, people try to avoid him.

Compound-Complex Sentences Compound-Complex Sentences Contains at least two independent clauses and one dependent clause. Example: I gave Joe a compliment when he finished the job, and he seemed pleased. Independent clauses: I gave Joe a compliment, and he seemed pleased. Dependent clause: when he finished the job.

Compound-Complex Sentences Example Because you are in middle school, your parents expect more from you, and you have more responsibility. Dependent clause – Independent clauses –

Let’s write a compound- complex sentence. Because it’s hump day, we get to have fun, and we also get to laugh. My dog is barking because he wants inside, so I opened the door. My dog was barking, because he saw a cat go under the shed, so I got rid of it. Because there is lightning outside, so I went outside to watch it, and my sister decided to join me.

Why study sentences? Understanding parts of sentences and kinds of sentences will help you avoid sentence errors such as fragments and run-on sentences.

Why study sentences? These kinds of errors block the understanding of the ideas you want to communicate when you write.