Sentence StructureSentence Structureand the and the

Punctuation Punctuation that goes with itthat goes with it

Ms. Birtcher – English I

Grammar

4 Types of Sentences4 Types of Sentences

SimpleSimple CompoundCompound

ComplexComplex Compound-ComplexCompound-Complex

Sentences are made up of Sentences are made up of clausesclauses

Clause = a group of words with a Clause = a group of words with a subject and a verbsubject and a verb

*Independent Clauses can stand alone as a *Independent Clauses can stand alone as a sentencesentence

*Dependent or Subordinate Clauses can’t be a *Dependent or Subordinate Clauses can’t be a complete sentence because of the first wordcomplete sentence because of the first word

NOTE: Clauses should NOT be confused with PHRASES which do not have both a subject and a verb.

Simple SentenceSimple Sentence A sentence with a subject and a predicateA sentence with a subject and a predicate

Examples:Examples:The cat chased the mouse.The cat chased the mouse.The dog slept on the floor.The dog slept on the floor.

The cat and dog got new toys.The cat and dog got new toys.Our pets got new toys and played Our pets got new toys and played

with them.with them.

Compound SentenceCompound Sentence 2 simple sentences combined in 1 2 simple sentences combined in 1

sentencesentence(these are called independent clauses when (these are called independent clauses when

combined)combined)*Use a comma (,) with a coordinating *Use a comma (,) with a coordinating

conjunction: and-but-or-yet-soconjunction: and-but-or-yet-so*Use a semi colon (;) with no conjunction*Use a semi colon (;) with no conjunction

The cat chased the mouse, and the dog slept on the floor.The cat chased the mouse, and the dog slept on the floor. The cat chased the mouse; the dog slept on the floor.The cat chased the mouse; the dog slept on the floor.

The dog slept on the floor, but the cat chased the mouse.The dog slept on the floor, but the cat chased the mouse. My cat can play with his toys, or he can chase the mouse.My cat can play with his toys, or he can chase the mouse.

Semicolon or not?Semicolon or not? Semicolon should be used when:Semicolon should be used when:

… … the 2the 2ndnd clause restates the first, or clause restates the first, or when the 2 clauses are of equal emphasis.when the 2 clauses are of equal emphasis.

… … the 2the 2ndnd clause begins with a clause begins with a Conjunctive AdverbConjunctive Adverb (however, (however, meanwhile, furthermore, thus, likewise), meanwhile, furthermore, thus, likewise), or a or a TransitionTransition (in fact, for example, in (in fact, for example, in other words, on the other hand)other words, on the other hand)

My dog slept on the floor; however, the cat My dog slept on the floor; however, the cat preferred to play with his toys.preferred to play with his toys.

Complex SentenceComplex SentenceOne independent clause and 1 One independent clause and 1

dependent (or subordinate) clausedependent (or subordinate) clause

Ind.Ind. Depend.Depend. The cat chased the mouse The cat chased the mouse because the dog was asleep on the because the dog was asleep on the

floorfloor..

Depend (notice comma)Depend (notice comma) Ind.Ind. Because the dog was asleep on the floorBecause the dog was asleep on the floor, the cat chased the , the cat chased the

mouse.mouse.

*A dependent clause has to be paired with an *A dependent clause has to be paired with an independent because of a subordinate independent because of a subordinate

conjunction.conjunction.

BREAK FOR PRACTICEBREAK FOR PRACTICE

Subordinate ClausesSubordinate ClausesAdjectiveAdjective

Adjective Clause – modifies a noun or Adjective Clause – modifies a noun or pronoun and usually follows the word pronoun and usually follows the word it modifiesit modifies Essential Adj Clauses are necessary for Essential Adj Clauses are necessary for

the sentence to make sense – no the sentence to make sense – no commas are needed.commas are needed.

Where is the book Where is the book that I gave you for the that I gave you for the assignmentassignment??

Examples of Adjective Examples of Adjective ClausesClauses

Non-essential Adj Clauses can be taken Non-essential Adj Clauses can be taken out without changing the meaning – out without changing the meaning – commas are needed.commas are needed.

My brother, My brother, who is in the navywho is in the navy, is stationed , is stationed in the Middle East.in the Middle East.

Subordinate ClausesSubordinate ClausesAdverbAdverb

Adverb Clauses – modify verbs, Adverb Clauses – modify verbs, adjectives and adverbs and start with adjectives and adverbs and start with a a SUBORDINATING CONJUCTIONSUBORDINATING CONJUCTION Since, although, because, when, Since, although, because, when,

whenever, after, before, while, wherever, whenever, after, before, while, wherever, thatthat

Elliptical clauses have some words Elliptical clauses have some words missing that are implied.missing that are implied.

Ex: Ex: She is taller than IShe is taller than I..

Compound – Complex SentenceCompound – Complex Sentence2 independent clauses with 1 or more 2 independent clauses with 1 or more

subordinate clauses.subordinate clauses.(notice commas – based on clause order)(notice commas – based on clause order)

The cat chased the mouse, but the The cat chased the mouse, but the mouse got away because the dog mouse got away because the dog didn’t help at all. didn’t help at all.

Because the dog was asleep on the Because the dog was asleep on the floor, the mouse got away, and the floor, the mouse got away, and the cat was very disappointed.cat was very disappointed.

THE END!!!THE END!!!

Updated 8-26-15