Sentence Structure

Sentence StructureFlip ChartCreate a Sentence Structure flip chart. Write the title on the first tab. Label each tab after: ClausesSimpleCompoundComplexCompound-Complex

ClausesA 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 SentencesA 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. SVVExamples Prepositional PhraseThis 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 - ADVSlowly, he opened the package. ADV , S V Compound SentencesA 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

ExamplesThe 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 SentencesA complex sentence consists of one independent clause and one or more subordinate clauses. Subordinating Conjunctions Begin Subordinate Clauses afteralthoughasas long asas soon asbecausebeforeeven ifjust asnowoncesinceso thatthanthoughunlessuntilwhenwheneverwherewhereaswhere ifwhereverwhetherwhilewhoeverwhy

Relative Pronouns Begin Subordinate Clauses thatwhowhomwhose which

ExamplesThis is the expensive camera that he wants to buy.

If I visit the country fair, I will bring you something. Compound-Complex SentencesA compound-complex sentence consists of two or more independent clauses and one or more subordinate clauses.

ExamplesIf 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.