English Sentence Structures

Independent Clause

A full thought that can stand alone. | Quick Rule: Subject + Verb = Complete Sentence

Dependent Clause

An incomplete thought that cannot stand alone. | Quick Rule: Subordinating Word + Subject + Verb

Simple Sentence

A sentence with only one complete thought. | Quick Rule: 1 IC

Compound Sentence

Two complete thoughts joined together. | Quick Rule: IC + , + FANBOYS + IC OR IC ; IC

Complex Sentence

One complete thought joined with at least 1 (or more) incomplete thought. | Quick Rule: 1 IC + 1+ DC

Compound-Complex Sentence

At least two complete thoughts and at least one incomplete thought. | Quick Rule: 2+ IC + 1+ DC

Comma Splice

Incorrectly joining two complete thoughts with only a comma. | Quick Rule: IC , IC | MSS: Add a coordinating conjunction or replace the comma with a period.

Run-on Sentence

Improperly joining two complete thoughts without correct punctuation or connectors. | Quick Rule: IC Coordinating Conjunction IC | MSS: Add a comma or add a period.

GENERAL CATAGORY OF FUSED SENTENCE AND COMMA SPLICE.

Fused Sentence

Smushing two complete thoughts together with no punctuation at all. | Quick Rule: IC IC. | MSS: Add a subordinating conjunction and a comma or add a period.

Subject

Who or what is doing the action or being described. | Quick Rule: Who / What.

Must be clearly and explicitly stated.

Predicate

What the subject does or is (the action part) and what is attached to it. | Quick Rule: Verb + Details

Must be clearly and explicitly stated.

Subordinating Conjunction

A word or phrase that connects a dependent clause (an incomplete thought) to an independent clause (a complete sentence) through a specific relationship.

• Cause and Effect: because, since, as, so that, now that

• Time: after, before, when, while, until, whenever, once

• Condition: if, unless, provided that, even if

• Contrast / Concession: although, even though, though, whereas

• Place: where, wherever