Understanding Sentence Structure

Complete Sentences

Overview of Sentences

  • Sentences are built from clauses, which are foundational components in the structure of English grammar.

Definition of a Clause

  • A clause is a grammatical unit that consists of a subject and a predicate.

Types of Clauses

Independent Clauses

  • An independent clause (also known as a main clause) is a clause that can stand alone as a complete sentence.

    • Characteristics:

    • Can serve as its own sentence.

    • Can combine with other clauses to form more intricate sentences.

    • Definition: An independent clause represents the simplest form of a complete sentence.

Dependent Clauses

  • A dependent clause (or subordinate clause) is an incomplete thought and cannot function as a standalone sentence.

    • Formation: A dependent clause is created by attaching a subordinating conjunction to an independent clause.

Subordinating Conjunctions

  • Subordinating Conjunctions are specific words that connect dependent clauses to independent clauses. They can be remembered using the acronym SWABI, which stands for:

    • Since

    • When

    • After

    • Because

    • If

  • Note: There are many other subordinating conjunctions beyond those outlined in SWABI.

List of 50 Subordinating Conjunctions

  1. after

  2. although

  3. as

  4. as if

  5. as long as

  6. as much as

  7. as soon as

  8. as though

  9. because

  10. before

  11. even

  12. even if

  13. even though

  14. if

  15. if only

  16. if when

  17. if then

  18. inasmuch

  19. in order that

  20. just as

  21. lest

  22. now

  23. now since

  24. now when

  25. now that

  26. once

  27. provided

  28. provided that

  29. rather than

  30. since

  31. so that

  32. supposing

  33. than

  34. that

  35. though

  36. till

  37. unless

  38. until

  39. when

  40. whenever

  41. where

  42. where if

  43. wherever

  44. which

  45. whether

  46. who

  47. whoever

  48. why

  49. now that

  50. after they drank the fruit punch

Organizing Sentences Based on Clauses

  • The organization of sentences can be viewed through the perspective of clauses:

    • IC represents an independent clause, a simple sentence.

    • IC + IC forms a compound sentence.

    • IC + DC creates a complex sentence.

    • IC + IC + DC results in a compound-complex sentence.

Types of Sentences

Simple Sentences

  • A simple sentence consists solely of one independent clause.

    • Examples:

    • Dave is allergic to cats.

    • Aardvarks frighten me.

    • Chainsaws are hard to juggle.

Compound Sentences

  • A compound sentence is formed by joining two independent clauses using a coordinating conjunction (often remembered with the acronym FANBOYS, which includes for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).

    • Additionally, semicolons can be used to connect the clauses.

    • Examples:

    • Sara is taller than Sue, and Fred is shorter than everyone.

    • My dog chases cars all day, but he is still fat.

Complex Sentences

  • A complex sentence consists of an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses connected to it.

    • Examples:

    • While I was driving, I saw a dinosaur on the side of the road.

    • Since he is allergic to dogs, he doesn’t own any pets.

Compound-Complex Sentences

  • A compound-complex sentence is composed of two independent clauses alongside one or more dependent clauses.

    • Example:

    • Although I like