2. Typesof sentences
ON THE BASEOF STRUCTURE
Structurally: sentences are of four types:
•Simple sentence
•Compound sentence
•Complex sentence, and
•Compound-complex sentence.
• Simple sentence
A simple sentence must have a single clause (a single verb) which is
independent, and it cannot take another clause.
• Example:
– I always wanted to become a writer. (One clause – one verb)
3. Compound sentence
A compound sentence must have more than one independent clause with no
dependent clauses. Some specific conjunctions, punctuation, or both are used to join
together these clauses.
Example:
I always wanted to become a writer, and she wanted to become a doctor. (Two
independent clauses – two verbs)
Complex sentence
A complex sentence also has more than one clause but of one them must be an
independent clause and the other/others must be (a) dependent clause(es).
There are also some particular connectors for the clauses of a complex sentence
to be connected.
Example:
I know that you always wanted to be a writer. (Here, a dependent clause is
followed by a connector and an independent clause. The other way around is
also possible.)
4. Compound-complex sentence:
A compound-complex sentence (or complex–compound
sentence) is a mixture of the features of compound and
complex sentences in one sentence. So, it must contain at least
two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.
Example:
I know that you always wanted to become a writer, but I always
wanted to become a doctor. (Here, one dependent clause is
followed by a complex connector and two independent clauses
with a compound conjunction between them.)
5. CLAUSEANDITSTYPES
• A clause is a group of words containing a
subject and predicate and functioning as a
member of a compex or compound sentence.
• Example :
• I graduated last year. (one clause suntence)
• When I come here, I saw him. (two clause
sentence)
• When I come here, I saw him, and he greeted
me. (three clause sentence)
6. TYPESOF CLAUSE
• Two types.
• INDEPENDENT CLAUSE.
• DEPENDENT CLAUSE.
• Devides into three
» ADJECTIVE CLAUSE.
» NOUN CLAUSE.
» ADVERBIAL CLAUSE.
• Other clauses
• Principal clause.
• Coordinate clause.
• non-finate clause.
7. INDEPENDENTCLAUSE
• It function on its own to make a meaningful
sentence and look much like a regular sentence.
• In a sentence two independent clauses can be
connected by the coordinators: and, but, so, or,
nor, for, *yet*.
• EXAMPLE:
• can you do it?
• I want to buy a phone, but I don,t have enough
money. ( two independent clauses)
8. Dependent clause
• It cannot function on its own because it leaves
an idea or thought unfinished. It is also called
a subordinate clause. These help the
independent clauses complete the sentence.
Alone, it cannot form a complete sentence.
• Example:
• When I was dating Daina, I had an
accident.
• I know the man who stole the watch.
9. Dependent Clauses are divided into
three types and they are
• 1. Adjective Clause:
• It is a Dependent Clause that modifies a Noun. These
are also called Relative Clauses and they usually sit right
after the Nouns they modify.
• Examples:
• I’m looking for the red book that went
missing last week.
• Finn is asking for the shoes which used to
belong to his dad.
10. 2. Noun Clause
Dependent Clauses acting as Nouns in sentences are called Noun
Clauses or Nominal Clauses. These often start with “how,” “that,”
other WH-words (What, Who, Where, When, Why, Which, Whose
and Whom), if, whether etc.
Examples:
•I like what I hear.
•You need to express that it’s crossing a line for you.
3. Adverbial Clause
By definition, these are Dependent Clauses acting as Adverbs. It
means that these clauses have the power to modify Verbs, Adjectives
and other Adverbs.
Examples:
•Alice did the dishes till her legs gave up.
•Tina ran to the point of panting vehemently.
11. Principal Clause:
These have a Subject (Noun/Pronoun), Finite Verb and an Object and make full
sentences that can stand alone or act as the main part of any Complex or
Compound Sentence. Independent and Principal Clauses are functionally the
same but named from different perspectives.
Examples:
•I know that boy.
•He can jog every morning.
•Robin fishes like a pro.
Coordinate Clause:
Two or more similarly important Independent Clauses joined by Coordinating
Conjunctions (and, or, but etc.) in terms of Compound Sentences are called
Coordinate Clauses.
Examples:
•I like taking photos and he loves posing for them.
•You prefer flying but she always wants to take a bus.
•We are going to visit Terry or he is coming over.
12. Non-finite Clause:
They contain a Participle or an Infinitive Verb that makes the
Subject and Verb evident even though hidden. In terms of a
Participle, the Participial Phrase takes place of the Subject or
Object of the sentence.
Examples:
•He saw the boy (who was) staring out of the window.
•She is the first person (who is) to enter the office.
•Hearing the fireworks, the children jumped up.
13. PHRASE
• Small group of words that add meanings to a
sentence.
It is not a sentence as it does not convey a
complete sense.
It has no subject verb or predicate
It cannot stand alone.
Example. In the class behind the room.
