THE CLAUSE
A clause is a group of words that has a subject and a verb or predicate . It maybe independent or dependent .
An independent or principal clause is a group of words with a subject and a predicate that expresses a complete thought .
A dependent or subordinate clause cannot stand alone as a sentence . It functions as a sentence part and depends on another clause or the rest of the sentence to complete its meaning . A dependent clause is usually introduced by subordinators .
Subordinators are conjunctions that connect a subordinate or dependent clause to an independent or principal clause . They join elements of unequal grammatical rank e. g. a less important idea to a more important idea. They introduce these subordinate clause and link it to the main clause in order to show clearly the relation between the clause that are linked .
Example :
Although I hated Mathematics , I poured over my Algebra lessons diligently in order to pass the exam .
Another group of conjunction includes those that join two ideas that have equal rank or degree of importance . These conjunctions which are called coordinators link ideas that are parallel in structure . Coordinators are also classified into four depending on the kind of meaning they convey or relationship they indicate .
Addition : and
Contrast : but , yet
Alternation : or , nor
Reason : so , far
THE SENTENCE
A sentence is a single word or group of related words that expresses a thought more or less complete in itself . It may state a fact or an opinion , ask a question , express a wish or command , or convey an exclamation or interjection .
1. The simple subject is the main noun or noun substitute in the sentence . It is what basically spoken off .
Several buildings have crumbled as a result of the earthquake .
2. A sentence may have a compound subject .
Inserts and diseases are the major enemies of trees.
3. The complete subject consists of the simple subject and all the words that modify it .
One of my friends is stationed aboard a nuclear submarine .
THE PREDICATE
The predicate is the word or phrase which expresses what is said about the subject . It consists of the verb , together with such words as may be needed to complete its meaning .
1. The simple predicate refers to the verb in the sentence .
Janice jogs half an hour each morning before school .
2. The compound predicate consists of two or more verbs .
Mrs. Cruz once ran a chicken farm and operated a machine shop .
3. The complete predicate consists of the simple predicate and that which modifies it and completes its meaning .
Joel bring smiles the children’s face .
SENTENCE FRAGMENTS
A sentence fragment refers to a group of words without a verb or without a subject . It usually fails to tell who did something , what was done to someone or something , what happened a sin the following examples .
After the lighting struck a tree near the road .
Whenever Mom goes on a business trip and leaves us alone .
CHOPPY SENTENCES
When a series of very short yet closely related sentences are written consecutively to convey only one big idea , the result is a comedy .
Weak : She looks frail . She seems weak . She appears so vulnerable . She is wearing a black evening gown .
Better : She seems frail , weak and so vulnerable in her black evening gown .
RUN – ON SENTENCE
If two or more sentences are written as one with a comma , or no mark between them , the result is called a run – on sentence .
Faulty : “ Did you really fall from a tree and break your arm how in the world did that happen ?
Right : Did you really fall from a tree and break your arm ? How in the world did that happen ?
Faulty : My friend Tess reads three books a week . I am lucky to read one every two or three hours .
Right : My friend reads three books a week . I am lucky to read one every two or three weeks .
Sentences According to Structure
According to their structure - simple , compound , complex and compound complex .
1. Simple Sentence . A simple sentence contains only one independent clause and no dependent clause . It may have a simple or compound subject and a simple or compound predicate .
Examples :
Cora and her friends will decorate the stage .
Cora will decorate the stage and distribute the invitation .
2. Compound Sentence . A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction. Some of the coordinating conjunction or connectives used in a compound sentence are : and , also , but yet , still , beside , furthermore , either … or , neither … nor , not only .. but also .
- A compound sentence may also be formed with a punctuation mark like a comma or a semi – colon between the clauses , without the need for a conjunction .
Examples :
Set your alarm or you will be late for school tomorrow .
The telephone rang but no one answered .
Man proposes ; God disposes.
Please ring me up in an hour ; by then I can give you a definite answer .
3. Complex Sentence . A complex sentence consists of one independent and one or more dependent clauses connected by a subordinator .
Examples :
If you can’t make a mistake , you can’t make anything .
Eventhough the water was cold , the dog swam to the other side of the lake .
4. Compound – Complex Sentence . A compound complex sentence contains two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses .
Examples :
I never saw a busier person that the First Lady seemed to be , yet it was difficult to say what she did .
Leaves can make sugar out of water and air , but no one knows how they do this .
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