Sunday, August 31, 2008

the clause

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 :

Sharon will decorate the stage .

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 .