sentence structure homework

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Sentence Structure

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These OWL resources offer information and exercises on how to clarify sentences and specifically discuss sentence clauses, sentence fragments, sentence structure, and subject-verb agreement.

Sentence Clauses: Independent and Dependent Clauses

This resource provides exercises on the differences between independent and dependent clauses that you may print. Once you print the exercise, identify and correct the misuse of these clauses. Click the "Go to Answers" link to see the answers for this exercise.

Sentence Fragments

This resource includes three exercises on fragments of increasing difficulty that ask you to identify and correct sentence fragments. You may print the exercises and correct the errors by filling in the blank with the appropriate ending. Click the "Go to Answers" link to see the answers for this exercise.

This exercise in this resource asks you to apply your knowledge about common errors in sentence structure: run-ons, commas splices, and fused sentences. Print the exercise and fuse together sentences appropriately, avoiding run-ons, comma splices, and fused sentences. Click the "Go to Answers" link to see the answers for this exercise.

Subject-Verb Agreement

This resource includes an exercise that asks you to identify the correct verb in a sentence that you may print. Once you print the exercise, correct the errors. Click the "Go to Answers" link to see the answers for this exercise.

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Sentence structure worksheets.

Learning sentence structure will help students master punctuation and write better sentences with a greater confidence. Here are a variety of worksheets to help students master sentence structure. Begin by working on subjects, predicates, and objects, and then move on to clauses. I hope this helps.

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Sentences Worksheets

Writing proper sentences.

These grammar worksheets help students write proper sentences , beginning with simple sentences and extending through compound and complex sentences in various tenses.

Kindergarten sentences worksheets

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Grade 2 sentences worksheets

• Rewrite fragments as full sentences
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Grade 4 sentences worksheets

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Sample sentences Worksheet

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Reading Worksheets, Spelling, Grammar, Comprehension, Lesson Plans

Sentence Structure Worksheets

Sentences are really simple things. They have a subject and predicate, and they express a complete thought. That’s the basic sentence, but there is much more to understanding and writing one. A student needs to understand how words, phrases, and clauses are used to enhance the meaning and clarity of a sentence. Below are worksheet categories on the structure of sentences. They include diagramming worksheets, sentence building, parallel construction, and sentence types. Click on the category name to view a list of the worksheets. These are free for home or classroom use. After viewing our sentence structure activities please check out all of our grammar worksheets .

Diagramming Sentences Worksheets

Sentence Building

Types of Sentences Worksheets

Sentence Structure: A Complete Guide (With Examples & Tasks)

This article is part of the ultimate guide to language for teachers and students. Click the buttons below to view these.

  A TEACHER’S GUIDE TO SENTENCE STRUCTURE

This article aims to inform teachers and students about writing great sentences for all text types and genres. I would also recommend reading our complete guide to writing a great paragraph here. Both articles will find great advice, teaching ideas, and resources.

WHAT IS SENTENCE STRUCTURE?

When we talk about ‘sentence structure’, we are discussing the various elements of a sentence and how these elements are organized on the page to convey the desired effect of the author.

Writing well in terms of sentence structure requires our students to become familiar with various elements of grammar and the various types of sentences that exist in English.

In this article, we will explore these areas and discuss various ideas and activities you can use in the classroom to help your students on the road to mastering these different sentence structures. This will help make their writing more precise and interesting in the process.

TYPES OF SENTENCE STRUCTURE

In English, students need to get their heads around four types of sentences. They are:

Mastering these four types of sentences will enable students to articulate themselves effectively and with personality and style.

Achieving this necessarily takes plenty of practice, but the process begins with ensuring that each student has a firm grasp on how each type of sentence structure works.

But, before we examine these different types of structures, we must ensure our students understand the difference between independent and dependent clauses. Understanding clauses and how they work will make it much easier for students to grasp the following types of sentences.

A COMPLETE UNIT ON TEACHING SENTENCE STRUCTURE

This complete  SENTENCE STRUCTURE UNIT  is designed to take students from zero to hero over  FIVE STRATEGIC LESSONS  to improve  SENTENCE WRITING SKILLS  through  PROVEN TEACHING STRATEGIES covering:

SENTENCE CLAUSES

Teaching sentence clauses requires a deep understanding of the topic and an ability to explain it in an engaging and easy way for students to understand. In this article, we’ll discuss the basics of sentence clauses and provide some tips for teaching them to students.

What are Sentence Clauses?

A sentence clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb. It can be a complete sentence on its own or a part of a larger sentence. There are two types of sentence clauses: independent and dependent.

Independent Clauses

Put simply; clauses are parts of a sentence containing a verb. An independent clause can stand by itself as a complete sentence. It expresses a complete thought or idea and includes a subject and a verb  – more on this shortly!

Here’s an example of an independent clause in a sentence:

“I went to the store.”

In this sentence, “I went to the store” is an independent clause because it can stand alone as a complete sentence and expresses a complete thought. It has a subject (“I”) and a verb (“went”), and it can be punctuated with a period.

Dependent Clauses / Subordinate Clauses

Dependent clauses, on the other hand, are not complete sentences and cannot stand by themselves. They do not express a complete idea. To become complete, they must be attached to an independent clause. Dependent clauses are also known as subordinate clauses .

An excellent way to illustrate the difference between the two is by providing an example that contains both.

For example:

Even though I am tired, I am going to work tonight.

The non-underlined portion of the sentence doesn’t work as a sentence on its own, so it is a dependent clause. The underlined portion of the sentence could operate as a sentence in its own right, and it is, therefore, an independent clause. 

Now we’ve got clauses out of the way, we’re ready to look at each type of sentence in turn.

Teaching sentence clauses to students is essential because it helps them understand sentence structure. Understanding the structure of sentences is essential for effective writing and communication. It also helps students to identify and correct common errors in their writing, such as sentence fragments and run-on sentences.

Simple Sentences

Simple sentences are, unsurprisingly, the easiest type of sentence for students to grasp and construct for themselves. Often these types of sentences will be the first sentences that children write by themselves, following the well-known Subject – Verb – Object or SVO pattern.

The subject of the sentence will be the noun that begins the sentence. This may be a person, place, or thing, but most importantly, it is the doer of the action in the sentence.

The action itself will be encapsulated by the verb, which is the action word that describes what the doer does.

The object of the sentence follows the verb and describes that which receives the action.

This is again best illustrated by an example. Take a look at the simple sentence below:

Tom ate many cookies.

In this easy example, the doer of the action is Tom , the action is ate , and the receiver of the action is the many cookies .

Subject = Tom

Object = many cookies

After some practice, students will become adept at recognizing SVO sentences and forming their own. It’s also important to point out that simple sentences don’t necessarily have to be short.

This research reveals that an active lifestyle can have a great impact for the good on the life expectancy of the average person.

Despite this sentence looking more sophisticated (and longer!), this is still a simple sentence as it follows the SVO structure:

Subject = research

Verb = reveals

Object = that an active lifestyle can have a great impact for the good on the life expectancy of the average person.

Though basic in construction, it is essential to note that a simple sentence is often the perfect structure for dealing with complex ideas. Simple sentences can effectively provide clarity and efficiency of expression, breaking down complex concepts into manageable chunks.

MORE SIMPLE SENTENCE EXAMPLES

• She ran to the store.
• The sun is shining.
• He likes to read books.
• The cat is sleeping.
• I am happy.

Simple Sentence Reinforcement Activity

To ensure your students grasp the simple sentence structure, have them read a photocopied text pitched at a language level suited to their age and ability.

On the first run-through, have students identify and highlight simple sentences in the text. Then, students should use various colors of pens to pick out and underline the subject, the verb, and the object in each sentence.

This activity helps ensure a clear understanding of how this structure works and helps to internalize it. This will reap rich rewards for students when they come to the next stage, and it’s time for them to write their own sentences using this basic pattern.

After students have mastered combining subjects, verbs, and objects into both long and short sentences, they will be ready to move on to the other three types of sentences, the next of which is the compound sentence .

EXAMPLES OF SIMPLE, COMPLEX AND COMPOUND SENTENCES

COMPOUND SENTENCE S

While simple sentences consist of one clause with a subject and a verb, compound sentences combine at least two independent clauses that are joined together with a coordinating conjunction .

There’s a helpful acronym to help students remember these coordinating conjunctions; FANBOYS .

Some conjunctions will be more frequently used than others, with the most commonly used being and , but , or , and so .

Whichever of the conjunctions the student chooses, it will connect the two halves of the compound sentence – each of which could stand alone as a complete sentence.

Compound sentences are an essential way of bringing variety and rhythm to a piece of writing. The decision to join two sentences together into one longer compound sentence is made because there is a strong relationship between the two. Still, it is important to remind students that they need not necessarily be joined as they can remain as separate sentences.

The decision to join or not is often a stylistic one.

For example, the two simple sentences:

1. She ran to the school.

2. The school was closed.

It can be easily joined together with a coordinating conjunction that reveals an essential relationship between the two:

She ran to the school, but the school was closed.

As a bonus, while working on compound sentences, a convenient opportunity arises to introduce the correct usage of the semicolon. Often, where two clauses are joined with a conjunction, that conjunction can be replaced with a semicolon when the two parts of the sentence are related, for example:

She ran to the school; the school was closed.

While you may not wish to muddy the waters by introducing the semicolon while dealing with compound sentences, more advanced students may benefit from making the link here.

MORE COMPOUND SENTENCE EXAMPLES

• I want to go to the beach this weekend, but I also need to finish my homework.
• She loves to sing and dance, so she decided to audition for the school musical.
• I enjoy reading books, and my brother prefers to watch movies.
• The dog barked at the mailman, and the mailman quickly walked away.
• He ate his breakfast, and then he went for a run in the park.

Reinforcement Activity:

A good way for students to practice forming compound sentences is to provide them with copies of simple books from early on in a reading scheme. Books for emergent readers are often written in simple sentences that form repetitive patterns that help children internalize various language patterns.

Challenge your students to rewrite some of these texts using compound sentences where appropriate. This will provide valuable practice in spotting such opportunities in their writing and experience in selecting the appropriate conjunction.

COMPLEX SENTENCES

There are various ways to construct complex sentences, but essentially any complex sentence will contain at least one independent and one dependent clause. However, these clauses are not joined by coordinating conjunctions. Instead, subordinating conjunctions are used.

Here are some examples of subordinating conjunctions:

●     after

●     although

●     as

●     as long as

●     because

●     before

●     even if

●     if

●     in order to

●     in case

●     once

●     that

●     though

●     until

●     when

●     whenever

●     wherever

●     while

Subordinating conjunctions join dependent and independent clauses together. They provide a transition between the two ideas in the sentence. This transition will involve a time, place, or a cause and effect relationship. The more important idea is contained in the sentence’s main clause, while the less important idea is introduced by the subordinating conjunction.

Although Catherine ran to school , she didn’t get there in time.

We can see that the first part of this complex sentence (in bold ) is a dependent clause that cannot stand alone. This fragment begins with the subordinating conjunction ‘although’ which joins it to, and expresses the relationship with, the independent clause which follows.

When complex sentences are organized this way (with the dependent clause first), you’ll note the comma separates the dependent clause from the independent clause. If the structure is reorganized to place the independent clause first, with the dependent clause following, then there is no need for this comma.

You will not do well if you refuse to study.

Complex sentences can be great tools for students to not only bring variety to their writing but to explore complex ideas, set up comparisons and contrasts, and convey cause and effect.

MORE COMPLEX SENTENCE EXAMPLES

• Despite feeling exhausted from a long day at work, she still managed to summon the energy to cook a delicious dinner for her family.
• In order to fully appreciate the beauty of the artwork, one must take the time to examine it closely and consider the artist’s intentions.
• The new student, who had just moved to the city from a small town, felt overwhelmed by the size and complexity of her new school.
• Although he had studied diligently for weeks, he was still nervous about the upcoming exam, knowing that his entire future depended on his performance.
• As the sun began to set, the birds flew back to their nests, signalling the end of another day and the beginning of a peaceful evening.

Reinforcement Activity

A helpful way to practice writing complex sentences is to provide students with a subordinating conjunction and dependent clause and challenge them to provide a suitable independent clause to finish out the sentence.

After returning home for work,…

Although it was late,…

You may also flip this and provide the independent clause first before challenging them to come up with a suitable dependent clause and subordinating conjunction to finish out the sentence.

Daily Quick Writes For All Text Types

Our FUN DAILY QUICK WRITE TASKS will teach your students the fundamentals of CREATIVE WRITING across all text types. Packed with 52 ENGAGING ACTIVITIES

COMPOUND-COMPLEX SENTENCES

Compound-complex sentences are, not surprisingly, the most difficult for students to write well. If, however, your students have put the work in to gain a firm grasp of the preceding three sentence types, then they should manage these competently with a bit of practice.

Before teaching compound-complex sentences, it’ll be worth asking your students if they can make an educated guess at a definition of this type of sentence based on its title alone.

The more astute among your students may well be able to work out that a compound-complex sentence refers to joining a compound sentence with a complex one. More accurately, a compound-complex sentence combines at least two independent clauses and one dependent clause.

Since the school was closed, Sarah ran home and her mum made her some breakfast.

We can see here the sentence begins with a dependent clause followed by a compound sentence. We can also see a complex sentence nestled there if we look at the bracketed content in the version below.

( Since the school was closed, Sarah ran home ) and her mum made her some breakfast.

This is a fairly straightforward example of complex sentences, but they can come in lots of guises, containing lots more information while still conforming to the compound-complex structure.

Because most visitors to the city regularly miss out on the great bargains available here, local companies endeavor to attract tourists to their businesses and help them understand how to access the best deals the capital has to offer.

A lot is going on in this sentence, but it follows the same structure as the previous one on closer examination. That is, it opens with a dependent clause (that starts with subordinating conjunction) and is then followed by a compound sentence.

With practice, your students will soon be able to quickly identify these more sophisticated types of sentences and produce their own examples.

Compound-complex sentences can bring variety to a piece of writing and help articulate complex things. However, it is essential to encourage students to pay particular attention to the placement of commas in these sentences to ensure readers do not get confused. Encourage students to proofread all their writing, especially when writing longer, more structurally sophisticated sentences such as these.

MORE COMPOUND-COMPLEX SENTENCE EXAMPLES

• Despite the fact that he was exhausted from his long day at work, he went to the gym and completed a gruelling hour-long workout, but he still managed to make it home in time for dinner with his family.
• The orchestra played beautifully, filling the concert hall with their harmonious melodies, yet the soloist stole the show with her hauntingly beautiful rendition of the final movement.
• Although the road was treacherous and steep, the hiker persevered through the difficult terrain, and after several hours, she reached the summit and was rewarded with a breathtaking view of the valley below.
• The chef prepared a mouth-watering feast, consisting of a savory roast beef, a colorful array of fresh vegetables, and a decadent chocolate cake for dessert, yet the dinner party was still overshadowed by the heated political debate.
• After a long and tiring day, the student sat down to study for her final exam, but she couldn’t concentrate because her mind was consumed with worries about her future, so she decided to take a break and go for a run to clear her head.

Regenerate response

You could begin reinforcing student understanding of compound-complex sentences by providing them with a handout featuring several examples of this type of sentence.

Working in pairs or small groups, have the students identify and mark the independent clauses (more than 1) and dependent clauses (at least 1) in each sentence. When students can do this confidently, they can then begin to attempt to compose their own sentences.

Another good activity that works well as a summary of sentence structure work is to provide the students with a collection of jumbled sentences of each of the four types.

Challenge the students to sort the sentences into each of the four types. In a plenary, compare each group’s findings and examine those sentences where the groups disagreed on their categorization.

In teaching sentence structure, it is essential to emphasize to our students that though the terminology may seem quite daunting at first, they will quickly come to understand how each structure works and recognize them when they come across them in a text.

Much of this is often done by feel, especially for native English speakers. Just as someone may be a competent cyclist and struggle to explain the process verbally, grammar can sometimes feel like a barrier to doing.

Be sure to make lots of time for students to bridge the gap between the theoretical and the practical by offering opportunities to engage in activities that allow students to get creative in producing their own sentences.

WRITING CHECKLISTS FOR ALL TEXT TYPES

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WHAT IS A SENTENCE FRAGMENT?

A sentence fragment is a collection of words that looks similar to a sentence but actually isn’t a complete sentence. Sentence fragments usually lack a subject or verb or don’t express a complete thought. Whilst a fragmented sentence can be punctuated to appear similar to a complete sentence; it is no substitute for a sentence.

Sentence fragment features:

These are the distinguishing features of a sentence fragment:

• Example: Jumped further than a Kangaroo. (Who jumped?)
• Example: My favorite math teacher.  (What did the teacher do or say?)
• Example: For better or worse.  (What is better or worse? What is it modifying?)
• Example: When my mother married my father.  (What happened when “my mother married my father?”)
• Example: Such as, my brother was practising martial arts.  (It is unclear; did something happen when my brother was practising martial arts?)

The methods for correcting a sentence fragment are varied, but essentially it will boil down to three options. Either attach it to a nearby sentence, revise and add the missing elements or rewrite the entire passage or fragment until they are operating in sync with each other.

Let’s explore some of these methods to fix a fragmented sentence. Firstly, one must identify the subject and verb to ensure that the fragment contains the necessary components of a complete sentence. For instance, in the sentence “Running down the street, I saw a dog,” the subject (“I”) and verb (“saw”) are present, making it a complete sentence.

Furthermore, it is important to check for a complete thought within the sentence fragment. In other words, the fragment should express a complete idea; if it doesn’t, it should be revised accordingly. An example of a sentence fragment with a complete thought is “Running down the street, I saw a dog chasing a cat.”

Lastly, combining sentence fragments with independent clauses can help create complete sentences. For instance, “Running down the street, I saw a dog. It was chasing a cat” can be combined into one sentence: “Running down the street, I saw a dog chasing a cat.” This not only creates a complete sentence but also enhances the overall coherence and readability of the text.

In summary, sentence fragments can hinder effective communication and must be avoided in writing. To fix a sentence fragment, one must identify the subject and verb, ensure a complete thought is expressed, and consider combining it with an independent clause. By doing so, writers can create clear, concise, and meaningful sentences that easily convey their intended message.

TOP TIPS FOR TEACHING SENTENCE STRUCTURE

• Start with the basics: Begin by teaching students about the different parts of a sentence, such as subject, verb, and object. Use examples and visual aids to help them understand the function of each part.
• Use varied sentence structures: Show students examples of different sentence structures, such as simple, compound, and complex sentences. Please encourage them to use varied sentence structures in their writing.
• Practice with sentence combining: Give students several short, simple sentences and ask them to combine them into a longer sentence using conjunctions or other connecting words. This exercise will help them understand how to construct complex sentences.
• Use real-life examples: Incorporate examples from everyday life to help students understand how sentence structure affects meaning. For example, “I saw the man with the telescope” and “I saw the man, with the telescope” have different meanings due to the placement of the comma.
• Provide feedback: Give students feedback on their writing, focusing on the structure of their sentences. Encourage them to revise and improve their writing by experimenting with different sentence structures. Please provide specific examples of how they can improve their sentence structure.

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Let's study sentence structure!

What do you think of when you hear the word structure ? 

I think of builders and architects planning the parts of a building and figuring out how all of the elements will fit together in the final product.

You and I might not build buildings, but we do build sentences. We can think of ourselves as word architects, and word architects need to study sentence structure so that they know what possibilities sentences hold.

That way, we can learn to vary our sentences, which will make our writing more engaging, and we can make sure that our sentences are grammatically correct. 

But before we get to studying sentence structure, have you ever stopped to think about what a sentence actually is? 

A sentence is a group of words, with both a subject and a verb, that expresses a complete thought. Sentences make it easy to understand ideas and learn information.

We can categorize sentences based on different criteria, and one way to categorize them is based on their structure.

What are clauses and why are they important?

When I say that we're looking at a sentence's structure, what we're really looking at is what combination of independent clauses and dependent clauses a sentence has. Because of that, it's important that you know a little bit about clauses before we get started.

Clauses are groups of words with both a subject and a verb. There are two main types of clauses.

• Independent clauses are clauses that can stand alone as complete thoughts. 

I teach grammar is an  independent clause. It contains a subject (I ), a verb ( teach ), and it expresses a complete thought.

• Dependent clauses are clauses that cannot stand alone as complete thoughts. 

Because I teach grammar  is a dependent clause. It contains a subject ( I ), a verb ( teach ), and it does not express a complete thought.

Okay...back to sentence structure...

When we categorize sentences based on structure (different combinations of independent and dependent clauses), we find that there are four sentence structures. Let's learn about each one! 

The Four Sentence Structures

1. simple sentences.

A simple sentence contains only one independent clause.

I kicked the ball.

Remember that an independent clause is a group of words that has both a subject and a verb, and expresses a complete thought.

I'll use sentence diagrams to show you what these different sentence structures look like because the diagrams really SHOW you the different structures! Here is a sentence diagram of a simple sentence. Note that there is only one horizontal line.

• I kicked the ball is an independent clause. It contains a subject ( I ) and a verb ( kicked ), and it expresses a complete thought. 

Let's look at something that can cause confusion: simple sentences contain one subject and verb, but both or either of those things can be compound. ("Compound" means that something is made up of two or more elements.) 

Look at the diagram below and note that the sentence has a compound subject ( Lewis, Alice ) and a compound verb ( played, read ).  

Lewis and Alice played in the backyard and read in the house. 

In the diagram above, the compound elements are on separate horizontal lines, but there is just one spot where the main horizontal line meets the vertical line. This shows us that it's still a simple sentence; it just has compound elements . 

Speaking of compound things, let's learn about compound sentences!

2. Compound Sentences 

A compound sentence contains at least two independent clauses.

I kicked the ball, and it hit Tom.

These clauses are joined by a coordinating conjunction or a semicolon. (When you join two independent clauses with only a comma, it's a mistake called a  comma splice .)

A coordinating conjunction  ( for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so ) is a word that glues sentence elements (words, phrases, clauses) together that are the same. 

Here's a sentence diagram of a compound sentence. Note that there are now two horizontal lines, and one is directly below the other.

• I kicked the ball  is an independent clause.
• It hit Tom  is also an independent clause. 
• And is a coordinating conjunction joining the two independent clauses. 
• I kicked the ball, and it hit Tom  is a compound sentence. 

Remember that some sentences ( Jeremy and I kicked the ball .) might seem like they're compound if they have compound elements ( Jeremy and I ), but they're actually simple. 

Psst! Did you know?

In order to be a complete sentence, a group of words needs to contain a subject and a verb, and it needs to express a complete thought.

If a group of words is missing any of that information, it's probably a sentence fragment , and if you have a group of words containing two or more independent clauses that are not properly punctuated, it's probably a run-on sentence .

3. Complex Sentences

A complex sentence contains a subordinate clause and an independent clause.

Tom cried because the ball hit him.

A subordinate clause is a group of words that has a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought.

Here's a sentence diagram of a complex sentence. Note that there are still two horizontal lines, but one of them is below the other and moved to the right.

• Tom cried  is an independent clause. 
• Because the ball hit him  is a dependent adverb clause modifying the verb cried . 
• Tom cried because the ball hit him is a complex sentence.

Sometimes, it can be hard for people to tell the difference between compound sentences and complex sentences, and a sentence's structures can be changed by swapping out just one word!  You can learn more about that here .  

4. Compound-Complex Sentences 

A compound-complex sentence  is just what it seems like it would be. :) It's basically a combination of a compound sentence and a complex sentence. You know what that means, right? It means that these guys contain at least two independent clauses and at least one subordinate clause.

Tom cried because the ball hit him, and I apologized immediately.

Here's a diagram of a compound-complex sentence. Note that it's a hybrid of a compound sentence and a complex sentence! Two of the horizontal lines are directly above and below each other and the third is hanging out there in the middle.

• Tom cried and  I apologized immediately  are both independent clauses. They're being joined by the conjunction and. 
• Because the ball hit him is a dependent adverb clause modifying the verb  cried. 
• The whole sentence is a compound-complex sentence. 

Now you have a great understanding of sentence structure! Be sure to sign up for our free bi-weekly newsletter so that we can keep in touch! 

Why is this important?

Okay, now you know about simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences, but you might be wondering why this information is even important. Here are 9 things understanding sentence structure will do help you do:

• Write with clarity.  Writing with an understanding of sentence structure helps you present you ideas clearly. This means that you'll be able to communicate your ideas without ambiguity.
• Write effectively.  Whether you're writing an essay, a report, an email, or a speech, knowing how to structure sentences helps you organize your thoughts logically. This enhances your ability to communicate your ideas persuasively and convincingly.
• Use correct punctuation.  Sentence structure is closely tied to  punctuation rules . When you understand how sentences are structured, it helps you use the right punctuation. Even if you don't know how to punctuate a particular sentence, understanding sentence structure allows you to search for the right answer. For example, if you know sentence structure, but you're unsure of punctuation rules, you might perform the following searches: - Do I add a comma after an introductory adverb clause?   - Does a noun clause acting as the subject of a sentence need a comma after it?  But, in order to create relevant searches, you would need to know what about sentence structure! 
• Have better reading comprehension.  When you understand how sentences are constructed, you can better comprehend the material you read. This is particularly important when dealing with complex or technical content. When you understand the grammatical structure of a sentence, it helps you rank the ideas in the sentence based on their relative importance—it helps you understand how the parts of the sentence fit together.
• Expand your vocabulary.  Analyzing sentence structure can lead to a better understanding of word usage, synonyms, antonyms, and idiomatic expressions . This deepens your vocabulary and helps you choose the most appropriate words for your writing.
• Think critically. Breaking down a sentence's structure encourages you to think critically about the relationships between words and phrases. This can enhance your analytical skills and help you identify flaws or inconsistencies in arguments.
• Learn a foreign language.  If you're learning a new language, understanding sentence structure is crucial! Different languages have different structures, and grasping these differences aids in language acquisition.
• Be a better editing or proofreader.  When you know how sentences are supposed to be constructed, you can identify errors more easily during the editing and proofreading process. This includes spotting run-on sentences , sentence fragments , and subject-verb agreement issues.
• Get creative.  Using proper sentence structure is important, but understanding it also allows you to play with language creatively. You can experiment with sentence lengths, structures, and arrangements to develop your own unique style of writing style. As they say, "You need to understand the rules before you can break them!"

Understanding sentence structure empowers you to effectively express your thoughts and have meaningful conversations. It's a fundamental skill that supports thinking, reading, and writing!

Let's review what we covered on this page!

• A sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought. Sentences need to have a subject and a verb.
• Clauses are groups of words that have both a subject and a verb. Independent clauses can stand alone as complete thoughts. Dependent clauses cannot stand alone as complete thoughts.
• When we categorize sentences based on their structure, we find that there are four sentence structures. Each one is simply a different combination of independent and dependent clauses. 
• Simple sentences contain just one independent clause. 
• Compound sentences contain two or more independent clauses. 
• Complex sentences contain one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
• Compound-complex sentences contain two or more independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.
• Understanding sentence structure helps you read, write, and think more effectively. 

Hello! I'm Elizabeth O'Brien, and my goal is to get you jazzed about grammar. 

If you'd like to teach or learn grammar the easy way—with sentence diagrams—check out our  Get Smart Grammar Program .

It starts from the very beginning and teaches you grammar and sentence diagramming in easy, bite-size lessons. 

This is original content from  https://www.english-grammar-revolution.com/sentence-structure.html

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WRITING / sentence structure

Sentence Structure

What is sentence structure?

Sentence structure is the way a sentence is constructed, grammatically. T here are two types of clauses that create a sentence: independent and dependent . An independent ( main ) clause is a complete thought that can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent ( subordinate )  clause is an incomplete thought that cannot stand alone as a sentence. 

There are generally four types of sentence structure; 1) Simple :  sentence expresses a single thought and must contain a subject and a verb.  2) Compound:   sentence consists of two simple sentences that are connected with a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).  3) Complex :  sentence is an independent clause connected to one or more dependent clauses using a subordinating conjunction (despite, although) or a relative pronoun (who, which).  4) Compound Complex :  sentence has two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.

Common Sentence Errors

There are a number of common sentence structure errors. These are 1)  Fragments : an incomplete sentence. 2)  Run-on sentences : a sentence that runs into another with no punctuation. 3)  Comma splice : a comma is incorrectly used to connect two sentences.

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Sentence structure lesson 1.

Aim : To support students in their understanding and practice of the four types of sentence structures: simple, compound, complex and complex-compound.

Time : 60 minutes & homework task

  Sentence Structure 1:   Simple, compound, complex & complex  compound

This lesson is to support students in their understanding and practice of the four types of sentence structures: simple, compound, complex and complex-compound. It includes noticing, guided and freer practice.  ( see worksheet example )  Time: 60mins.   Level *** ** [ B1/B2/C1] .  / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Sentence Structure Lesson 2

Aim : This lesson helps to improve students’ sentence structure through identifying and rewriting  fragment, run-on and comma  splice  sentences.

  Sentence Structure 2:  Fragment, run-on & comma splice  sentences

This lesson helps improve students’  sentence  structure through identifying & rewriting fragment, run-on & comma splice sentences. It includes noticing, guided & freer practice.  ( see worksheet example )  Time: 60mins.   Level *** ** [ B1/B2/C1] . / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Sentence Structure Lesson 3

Aim : This lesson helps to improve students’ understanding and practice of complex sentence structure.

Time : 90 minutes & homework task.

  Sentence Structure 3:  Complex sentence structure (STEM)  

This lesson is to support students in their understanding and practice of complex sentence structure. The worksheets focus on three structures: adverbial, adjective and noun clauses and contain key explanations and sentence and paragraph-level practice within a STEM context   ( see worksheet example) Time: 90mins.   Level *** ** [ B1/B2/C1]   TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Relative Clauses

Aim : To support students in their understanding and use of defining and non-defining relative clauses

Time : 60 minutes plus homework task.

  Relative clauses:   Defining & non-defining clauses  [new 2020]

This lesson supports students in their understanding & use of defining & non-defining relative clauses.The lesson includes four tasks of guided practice & two tasks of freer practice  ( see worksheet example )  Time: 60mins.   Level *** ** [ B1/B2/C1] .   TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

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Cause & effect language

Aim : To support students in their understanding and use of cause & effect language.

    Cause & effect

This lesson helps improve students’ awareness of cause & effect  language.  It includes a language review section, lots of guided practice & a paragraph writing exercise.  ( see worksheet example )  Time: 60mins.   Level *** ** [ B1/B2/C1]   TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

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Compare & contrast

Aim : To support students in their understanding and use of compare & contrast language.

This lesson helps improve students’ awareness of compare & contrast  language.  It includes a language review section, lots of guided practice & a paragraph writing exercise.  ( see worksheet example )  Time: 60mins.   Level *** ** [ B1/B2/C1] .  / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Academic Hedging Lesson 

Aim: To support students in their understanding and use of hedging (cautious/tentative) language.

Time: 60 minutes plus homework task.

  Hedging:  Cautious / tentative language

This  lesson supports students in their understanding & use of cautious / tentative language.The lesson includes six tasks of guided practice & two tasks of freer practice  ( see worksheet example )  Time: 60mins & homework.   Level *** ** [ B1/B2/C1] .   TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Aim : To support students in their understanding and use of cohesive devices in a text

Time : 60 minutes 

Cohesion  & Coherence

This worksheet helps to consolidate what  ‘cohesion’ is with a focus on pronouns, word forms and summary nouns. It also includes a coherence sheet on key connections and two practice activities (example). [webpage] . Level: ** * ** [B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

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Parallelism  

Aim : To support students in their understanding and use of parallelism in writing.

Time : 30 minutes 

Parallelism Worksheet: 8 exercises

This worksheet provides an explanation of the key concepts of ‘parallelism’ and provides an error correction exercise to practise the key concepts. An awareness of this writing element really helps establish unity and readability in sentence structure. See Example worksheet.   Level: ** * ** [B1/B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

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The 4 Types of Sentence Structure

In What is a Sentence? we saw the minimum requirements for the formation of a sentence. Now we can look in more detail at the four types of sentence structure .

Simple Sentence Structure

A simple sentence consists of one independent clause. (An independent clause contains a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought.)

• I like coffee.
• Mary likes tea.
• The earth goes round the sun.
• Mary did not go to the party.

Compound Sentence Structure

A compound sentence is two (or more) independent clauses joined by a conjunction or semicolon. Each of these clauses could form a sentence alone.

• I like coffee and Mary likes tea.
• Mary went to work but John went to the party.
• Our car broke down; we came last.

There are seven coordinating conjunctions:

• and, but, or, nor, for, yet, so

Complex Sentence Structure

A complex sentence consists of an independent clause plus a dependent clause. (A dependent clause starts with a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun, and contains a subject and verb, but does not express a complete thought.)

• We missed our plane because we were late.
• Our dog barks when she hears a noise.
• He left in a hurry after he got a phone call.
• Do you know the man who is talking to Mary?

Here are some common subordinating conjunctions:

• after, although, as, because, before, how, if, once, since, than, that, though, till, until, when, where, whether, while

Here are the five basic relative pronouns:

• that, which, who, whom, whose

Compound-Complex Sentence Structure

A compound-complex sentence consists of at least two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.

• John didn't come because he was ill so Mary was not happy.
• He left in a hurry after he got a phone call but he came back five minutes later.

A dependent clause is also called a  subordinate clause .

The above sentences are basic examples only. In some cases other arrangements are possible (for example, a dependent clause can come before an independent clause).

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Grammar: Sentence Structure and Types of Sentences

Definitions and examples of basic sentence elements.

The Mastering the Mechanics webinar series also describes required sentence elements and varying sentence types. Please see these archived webinars for more information.

Key: Yellow, bold = subject; green underline = verb, blue, italics = object, pink, regular font = prepositional phrase

Independent clause : An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence. It contains a subject and a verb and is a complete idea.

• I like spaghetti .
• He reads many books .

Dependent clause : A dependent clause is not a complete sentence. It must be attached to an independent clause to become complete. This is also known as a subordinate clause.

• Although I like spaghetti,…
• Because he reads many books,…

Subject : A person, animal, place, thing, or concept that does an action. Determine the subject in a sentence by asking the question “Who or what?”

• I like spaghetti.
• He reads many books.

Verb : Expresses what the person, animal, place, thing, or concept does. Determine the verb in a sentence by asking the question “What was the action or what happened?”

• The movie is good. (The be verb is also sometimes referred to as a copula or a linking verb. It links the subject, in this case "the movie," to the complement or the predicate of the sentence, in this case, "good.")

Object : A person, animal, place, thing, or concept that receives the action. Determine the object in a sentence by asking the question “The subject did what?” or “To whom?/For whom?”

Prepositional Phrase : A phrase that begins with a preposition (i.e., in, at for, behind, until, after, of, during) and modifies a word in the sentence. A prepositional phrase answers one of many questions. Here are a few examples: “Where? When? In what way?”

• I like spaghetti for dinner .
• He reads many books in the library .

English Sentence Structure

The following statements are true about sentences in English:

• H e obtained his degree.
• He obtained his degree .
• Smith he obtained his degree.
• He obtained his degree.
• He (subject) obtained (verb) his degree (object).

Simple Sentences

A simple sentence contains a subject and a verb, and it may also have an object and modifiers. However, it contains only one independent clause.

Key: Yellow, bold = subject; green underline = verb, blue, italics = object, pink, regular font =prepositional phrase

Here are a few examples:

• She wrote .
• She completed her literature review .
• He organized his sources by theme .
• They studied APA rules for many hours .

Compound Sentences

A compound sentence contains at least two independent clauses.  These two independent clauses can be combined with a comma and a coordinating conjunction or with a semicolon .

Key: independent clause = yellow, bold ; comma  or semicolon = pink, regular font ; coordinating conjunction = green, underlined

• She completed her literature review , and she created her reference list .
• He organized his sources by theme ; then, he updated his reference list .
• They studied APA rules for many hours , but they realized there was still much to learn .

Using some compound sentences in writing allows for more sentence variety .

Complex Sentences

A complex sentence contains at least one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Dependent clauses can refer to the subject (who, which) the sequence/time (since, while), or the causal elements (because, if) of the independent clause.

If a sentence begins with a dependent clause, note the comma after this clause. If, on the other hand, the sentence begins with an independent clause, there is not a comma separating the two clauses.

Key: independent clause = yellow, bold ; comma = pink, regular font ; dependent clause = blue, italics

• Note the comma in this sentence because it begins with a dependent clause.
• Note that there is no comma in this sentence because it begins with an independent clause.
• Using some complex sentences in writing allows for more sentence variety .

Compound-Complex Sentences

Sentence types can also be combined. A compound-complex sentence contains at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.

Key: independent clause = yellow, bold ; comma  or semicolon = pink, regular font ; coordinating conjunction = green, underlined ; dependent clause = blue, italics

• She completed her literature review , but she still needs to work on her methods section even though she finished her methods course last semester .
• Although he organized his sources by theme , he decided to arrange them chronologically , and he carefully followed the MEAL plan for organization . 
• T hey studied APA rules for many hours , and they decided that writing in APA made sense because it was clear, concise, and objective .
• Using some complex-compound sentences in writing allows for more sentence variety .
• Pay close attention to comma usage in complex-compound sentences so that the reader is easily able to follow the intended meaning.

Sentence Structure Video Playlist

Note that these videos were created while APA 6 was the style guide edition in use. There may be some examples of writing that have not been updated to APA 7 guidelines.

• Structuring Sentences: Types of Sentences (video transcript)
• Structuring Sentences: Simple Sentences (video transcript)
• Structuring Sentences: Compound Sentences (video transcript)
• Structuring Sentences: Complex Sentences (video transcript)
• Structuring Sentences: Combining Sentences (video transcript)
• Common Error: Unclear Subjects (video transcript)
• Mastering the Mechanics: Punctuation as Symbols (video transcript)
• Mastering the Mechanics: Commas (video transcript)
• Mastering the Mechanics: Periods (video transcript)
• Mastering the Mechanics: Semicolons (video transcript)

Related Resources

Knowledge Check: Sentence Structure and Types of Sentences

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Encyclopedia

Writing with artificial intelligence, sentence structure – syntax.

• © 2023 by Jenifer Paquette - Hillsborough Community College

Learn to identify 1. Simple, 2. Compound, 3. Complex, and 4. Compound-Complex Sentences. Understand how to use these sentence structure depending on the message and the occasion.

Table of Contents

What is Sentence Structure?

It is a way of categorizing sentences by identifying the absence or presence of

• clauses (independent and dependent)
• conjunctions
• subordinators (see Coordination and Subordination ).

From this perspective, the English sentence has four major building blocks:

Related Concepts: Sentence Type ; Sentence Patterns

How Do I Know When or How to Vary Sentence Structure in my Writing?

Writers, speakers, and knowledge workers . . . probably don’t need to think about it when they are first drafting a project. Eventually though, after revising has given way to editing , it’s time to analyze your work at the sentence level.

• First, you want to affirm the Given/New Principle . IOWs, check that the flow of new information is trending from what is known, what is commonplace between the author and audience, to what is new.
• Consider the average word length of your sentences in relation to educational level of the audience. You might try an online readability checker as well.
• Consider subordinating one idea to another while keeping the Given/New Principle .
• Consider subordinating one idea to another while keeping the Given/New Principle in mind.

Examples of the 4 Sentence Structures in English

1. simple sentence structure.

This pattern contains one independent clause  (IC). 

2. Compound Sentence Structure

A compound sentence contains two independent clauses (IC IC) connected by a coordinating conjunction .

3. Complex Sentence Structure

A complex sentence contains one independent clause  and one or more dependent clauses (IC DC) or (IC DC DC).

4. Compound-Complex Sentence Structure

A compound-complex sentence contains two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses (IC IC DC) or (IC DC IC) or (DC IC IC) etc.

Recommended Resources

Conference on College Composition and Communication. (2021, June 30). CCCC statement on Ebonics. CCCC. https://ncte.org/statement/ebonics/

Conference on College Composition and Communication. (2014, November). Students’ right to their own language . CCCC. https://cccc.ncte.org/cccc/resources/positions/srtolsummary

National Council of Teachers of English. (2022, July 1). Why is grammar important? NCTE. https://ncte.org/statement/qandaaboutgrammar/

Related Articles:

Coordination & Subordination

Primer sentences, recommended.

Academic Writing – How to Write for the Academic Community

Structured Revision – How to Revise Your Work

Professional Writing – How to Write for the Professional World

Credibility & Authority – How to Be Credible & Authoritative in Research, Speech & Writing

Citation Guide – Learn How to Cite Sources in Academic and Professional Writing

Page Design – How to Design Messages for Maximum Impact

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What is Coordination & Subordination? Learn how to identify and correctly employ coordinate and subordinate sentence structures. These are the basic building blocks of Standard Written English.

• Jenifer Paquette , Joseph M. Moxley

Featured Articles

Sentence Structure: Mastering the Art of Writing

A sentence is a fundamental building block of communication and serves as the basis for written and spoken language. Composed of words, a sentence aims to convey a complete thought and usually consists of a subject and a predicate. The subject refers to the main focus, while the predicate is built around a verb and provides information about the subject.

Sentences can be simple or complex in structure, but they always serve to convey meaning and understanding. They typically begin with a capital letter and end with appropriate punctuation to differentiate between statements, questions, requests, and exclamations. In spoken communication, sentences can be recognized through characteristic patterns of stress, intonation, and rhythm.

The variety of sentence structures and styles allow for the expression of diverse thoughts and ideas, all while maintaining clarity and coherence. Understanding how words function within a sentence, regardless of its formation, is essential for effective communication and comprehension.

Basic Sentence Structure

Subject and predicate.

In English language, a sentence is composed of two main parts: the subject and the predicate. The subject is the noun that performs the action, and the predicate contains the verb, which is the action itself, plus any additional information related to the action. For example, in the sentence “Dogs bark”, “Dogs” is the subject and “bark” is the predicate.

• Subject: The person, place, thing, or idea that does the action in the sentence.
• Predicate: The part of the sentence that contains the action (verb) and any accompanying information about the action.

Independent and Dependent Clauses

Sentences can be made up of different clauses. An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a predicate and can stand alone as a complete sentence. A dependent clause, on the other hand, contains a subject and a predicate but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence as it requires additional information to convey a complete thought.

• Independent Clause (IC): A complete sentence that can stand alone.
• Dependent Clause (DC): A group of words that contains necessary information but cannot stand alone as a complete thought.
• IC: She plays the piano.
• DC: When she is bored.

A dependent clause can be added to an independent clause to create a complex sentence that provides more context:

• IC + DC: She plays the piano when she is bored.

Grammatical Elements

Apart from the subject and predicate, there are other grammatical elements that can be present in a sentence to make it clear and logical. Some of these elements are:

• Object: The person or thing that receives the action of the verb. Example: He plays the guitar .
• Adjective: A word that describes a noun. Example: The red ball.
• Adverb: A word that modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. Example: She runs quickly .

The combination of these grammatical elements with the subject and predicate helps create diverse sentence structures that make the English language dynamic and rich.

Remember to apply the appropriate structural components and grammatical elements when constructing sentences in English to ensure that your message is clear, concise, and grammatically sound.

Sentence Types

Declarative sentences.

Declarative sentences are used to make statements, provide explanations, or convey facts. They typically end with a period. These sentences are among the most common types of sentences in the English language. Some examples of declarative sentences include:

• She finished her homework.
• The store closes at 8 PM.
• He enjoys playing tennis.

Imperative Sentences

Imperative sentences are used for giving commands or making requests. They can be polite, such as a request, or commanding and forceful. Imperative sentences typically end with a period or an exclamation point, depending on their intensity. Some examples of imperative sentences include:

• Please pass the salt.
• Stop talking!
• Complete your assignments by Friday.

Interrogative Sentences

Interrogative sentences are used to ask questions and seek information. They usually begin with a question word (like who, what, where, when, why, or how) or a helping verb (such as do or can). Interrogative sentences end with a question mark. Some examples of interrogative sentences include:

• What time is the movie starting?
• Can you help me with this problem?
• Who is going to the party?

Exclamatory Sentences

Exclamatory sentences are used to express strong emotions or reactions. These sentences often start with “what” or “how” but differ from interrogative sentences in that they do not ask a question. Exclamatory sentences end with an exclamation mark. Some examples of exclamatory sentences include:

• What a beautiful sunset!
• How exciting it is to win the game!
• I can’t believe it’s already December!

Compound and Complex Sentences

Simple sentences.

A simple sentence is a complete sentence that consists of one independent clause. It conveys a single idea and contains a subject and a verb. For example:

• She reads a book.
• John plays soccer.

Compound Sentences

A compound sentence connects two independent clauses, typically with coordinating conjunctions like “and” or “but.” These sentences are best for combining two or more self-sufficient, related ideas into a single, unified sentence. For instance:

• She reads a book, and John plays soccer.
• Maria cooked dinner, but she did not wash the dishes.

Complex Sentences

Complex sentences are one of the four types of sentences based on structure (simple, complex, compound, and compound-complex). They contain a main (independent) clause and at least one dependent (subordinate) clause. Dependent clauses often start with subordinating conjunctions, such as “because,” “since,” or “although.”

Examples of complex sentences include:

• Since she was tired, Maria went to bed early.
• John plays soccer even though it was raining.

Compound-Complex Sentences

A compound-complex sentence contains two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses. This sentence type combines the qualities of a compound sentence with the qualities of a complex sentence. The clauses in a compound-complex sentence do not need to appear in a specific order.

For example:

• Maria cooked dinner and cleaned the kitchen, even though she was tired.
• John plays soccer, but he prefers basketball when it is raining.

In summary, sentence structures range from simple to compound-complex, and they are differentiated by the type and number of clauses used. Understanding the use of simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences allows for clear and effective communication.

Punctuation and Modifiers

Commas and semicolons.

Commas are used to separate elements in a sentence and to indicate a pause. They are often used after introductory clauses, phrases, or words that come before the main clause. Additionally, a pair of commas can be used in the middle of a sentence to set off non-essential clauses, phrases, and words.

Semicolons are used to connect two independent clauses that are closely related in meaning without using a conjunction. They can also be used to separate items in a list when the items themselves contain commas.

Adverbs and Adjectives

Adjectives and adverbs are essential modifiers that add more detail and specificity to sentences. Adjectives describe or modify nouns, while adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.

When using adjectives in a sentence, they typically come before the noun they are describing. For example: “The large dog barked loudly.” However, there are languages where adjectives come after the noun.

Adverbs often answer questions like “how,” “when,” “where,” and “to what extent.” They can usually be identified by their “-ly” suffix, though not all adverbs end in “-ly.” In the example above, “loudly” is an adverb describing how the dog barked.

In summary, the proper use of punctuation, such as commas and semicolons, and the inclusion of modifiers like adjectives and adverbs can make sentences more engaging, descriptive, and informative.

Common Sentence Errors

Run-on sentences.

A run-on sentence occurs when two independent clauses are improperly connected without the appropriate punctuation or coordinating conjunction. This can make the sentence difficult to understand, as it lacks clarity and proper structure. To correct run-on sentences, consider using a period, semicolon, or coordinating conjunction to join the independent clauses. Here’s an example of a run-on sentence and its correction:

Run-On: She wanted to attend the party, her friends were going, so she decided to go too.

Correction: She wanted to attend the party because her friends were going, so she decided to go too.

Sentence Fragments

Sentence fragments are incomplete sentences, usually lacking a subject, a verb, or both. These fragments can be challenging to comprehend as they do not provide a complete thought. To correct sentence fragments, identify what is missing and include the necessary components to form a complete sentence. Here’s an example of a sentence fragment and its correction:

Fragment: Walking along the beach.

Correction: She enjoyed walking along the beach.

Improving Sentence Quality

Variety in sentence types.

To enhance the clarity and readability of your writing, make sure to incorporate a variety of sentence types. These include simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences. A combination of these sentence structures will help create a natural flow and maintain the reader’s interest. Avoid constantly relying on the same sentence structure, as it may make your writing monotonous and difficult to follow.

Proper Grammar and Punctuation

Adhering to proper grammar and punctuation rules is crucial for creating clear and concise sentences. Incorrect grammar can lead to confusion and misinterpretation, while incorrect punctuation may disrupt the flow of your text. To avoid these issues, regularly review your writing for grammatical and punctuation errors. Online tools, such as Grammarly, can aid in catching and fixing these errors before publishing your work.

Spelling and Vocabulary

An essential aspect of improving sentence quality is ensuring proper spelling and using a diverse vocabulary. Misspelled words can hinder comprehension and distract the reader from the intended message. Regularly check your writing for spelling errors, either manually or by using spelling-check tools like those found in word processing software.

Expanding your vocabulary allows for more precise expression and adds depth to your text. Avoid overusing certain words and phrases, and when possible, replace them with synonyms or more descriptive alternatives. However, be cautious not to use overly complex or obscure terms that may cause confusion for the reader.

By implementing these key strategies—varying sentence types, adhering to proper grammar and punctuation rules, and focusing on correct spelling and diverse vocabulary—you will significantly improve the quality of your sentences and produce engaging, easy-to-understand content for your readers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main types of sentences?

There are four main types of sentences: declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory. Declarative sentences make a statement or express an opinion, interrogative sentences ask a question, imperative sentences give commands or requests, and exclamatory sentences express strong emotions or feelings.

What makes a sentence complex?

A complex sentence is made up of an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, while a dependent clause cannot. Dependent clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions such as “because,” “although,” and “since.”

How do simple and compound sentences differ?

A simple sentence contains one independent clause and no dependent clauses. On the other hand, a compound sentence includes two or more independent clauses connected with coordinating conjunctions like “and,” “or,” and “but.” A compound sentence can be thought of as a combination of two or more simple sentences.

What is the function of an imperative sentence?

Imperative sentences are used to give commands, make requests or offer advice. They usually begin with the base form of a verb and can end with a period or an exclamation point depending on the degree of emphasis. Imperative sentences often omit the subject, as it is generally understood to be “you” (the person being addressed).

How is a declarative sentence structured?

A declarative sentence typically follows a subject-verb-object ( SVO ) structure. It starts with a subject, which can be a noun or pronoun, followed by a verb, and often includes an object to complete the meaning. Declarative sentences can be either positive (affirmative) or negative, and they end with a period.

What are the characteristics of an interrogative sentence?

Interrogative sentences are used to ask questions and gather information. They typically begin with a question word (who, what, where, when, why, how) or an auxiliary verb (do, does, did, is, are, was, were, has, have, had). Interrogative sentences often use inverted word order, in which the subject comes after the verb or between the auxiliary and the main verb. They end with a question mark.

These 11 Sentence Building Activities Can Help Students Master Proper Sentence Structure

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Sentence Structure Worksheets

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What is Sentence Structure?

Sentence structure refers to the organization and arrangement of words in a sentence. It determines the relationships between different parts of a sentence, such as the subject, verb, object, and other components.

Exploring Sentence Structure Worksheets: Enhancing Comprehension and Analysis

Sentence structure is the foundation of effective communication and writing, as it determines the organization and coherence of our thoughts. By understanding how sentences are constructed, we can greatly enhance our comprehension and analytical skills. To facilitate the learning process, sentence structure practice worksheets serve as invaluable tools. They provide opportunities for students to reinforce their understanding and apply their knowledge in a practical manner.

When creating sentence structure worksheets, it is essential to ensure they are engaging and effective. They should cater to various learning styles and include a combination of activities. As children progress in their learning journey, it is crucial to introduce them to different sentence structures. These worksheets can incorporate sentence building exercises, where students construct sentences using given words or phrases. Additionally, they can provide practice for identifying different components of a sentence, such as subjects, verbs, objects, and modifiers.

To make these handouts even more accessible, there are numerous resources available that offer free sentence structure worksheets. These materials can be found online or obtained from educational websites. They provide educators with ready-made exercises and examples, saving valuable time and effort. Writing sentence structure worksheets can be a creative and interactive process to help learners develop a deeper understanding of sentence construction principles.

Example of Sentence Structure Analysis

To demonstrate the significance of sentence structure, let's examine the following example:

Original Sentence: "The students completed their homework, studied for the exam, and submitted their assignments."

Breakdown of Sentence Structure

• Subject: "The students"
• Predicate: "completed their homework, studied for the exam, and submitted their assignments."
• Verb: "completed," "studied," "submitted"
• Clauses: This sentence consists of one independent clause ("The students completed their homework") and two dependent clauses ("studied for the exam" and "submitted their assignments").
• Coordination: The use of the coordinating conjunction "and" connects the actions of completing homework, studying, and submitting assignments.

Analysis: In this example, we observe a compound sentence structure. The subject "The students" performs multiple actions, indicated by the coordinating conjunction "and." The verb "completed" is followed by two dependent clauses, highlighting the students' additional activities of studying and submitting assignments.

This example showcases the importance of sentence structure in conveying multiple actions or ideas within a single sentence. By organizing information effectively, the writer ensures clarity and coherence, allowing readers to comprehend the message easily.

Tips on How to Improve Sentence Structure

Sentence structure is vital for effective writing. Improving your sentence construction skills enhances clarity and impact. Here are some valuable tips to help you improve your sentence structure:

• Vary Sentence Lengths: Varying sentence lengths creates a dynamic and engaging writing style, with short sentences emphasizing points and longer sentences providing detailed explanations.
• Incorporate Diverse Sentence Types: Using different sentence types (simple, compound, complex, compound-complex) adds depth and engages readers by conveying a range of ideas with sophistication.
• Ensure Parallelism: Parallelism ensures consistent grammatical patterns for similar elements in a sentence, enhancing readability and polish. Check for parallelism to align corresponding parts for form and function in your writing.
• Simplify Complex Ideas: Complex ideas can sometimes be challenging to express clearly. To avoid confusion, break down complex concepts into smaller, more manageable sentences. This simplification allows readers, including children, to follow your thoughts easily and grasp the intended meaning.
• Read Aloud and Revise: Reading your writing aloud is a powerful technique for improving sentence structure. It helps you identify run-on sentences, awkward phrasing, or fragmented ideas that may disrupt the flow of your writing. By listening to the natural rhythm of your sentences, you can make necessary revisions and create a smoother reading experience.
• Edit for Clarity: Clarity is essential in effective communication. Review your sentences for unnecessary words or phrases that can clutter your writing. Clear and concise sentences convey your message more effectively and help readers understand your ideas with ease.
• Pay Attention to Punctuation: Punctuation marks, such as commas, semicolons, and dashes, serve as signposts in sentence structure. They help establish relationships between different parts of a sentence and maintain coherence. Proper punctuation ensures that your sentences are well-structured and easy to understand.

Types of Sentence Structure

• Simple Sentence: A simple sentence consists of one independent clause, typically with one subject and one verb. Example: "She sings beautifully."
• Compound Sentence: A compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses connected by coordinating conjunctions (e.g., and, but, or). Example: "She sings beautifully, and he plays the guitar."
• Complex Sentence: A complex sentence has one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Example: "Although she sings beautifully, she still gets nervous."
• Compound-Complex Sentence: A compound-complex sentence comprises two or more independent clauses and at least one dependent clause. Example: "She sings beautifully, and when she performs on stage, she captivates the audience."

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Frequently Asked Questions About Sentence Structure

What is parallel structure in a sentence.

Parallel structure refers to the balanced and consistent use of grammatical structures within a sentence or a series of sentences. It involves using the same grammatical form for similar elements or ideas. For example, "She enjoys swimming, running, and hiking" demonstrates parallel structure because all the activities are presented in the gerund form.

How can I identify which sentence contains parallel structure?

To identify parallel structure in a sentence, look for elements that are listed or compared. Check if they follow a consistent grammatical pattern. If the elements share the same form (e.g., all nouns, all verbs, or all phrases), then the sentence exhibits parallel structure.

What is the difference between a dependent clause and an independent clause?

Independent clauses can stand alone as complete sentences, expressing a full thought with a subject and predicate. Dependent clauses, however, rely on independent clauses to convey meaning and cannot function as complete sentences on their own.

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Sentence grammar: Sentence structure

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Man in striped blue shirt and glasses: A sentence should open, introduce a subject, deal with that subject and then come to a conclusion.

Man in blue jumper and hat: Start, middle and end.

Man in striped blue shirt and glasses: It's the order in which you use words to convey what the meaning of what you want to say to people.

Man in black suit: An example of a sentence is this:- Area working is fundamental to our approach to improving services.

Starts with a capital A for Area at the beginning, finishes with a full stop at the end of services.

Female with grey jacket: We write sentences and messages to go with the cards that go with the flowers.

I have just written a card that says "I want to thank you so much for having me the other evening.

I am looking forward to seeing you next week."

And so I have to make sure that it's going to be grammatically correct.

The first sentence has a verb and a subject and so the verb is 'want' and the subject is 'I' and so it's important to get all this right.

Getting sentence structure right, is crucial in being able to communicate what you're trying to say in writing.

Quick tips for tutors

Sentence structure includes:

• The use of subject and verb
• Capital letters
• Conjunctions
• Sentence punctuation

Downloadable Factsheets

An introduction to sentences.

Introduction to sentence construction

An introduction to constructing sentences using full stops and capital letters.

More information about sentence construction

Understanding the role of conjuctions and adjectives in sentence construction.

Help with sentence construction

Understanding sentence construction with the use of rules and examples.

Downloadable Worksheets

Identifying sentences

Exercise in identifying complete sentences.

Making sentences

Practise writing sentences.

Adding words to make sentences

Exercise in adding words to make complete sentences.

Answer Sheet: Identifying sentences

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Writing your own sentences

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Exercise in writing complete sentences.

Building sentences

Answer Sheet: Writing your own sentences

Answer Sheet: Rearranging jumbled sentences

Answer Sheet: Building sentences

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Sentence Structure Worksheet

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Age range: 11-14

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