Sentence Structure
Sentence Structure
Choosing what types of sentences to use in an essay can be challenging for several reasons. The writer
must consider the following questions: Are my ideas simple or complex? Do my ideas require shorter
statements or longer explanations? How do I express my ideas clearly? This handout discusses the basic
components of a sentence, the different types of sentences, and various functions of each type of
sentence.
What Is a Sentence?
• A sentence is a complete set of words that conveys meaning. A sentence can communicate
o a statement (I am studying.)
o a command (Go away.)
o an exclamation (I’m so excited!)
o a question (What time is it?)
• A sentence is composed of one or more clauses. A clause contains a subject and verb.
Independent and Dependent Clauses
• There are two types of clauses: independent clauses and dependent clauses. A
sentence contains at least one independent clause and may contain one or more
dependent clauses.
• An independent clause (or main clause)
o is a complete thought.
o can stand by itself.
• A dependent clause (or subordinate clause)
o is an incomplete thought.
o cannot stand by itself.
You can spot a dependent clause by identifying the subordinating conjunction. A subordinating conjunction
creates a dependent clause that relies on the rest of the sentence for meaning. The following list provides
some examples of subordinating conjunctions.
• after • although
• as • because
• before • even though
• if • since
• though • when
• while • until
• unless • whereas
Independent and Dependent Clauses
Independent clause: I don’t like the ocean because sharks scare me.
Dependent clause: I don’t like the ocean because sharks scare me.
SENTENCES ON THE
BASIS OF STRUCTURE
i. Simple Sentence
ii. Compound Sentence
iii. Complex Sentence
iv. Compound-Complex Sentence
i. SIMPLE SENTENCE
A simple sentence consists of one independent clause. An independent clause contains a subject and
verb and expresses a complete thought.
EXAMPLES:
a. Mary likes tea.
b. We did not go the park.
c. The earth goes round the sun.
d. Water boils at 100 degree centigrade at sea level.
EXAMPLES:
a. Allen likes tea and John likes coffee.
b. Our car broke down; we came last.
❖ SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS:
After, Although, As, Because, Before, How, If, Once, Since, Then, That, Though, Till, Until, When,
Where, Whether, While
❖ RELATIVE PRONOUNS:
That, Which, Who, Whom, Whose
EXAMPLES:
a. We missed our plane because we were late.
b. Our dog barks when she hears a noise.
c. He left in a hurry after he got a phone call.
d. Do you know the man who is talking to Jim?
iv. COMPOUND-COMPLEX SENTENCE
A compound-complex sentence consists of at least two independent clauses and one or more
dependent clauses.
STRUCTURE OF COMPOUND-COMPLEX SENTENCE
INDEPENDENT SUBORDINATING DEPENDENT COORDINATING INDEPENDENT
CLAUSE CONJUCTION CLAUSE CONJUNCTION CLAUSE
EXAMPLES:
a. John didn't come because he was ill so Mary was not happy.
b. He left in a hurry after he got a phone call but he came back five minutes later.
c. I could not decide where I should work or what I should do, so at first I did nothing.
EXAMPLES:
a. I like climbing.
b. He is eight years old.
c. The sky is blue.
d. He wanted to play football, but his friends wanted to play basketball.
e. She plays the piano, and he sings along.
f. She had to make the next flight; she quickly packed her bag.
g. The house has new windows; however, the roof still leaks.
iii. INTERROGATIVE SENTENCES
Interrogative sentences are used for asking direct questions. These sentences end with a question mark
(?). Interrogatives sentences may begin with either a WH- word or a helping verb.
EXAMPLES:
a. What is the right way to iron a shirt?
b. When are the best days to go to the mall?
c. Where is your new cat?
d. Are your shoes on?
e. Did you eat lunch yet?
f. Was the movie enjoyable?
EXAMPLES:
a. Turn left at the bridge.
b. Please pass me the jam.
c. Close the door.
d. Leave immediately
e. Let us go to the park.
f. Take rest now.
g. Get out!
h. Wait for me.
v. EXCLAMATORY SENTENCES
Exclamatory sentences are those sentences that express emotions. Exclamatory sentences end with an
exclamatory mark (!).
EXAMPLES:
a. Alas! I have ruined my life.
b. Hurrah! They have returned safely.
c. Oh, you shocked me!
d. Wow, that is fantastic!
e. What a lovely piece of art!
f. I’m so mad right now!
TRANSITION WORDS
Transitional words are used for a smooth flow of ideas in writing. Some of the transitional words are:
Above all, accordingly, as an example, before, besides, by the way, consequently, either, furthermore,
generally, in addition to, in short, lastly, likewise, next, otherwise, regularly, soon, there, thereby, usually.