Sentence Structure

SIMPLE SENTENCE
A simple sentence has the most basic elements that make it a sentence:

a subject, a verb, and a completed thought

The use of compound subjects, compound verbs, prepositional phrases (such as "at the bus
station"), and other elements help lengthen simple sentences, but simple sentences often
are short.

A simple sentence can also be referred to as an independent clause. It is referred to as

"independent" because, while it might be part of a compound or complex sentence, it can
also stand by itself as a complete sentence. Examples of simple sentences include the
following:

1. Joe waited for the train.

"Joe" = subject, "waited" = verb
2. The train was late.
"The train" = subject, "was" = verb
3. Mary and Samantha took the bus.
"Mary and Samantha" = compound subject, "took" = verb
4. I looked for Mary and Samantha at the bus station.
"I" = subject, "looked" = verb
5. Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus station early but waited until noon for
the bus. "Mary and Samantha" = compound subject, "arrived" and "waited" =
compound verb

COMPOUND SENTENCE
A compound sentence refers to a sentence made up of two independent clauses (or
complete sentences) connected to one another with a coordinating conjunction.
Coordinating conjunctions are useful for connecting sentences, but compound sentences
often are overused. While coordinating conjunctions can indicate some type of relationship
between the two independent clauses in the sentence, they sometimes do not indicate much
of a relationship. The word "and," for example, only adds one independent clause to another,
without indicating how the two parts of a sentence are logically related. Too many compound
sentences that use "and" can weaken writing.

Clearer and more specific relationships can be established through the use of complex
sentences. Coordinating conjunctions are easy to remember if you think of the words "FAN
BOYS": For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.

Examples of compound sentences include the following:

1. Joe waited for the train, but the train was late.
2. I looked for Mary and Samantha at the bus station, but they arrived at the station before
noon and left on the bus before I arrived.
3. Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus station before noon, and they left on the bus before
I arrived.
4. Mary and Samantha left on the bus before I arrived, so I did not see them at the bus
station.

A complex sentence is made up of an independent clause and one or more dependent

clauses connected to it. A dependent clause is similar to an independent clause, or
complete sentence, but it lacks one of the elements that would make it a complete
sentence.

Dependent clauses such as those above cannot stand alone as a sentence, but they can
be added to an independent clause to form a complex sentence. Dependent clauses begin
with subordinating conjunctions. Below are some of the most common subordinating
conjunctions:

▪ after

▪ although

▪ as

▪ because

▪ before

▪ even though
▪ if
 ▪ since

▪ though

▪ unless

▪ until

▪ when

▪ whenever

▪ whereas

▪ wherever

▪ while

A complex sentence joins an independent clause with one or more dependent clauses. The
dependent clauses can go first in the sentence, followed by the independent clause, as in the
following: (NOTE: When the dependent clause comes first, a comma should be used to
separate the two clauses.)

1. Because Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus station before noon, I did not see them at
the station.
2. While he waited at the train station, Joe realized that the train was late.
3. After they left on the bus, Mary and Samantha realized that Joe was waiting at the train
station.

Examples of dependent clauses include the following:

▪ because Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus station before noon
▪ while he waited at the train station
▪ after they left on the bus

Conversely, the independent clauses can go first in the sentence, followed by the
dependent clause, as in the following:

1. I did not see them at the station because Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus
station before noon.
2. Joe realized that the train was late while he waited at the train station.
3. Mary and Samantha realized that Joe was waiting at the train station after they left
on the bus.

NOTE THAT:

Should you begin a sentence with "and" or "but" (or one of the other
coordinating conjunctions)? The short answer is "no." You should avoid
beginning a sentence with "and," "or," "but," or the other coordinating conjunctions.
These words generally are used to join together parts of a sentence, not to begin a
new sentence.
However, such sentences can be used effectively. Because sentences beginning with
these words stand out, they are sometimes used for emphasis. If you use sentences
beginning with one of the coordinating conjunctions, you should use these sentences
sparingly and carefully.

Should you begin a sentence with "because"? There is nothing wrong with
beginning a sentence with "because." Perhaps some students are told not to begin a
sentence with "because" to avoid sentence fragments (something like "Because
Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus station before noon" is a sentence fragment),
but it is perfectly acceptable to begin a sentence with "because" as long as the
sentence is complete (as in "Because Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus station
before noon, I did not see them at the station.")
 Difference Between Phrase & Clause

Phrase Clause

A group of words standing together as a A grammatical arrangement that contains a

conceptual unit and do not have a subject and set of words having a subject and a verb.
a verb

Phrase is component of a clause Clause is a component of a complete sentence

Each word of a phrase has a meaning but Clause gives complete meaning and can
collectively it does not form complete sense like even be a complete sentence when
a sentence. i.e. it does not give a complete standalone
meaning when standalone

A part of sentence without the two parts of A part of sentence having the two parts
speech i.e. Sentence and Predicate and (does of speech i.e. Subject and Predicate
not convey any idea) (gives complete idea)

Phrase Example – Clause Example –

∙ Fish Swims in the Water ∙ Fish Swims in the water

∙ She is sleeping on the floor ∙ She is sleeping on the floor

∙ They will meet at the concert ∙ They will meet at the concert

∙ Over the horizon ∙ He smiled

∙ She is sketching on the Wall ∙ She is sketching on the Wall

CONJUNCTIONS
A conjunction is a word that is used to connect words, phrases, and clauses.
There are three basic types of conjunctions: coordinating, subordinating, and correlative.

Coordinating Conjunctions

This type of conjunction is used to connect items that are grammatically equal: two words, two
phrases, or two independent clauses. There are seven coordinating conjunctions in English, and
you can remember them using the mnemonic device FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.

A conjunction of this type is placed between the items that it links together.

Words
Coordinating conjunctions can join two nouns, verbs, adjectives, or other types of word.

● The data was gathered through questionnaires and interviews.

● I don’t like to run or swim.
● He was clever but lazy.
Phrases
They can also join different types of phrases.

● The dog wagged his tail and panted excitedly.

● The results were undeniably intriguing yet ultimately inconclusive.
● She usually studies in the library or at a cafe.

Independent clauses
A clause is a group of words that contains at least a subject and a verb. An independent clause can
stand on its own as a full sentence, expressing a complete thought.

● Today Jane Austen is one of the most widely read English novelists, but she achieved little
fame during her lifetime.

In the sentence above, the coordinating conjunction but creates a relationship between two
independent clauses. Notice that the two clauses also work as sentences on their own.

● Today Jane Austen is one of the most widely read English novelists. She achieved little fame
during her lifetime.

Punctuating coordinating conjunctions

When joining two words or phrases with a coordinating conjunction, do not use a comma.

Comma error Correction

Data was gathered through Data was gathered
questionnaires, and interviews. through questionnaires and interviews.

She usually studies in the She usually studies in the library or at a

library, or at a cafe. cafe.

In these examples, the conjunction joins two words or phrases that are connected to a single
verb (gathered and studies), so no comma should separate them.
When joining two independent clauses, however, use a comma before the conjunction.

Comma error Correction

Data was gathered through
Data was gathered through
questionnaires and selected
questionnaires, and selected respondents
respondents participated in
participated in interviews.
interviews.

She usually studies in the library

She usually studies in the library, but when
but when it is too busy she goes
it is too busy she goes to a cafe.
to a cafe.

In these examples, the clauses before and after the conjunction could both stand as full sentences on
their own, so a comma is required.

Subordinating Conjunctions

This type of conjunction includes words like because, if, although, since, until, and while. A
subordinating conjunction is used to introduce a dependent clause.

In contrast to an independent clause, a dependent clause (also known as a subordinate clause) is a

group of words that contains a subject and a verb but cannot stand as a complete sentence on its
own. A dependent clause does not express a complete idea, so it must always be attached to an
independent clause.

● Because I woke up late this morning. I went to school without eating breakfast.
● Because I woke up late this morning, I went to school without eating breakfast.
● I went to school without eating breakfast because I woke up late this morning.

I woke up late this morning is an independent clause, but the subordinating

conjunction because turns it into a dependent clause: Because I woke up late this morning does not
finish a complete thought. It must be joined to an independent clause to form a grammatically correct
sentence.

The subordinating conjunction defines the relationship between the clauses.

The table below shows some common subordinating conjunctions and the relationships they express,
but note that this is not a complete list.

Relationship Common subordinating conjunctions

Cause and effect because, since, as

Time when, before, after, once, until, whenever, since, while

Place where, wherever

Condition if, unless, in case

Contrast although, though, whereas

Punctuating subordinating conjunctions

When a subordinating conjunction follows an independent clause, a comma is often not necessary. In
general, when the dependent clause contains essential information about the independent clause,
don’t use a comma.

Comma error Correction

She will receive a major bonus, if she succeeds She will receive a major bonus if she succeeds in
in closing the corporate partnership deal. closing the corporate partnership deal.

John’s friends snuck into his apartment to set up John’s friends snuck into his apartment to set up a
a surprise party, while he was at work. surprise party while he was at work.
However, when the subordinating conjunction comes at the beginning of the sentence, use a comma
at the end of the dependent clause.

Comma error Correction

If she succeeds in closing the corporate If she succeeds in closing the corporate
partnership deal she will receive a major bonus. partnership deal, she will receive a major bonus.
While John was at work his friends snuck into his While John was at work, his friends snuck into
apartment to set up a surprise party. his apartment to set up a surprise party.

Source:
https://www.scribbr.com/language-rules/conjunctions/

Correlative Conjunctions

This type of conjunction always comes in a pair and is used to join grammatically equal elements in a
sentence. Common pairs include either … or, neither … nor, not only … but also, and both … and. In
most cases, no comma should be used between the two elements.

● Her book on the Vietnam War drew not only from interviews with other survivors but
also from her own experiences in the conflict.

Correlative conjunctions must use parallel structure, which means the two elements should take the
same grammatical form.

● She planned to collect data by either using an online survey or phone interviews.
● She planned to collect data by either using an online survey or conducting phone interviews.

EXTRA:
Starting a sentence with a conjunction
1. Beginner writers are often taught that sentences should not begin with a coordinating
conjunction. However, it is not strictly incorrect to begin a sentence with a conjunction, and you
may find it used effectively by skilled writers to create emphasis.

Governments often seek to gain favor from voters by prioritizing economic development over
environmental sustainability. But at what cost to the planet and future generations?

While such usage has become acceptable in popular and literary language, it is generally best
avoided in academic writing where possible.

2. A subordinating conjunction can come at the start of a sentence, but only if the dependent
clause is followed by an independent clause.
 Until the company reaches a satisfactory agreement with the union, the workers will remain on
strike.

3. A dependent clause on its own is known as a sentence fragment.

How long will the strike go on for? Until the company reaches a satisfactory agreement with
the union.

Although fragments are often used in speech and informal writing, they should generally be
avoided in academic writing.

USE OF COORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS:

1. For

When to use it: You’re providing a reason for something (similar to the word “because,” which we’ll
cover later in this post).
Example sentence:
“I eat at the café every weekend, for they serve the best bagels in town.”

2. And

When to use it: “And” joins two ideas, things or sentences together.
Example sentences:
“I have two cats and one dog.”
“I drink coffee in the morning. I drink wine in the evenings.” This can turn into “I drink coffee in the
morning, and I drink wine in the evenings” or “I drink coffee in the morning and wine in the evenings.”

3. Nor

When to use it: When you have a negative statement, “nor” adds another negative alternative.
Example sentence:
“My mom was not happy, nor was she upset. She didn’t care.”

4. But
When to use it: This conjunction connects two ideas, similar to how you might use the word “and.”
However, while “and” connects two alike ideas/things, “but” connects contrasting ideas/things.
Example sentence:
“I want to go to the movies, but Sarah wants to go out to eat.”
If you said “I want to go to the movies, and Sarah wants to go out to eat,” that would imply that you
and Sarah are going to do both activities. Using the word “but” communicates that you are going to do
either one or the other.

5. Or

When to use it: “Or” presents an alternative to an option.

Example sentences:
“Would you rather wear a dress or jeans?”
“We can go to the movies or we can go out to eat.”

6. Yet

When to use it: When you present a statement, “yet” presents an idea that contrasts the first
statement logically.
Example sentence:
“I don’t like soda, yet I think root beer floats are delicious.”

7. So

When to use it: This conjunction gives a reason for something.

Example sentences:
“I have to wake up early, so I don’t stay out late.”
“John is struggling in his math class, so he hired a tutor.”
USE OF SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS:

8. Although

When to use it: “Although” means “even though,” or in spite of something.

Example sentence:
“Although she is a great creative writer, she has trouble writing academic papers.”

9. Though

When to use it: “Though” can often be used the same way as “although.” However, it’s more likely to
be found in the middle of a sentence than “although.”
Example sentences:
“Though I don’t drink milk, I do pour milk in my coffee.”
“I don’t drink milk, though I do pour milk in my coffee.”

10. While

When to use it: “While” refers to the moment something is/was happening.
Example sentences:
“The mailman delivered a package while you were at school.”
“While you were at school, the mailman delivered a package.”

11. If

When to use it: “If” introduces what to do in the event that something happens.
Example sentences:
“You can eat an apple if you get hungry before dinner.”
“If you get hungry before dinner, you can eat an apple.”

12. Until

When to use it: This conjunction means “up to the point that something happens.”
Example sentences:
“I can stay until 12:00 today, but then I have to go to work.”
“I am on vacation until January 5th.”

13. Whether

When to use it: Use “whether” when expressing a choice between two options. In many cases,
“whether” is used along with the conjunction “or.”
You can also use “whether” to express an investigation. In this case, you probably won’t use “or.”
Example sentences:
“I can’t decide whether I want rice or beans.”
Below is an investigative situation in which you don’t use “or.”
John [on the phone]: “Hello, Mrs. Smith. Is Mary home?”
Mrs. Smith: “I’m not sure. Let me check whether she’s in her room.”

14. After

When to use it: Use “after” to talk about what happens in the period of time following something else.
Example sentences:
“I went to church after my hair appointment.”
“After my hair appointment, I went to church.”

15. Before

When to use it: “Before” is the opposite of “after.” Use “before” to talk about what happens in the
period of time preceding something else.
Example sentences:
“I had a hair appointment before I went to church.”
“Before I went to church, I had a hair appointment.”

16. Because

When to use it: “Because” explains the reason for something.

Example sentence:
“I’m staying home tonight because Sarah canceled our plans.”

17. Since

When to use it: The primary use of “since” is to talk about the amount of time that something has
been happening.
You can also use “since” as a synonym for “because.”
Example sentences:
“She has been wearing makeup since she was 16 years old.”
“He has been afraid of driving since the car crash last year.”
“I’m staying home tonight since Sarah canceled our plans.”

18. When

When to use it: This conjunction refers to the time that something was happening.
Example sentences:
“I loved ice cream when I was a kid.”
“When I was a kid, I loved ice cream.”

19. Where

When to use it: You may know “where” as a word to talk about a place. It’s a little different when you
use it as a conjunction.
The English conjunction “where” can be used to mean “whereas.”
Example sentence:
“Where some people don’t care about politics, others consider it one of the most important things in
their lives.”

20. How

When to use it: “How” describes the way that something is or happens.
Example sentence:
“Tell me the story of how you and mom fell in love.”

21. Than

When to use it: When you’re comparing two things, “than” can be used to introduce the second
thing.
Example sentences:
“He’s much nicer than his sister.”
“I’d rather eat at a restaurant than at home.”
USE OF CORRELATIVE CONJUNCTIONS:

22. Whether/or

When to use them: I briefly mentioned this pairing when discussing “whether” previously. Use
“whether/or” to talk about two options.
Example sentences:
“Have you decided whether you want to wear the red shirt or the blue shirt?”
“Whether we leave at 8:00 or 8:30, we’re going to get stuck in traffic.”
“You’re going to eat your vegetables, whether you like it or not.”
(Note: “Whether you like it or not” is a common phrase for expressing that someone doesn’t have a
choice in the matter. It’s probably most common for parents to say to children.)

23. Either/or

When to use them: These words express two alternatives. It can be confusing to decide between
using “whether/or” or “either/or,” but here’s the main difference:
“Whether/or” is usually used when you’re trying to make a decision. “Either/or” is typically used to
compare two nouns or options.
It’s tricky, but here are some examples of “either/or.”
Example sentences:
“This summer, I want to visit either France or England.”
“Either we can eat Chinese food, or I’ll make food at home.”
“I want to attend either Harvard or Yale.”

24. Neither/nor

When to use them: “Neither/nor” is very similar to “either/or.” The difference is that you use
“neither/nor” in a negative statement.
Example sentences:
“Neither Cindy nor her husband will attend the parent-teacher conference tomorrow.”
To expand, you would use “either/or” to say “Either Cindy or her husband will attend the
parent-teacher conference tomorrow.” In the first example, the parents are not attending, and in the
second example, at least one of them will attend.
“Pat likes neither big cities nor small towns. She prefers small cities, like Greenville.”
“Neither my brother nor my sister is a good singer.”

25. Both/and

When to use them: Use this pair to talk about two related things.
Example sentences:
“I’m studying both theater and communications at college.”
“Let’s order both mozzarella sticks and cheese dip.”
“My daughter takes both ballet classes and karate classes. She likes to be active!”
26. Not only/but also

When to use them: “Not only/but also” is basically a way of saying, “But wait… there’s more!” It’s a
way to convey more information, often information that is unexpected or impressive.
Example sentences:
“I want to be not only a wife and mother, but also a doctor.”
“My son not only plays basketball and football, but also takes piano lessons.”
“My dog not only knows how to sit, but also how to shake and lie down.”

27. If/then

When to use them: The words “if” and “then” separate two clauses. Use the pair to talk about
something that will happen as a result of something else happening.
Example sentences:
“If Bob graduates from college, then he can apply for the job opening at Google.”
“If I order a medium pizza instead of a small, then I’ll have leftovers to eat tomorrow.”
“Joe is allergic to peanut butter. If he accidentally eats some, then his tongue will swell up.”

Source:
https://www.fluentu.com/blog/english/english-conjunctions/