UNIT 1: SENTENCE TYPES

CLAUSES
Clauses are the building blocks of sentences. A clause is a group of words that contains
(at least) a subject and a verb.
Clauses Not clauses
ecology is a science to protect the environment
because pollution causes cancer after working hard
Independent clauses
An independent clause contains a S and a V and expresses a complete thought. It can
stand alone by itself.
E.g. Students normally spend four years in college.
Dependent clauses
A dependent clause begins with a subordinator such as when, while, if, that … followed
by (at least) a subject and a verb.
E.g. …when the semester was over…
Practice 1: Put a tick (V) next to the independent clauses and a period (.) after them.
1. Jet lag affects most long-distance travelers
2. Which is simply the urge to sleep at inappropriate times
3. During long journeys through several time zones, the body’s inner clock is disrupted
4. For some reasons, travel from west to east causes greater jet lag than travel from east to west
5. Also, changes in work can cause jet flag
6. When hospital nurses change from a day shift to a night shift, for example
7. Although there is no sure way to prevent jet lag
8. There are some ways to minimize it (Oshima)
Practice 2: Determine whether the underlined word groups are dependent clauses,
independent clauses, or not a clause.
1. Although it was raining, Maria went for a jog at Civitan Park.
2. Brianna eats chocolate whenever she gets a poor grade in math.
3. After the flood, the family moved into a temporary shelter.
4. While walking at the park, John saw a raccoon eating potato chips.
5. When you finish your homework, please take the dog for a walk.
6. After Juan completed the assignment, he swam laps at the gym.
7. Christa left home at 4:00 a.m. since she had to drive to Atlanta for a meeting.
 8. Before completing the assignment, Evan decided to eat a quick lunch
SIMPLE SENTENCE
A simple sentence, also called an independent clause, contains a subject and a verb, and
it expresses a complete thought.
A. Some students like to study in the mornings.
S V
B. Alicia goes to the library and studies every day.
S V
Note: - Sentence B contains a compound verb.
COMPOUND SENTENCE
A compound sentence contains two independent clauses joined by a coordinator.
The coordinators are as follows: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. (FANBOYS)
Note: - Except for very short sentences, coordinators are always preceded by a comma.
A. I tried to speak Spanish, and my friend tried to speak English.
S V , coor S V
B. Alejandro played football, so Marie went shopping.
COMPLEX SENTENCE
A complex sentence has an independent clause joined by one or more dependent
clauses. A complex sentence always has a subordinator such as because, since, after,
although, or when or a relative pronoun such as that, who, or which.
A. When he handed in his homework, he forgot to give the teacher the last page.
Sub S V , S V
B. The teacher returned the homework after she noticed the error.
S V sub S V
Note: - When a complex sentence begins with a subordinator, a comma is required
at the end of the dependent clause.
- When the independent clause begins the sentence with subordinators in the
middle, no comma is required.
COMPOUND-COMPLEX SENTENCES
A compound-complex sentence is made from two independent clauses and one or
more dependent clauses.
E.g. Although I like to go camping, I haven't had the time to go lately, and I haven't
found anyone to go with.
 • independent clause: "I haven't had the time to go lately"
• independent clause: "I haven't found anyone to go with"
• dependent clause: "Although I like to go camping... "
Practice 3: Read the following sentences and label them simple, compound, complex,
or compound-complex.
1. Since it rained all weekend, the group decided to stay home.
2. Apples are great for improving your health.
3. The war has taken a toll on morale, but the devastation is coupled with improved
living conditions for many.
4. After the wreck, John decided to turn his life around, and he promptly made some
great investments and gave back to the community from which he had taken for so
long.
5. The weekend was filled with walking in the park, shopping at the local market,
swimming and skiing in the bay, and spending time with loved ones.
Practice 4: Complete the following sentences
1. I was disappointed by my failure in the entrance exam to the university this year,
but
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…
2. The Japanese have the longest life expectancy in the world because …
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…
3. My friends do not like going out at night, nor…
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…. 4. My sister laid …
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…
5. His impoliteness in the party made…
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…
6. The tour guide introduced some famous traditional dishes to all of us, which…
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…
 7. My husband didn’t come home until…
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…
8. My sister became pregnant, so…

……………………………………………………………………………………………