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.

o I like spaghetti.
o 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.

o Although I like spaghetti,…

o 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?”

o I like spaghetti.He reads many books.

o

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?”

o I like spaghetti.
o He reads many books.
o 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?”

o I like spaghetti.
o He reads many books.

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?”

o I like spaghetti for dinner.

o He reads many books in the library.
English Sentence Structure
The following statements are true about sentences in English:

 A new sentence begins with a capital letter.

o He obtained his degree.

 A sentence ends with punctuation (a period, a question mark, or an exclamation

point).
o He obtained his degree.

 A sentence contains a subject that is only given once.

o Smith he obtained his degree.

 A sentence contains a verb or a verb phrase.

o He obtained his degree.

 A sentence follows Subject + Verb + Object word order.

o He (subject) obtained (verb) his degree (object).

 A sentence must have a complete idea that stands alone. This is also called an
independent clause.
o He obtained his degree.

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
Here are a few examples:

 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
Here are a few examples:

 Although she completed her literature review, she still needed to work on her
methods section.
o Note the comma in this sentence because it begins with a dependent
clause.

 Because he organized his sources by theme, it was easier for his readers to
follow.
o Note the comma in this sentence because it begins with a dependent
clause.

 They studied APA rules for many hours as they were so interesting.
o 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. 
 With pizza and soda at hand, they 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.
What Are Compound Sentences?
Compound sentences are made up of two simple sentences connected by
a coordinating conjunction. A great way to remember conjunctions is
FANBOYS:

 F - For: reasons
 A - And: addition/next action
 N - Nor: not one or the other
 B - But: contrasting and unexpected results
 O - Or: choices and conditions
 Y - Yet: contrasting and unexpected results
 S - So: actions taken

Here are some example compound sentences:

Tom arrived home. Then, he ate dinner. -> Tom arrived home and ate dinner.
We studied many hours for the test. We didn't pass the test. -> We studied many
hours for the test, but we didn't pass it.

Peter doesn't need to buy a new car. He also doesn't need to go on vacation. -
> Peter doesn't need to buy a new car, nor does he need to go on vacation.
Using Conjunctions in Compound Sentences
Conjunctions are used for different purposes in sentences. A comma is always
placed before the conjunction. Here are the main uses of the FANBOYS:
Addition/Next Action
and
"And" is used as a coordinating conjunction to show that something is in
addition to something else. Another use of "and" is to show that one action
follows another.

 Addition: Tom enjoys playing tennis, and he likes cooking.

 Next Action: We drove home, and we went to bed.

Contrasting or Showing Unexpected Results

but/yet
Both "but" and "yet" are used to contrast pros and cons or show unexpected
results. 

 Pros and cons of a situation: We wanted to visit our friends, but we

didn't have enough money to get a flight.
Unexpected results: Janet did very well on her job interview, yet she
didn't get the position.

Effect/Cause
so/for
Confusing these two coordinating conjunctions is easy. "So" expresses a result
based on a reason. "For" provides the reason. Consider the following
sentences: 
I need some money. I went to the bank.
The result of needing money is that I went to the bank. In this case, use "so."
I needed some money, so I went to the bank.
The reason I went to the bank is because I needed money. In this case, use
"for."
I went to the bank, for I needed some money.

 Effect -> Mary needed some new clothing, so she went shopping.

 Cause -> They stayed home for the holiday, for they had to work.

Choice Between Two or Conditions

or
We thought we might go to see a film, or we might have dinner out.
Angela said she might buy him a watch, or she might give him a gift
certificate.
Conditions
or
You should study a lot for the test, or you won't pass. = If you don't study a lot
for the test, you won't pass. 
Neither One nor the Other
nor
We won't be able to visit our friends, nor will they be able to visit us this
summer.
Sharon isn't going to the conference, nor is she going to present there.
NOTE: Notice how when using "nor" the sentence structure is inverted. In
other words, after "nor," place the helping verb before the subject.

Compound Sentence Practice

Use FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) to write one compound sentence
using the two simple sentences.

 Peter drove to visit his friend. They went out for dinner. - Show a
sequence of events
 Mary thinks she should go to school. She wants to get qualifications for
a new profession. - Provide a reason
 Alan invested a lot of money in the business. The business went
bankrupt. - Show an unexpected result
 Doug didn't understand the homework assignment. He asked the
teacher for help. - Show an action taken based on a reason
 The students didn't prepare for the test. They didn't realize how
important the test was. - Give a reason
 Susan thinks she should stay home and relax. She also thinks she should
go on vacation. - Show additional information
 The doctors looked at the x-rays. They decided to operate on the patient.
- Show an action taken based on a reason
 We went out on the town. We came home late. - Show a sequence of
events
 Jack flew to London to visit his Uncle. He also wanted to visit the
National Museum. - Show addition
 It is sunny. It is very cold. - Show a contrast
 Henry studied very hard for the test. He passed with high marks.
- Provide a reason
 I would like to play tennis today. If I don't play tennis, I would like to
play golf. - Give a choice
 We needed some food for the week. We went to the supermarket.
- Show an action taken based on a reason
 Tom asked his teacher for help. He also asked his parents for help.
- Show addition
 Janet doesn't like sushi. She doesn't like any kind of fish. - Show that
Susan doesn't like either sushi or fish
 Peter drove to visit his friend, and they went out for dinner.
 Mary thinks she should go to school, for she wants to get qualifications
for a new profession.
 Alan invested a lot of money in the business, but the business went
bankrupt.
 Doug didn't understand the homework assignment, so he asked the
teacher for help.
 The students didn't prepare for the test, nor did they realize how
important the test was.
 Susan thinks she should stay home and relax, or she should go on
vacation.
 The doctors looked at the x-rays, so they decided to operate on the
patient.
 We went out on the town, and we came home late.
 Jack flew to London to visit his Uncle, and to visit the National
Museum.
 It is sunny, but it is very cold.
 Henry studied very hard for the test, so passed with high marks.
 I would like to play tennis today, or I would like to play golf.
 We needed some food for the week, so We went to the supermarket.
 Tom asked his teacher for help, and he asked his parents.
 Janet doesn't like sushi, nor does she like any kind of fish.
What Are Compound Sentences?
Compound sentences are made up of two simple sentences connected by
a coordinating conjunction. A great way to remember conjunctions is
FANBOYS:

 F - For: reasons
 A - And: addition/next action
 N - Nor: not one or the other
 B - But: contrasting and unexpected results
 O - Or: choices and conditions
 Y - Yet: contrasting and unexpected results
 S - So: actions taken

Here are some example compound sentences:

Tom arrived home. Then, he ate dinner. -> Tom arrived home and ate dinner.
We studied many hours for the test. We didn't pass the test. -> We studied many
hours for the test, but we didn't pass it.

Peter doesn't need to buy a new car. He also doesn't need to go on vacation. -
> Peter doesn't need to buy a new car, nor does he need to go on vacation.

Using Conjunctions in Compound Sentences

Conjunctions are used for different purposes in sentences. A comma is always
placed before the conjunction. Here are the main uses of the FANBOYS:
Addition/Next Action
and
"And" is used as a coordinating conjunction to show that something is in
addition to something else. Another use of "and" is to show that one action
follows another.

 Addition: Tom enjoys playing tennis, and he likes cooking.

 Next Action: We drove home, and we went to bed.

Contrasting or Showing Unexpected Results

but/yet
Both "but" and "yet" are used to contrast pros and cons or show unexpected
results. 

 Pros and cons of a situation: We wanted to visit our friends, but we

didn't have enough money to get a flight.
Unexpected results: Janet did very well on her job interview, yet she
didn't get the position.

Effect/Cause
so/for
Confusing these two coordinating conjunctions is easy. "So" expresses a result
based on a reason. "For" provides the reason. Consider the following
sentences: 
I need some money. I went to the bank.
The result of needing money is that I went to the bank. In this case, use "so."
I needed some money, so I went to the bank.
The reason I went to the bank is because I needed money. In this case, use
"for."
I went to the bank, for I needed some money.

 Effect -> Mary needed some new clothing, so she went shopping.

 Cause -> They stayed home for the holiday, for they had to work.

Choice Between Two or Conditions

or
We thought we might go to see a film, or we might have dinner out.
Angela said she might buy him a watch, or she might give him a gift
certificate.
Conditions
or
You should study a lot for the test, or you won't pass. = If you don't study a lot
for the test, you won't pass. 
Neither One nor the Other
nor
We won't be able to visit our friends, nor will they be able to visit us this
summer.
Sharon isn't going to the conference, nor is she going to present there.
NOTE: Notice how when using "nor" the sentence structure is inverted. In
other words, after "nor," place the helping verb before the subject.

Compound Sentence Practice

Use FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) to write one compound sentence
using the two simple sentences.

 Peter drove to visit his friend. They went out for dinner. - Show a
sequence of events
 Mary thinks she should go to school. She wants to get qualifications for
a new profession. - Provide a reason
 Alan invested a lot of money in the business. The business went
bankrupt. - Show an unexpected result
 Doug didn't understand the homework assignment. He asked the
teacher for help. - Show an action taken based on a reason
 The students didn't prepare for the test. They didn't realize how
important the test was. - Give a reason
 Susan thinks she should stay home and relax. She also thinks she should
go on vacation. - Show additional information
 The doctors looked at the x-rays. They decided to operate on the patient.
- Show an action taken based on a reason
 We went out on the town. We came home late. - Show a sequence of
events
 Jack flew to London to visit his Uncle. He also wanted to visit the
National Museum. - Show addition
 It is sunny. It is very cold. - Show a contrast
 Henry studied very hard for the test. He passed with high marks.
- Provide a reason
 I would like to play tennis today. If I don't play tennis, I would like to
play golf. - Give a choice
 We needed some food for the week. We went to the supermarket.
- Show an action taken based on a reason
 Tom asked his teacher for help. He also asked his parents for help.
- Show addition
 Janet doesn't like sushi. She doesn't like any kind of fish. - Show that
Susan doesn't like either sushi or fish
 Peter drove to visit his friend, and they went out for dinner.
 Mary thinks she should go to school, for she wants to get qualifications
for a new profession.
 Alan invested a lot of money in the business, but the business went
bankrupt.
 Doug didn't understand the homework assignment, so he asked the
teacher for help.
 The students didn't prepare for the test, nor did they realize how
important the test was.
 Susan thinks she should stay home and relax, or she should go on
vacation.
 The doctors looked at the x-rays, so they decided to operate on the
patient.
 We went out on the town, and we came home late.
 Jack flew to London to visit his Uncle, and to visit the National
Museum.
 It is sunny, but it is very cold.
 Henry studied very hard for the test, so passed with high marks.
 I would like to play tennis today, or I would like to play golf.
 We needed some food for the week, so We went to the supermarket.
 Tom asked his teacher for help, and he asked his parents.
 Janet doesn't like sushi, nor does she like any kind of fish.