SENTENCE STRUCTURE NOTES

Phrases and Clauses

A ​phrase​ is a group of words without a subject and verb.
Ex. down the bumpy street
A ​clause​ is a group of words with a subject and verb.
Ex. Danny sold his car
although she worked hard
Types of Clauses
Every clause has a subject and a verb. An ​independent
clause expresses a complete thought. A ​subordinate​ or
dependent​ clause does not express a complete thought.
Ex. She walked two miles (independent)
Since he was finished (dependent)
Independent Clauses
A ​simple sentence​ contains one independent clause and no
dependent clauses. Simple sentences may contain
compound subjects or verbs.
Ex. Donna makes crafts. (Simple sentence)
Donna and Danny make crafts. (Simple with a
compound subject)
Donna makes and sells crafts. (Simple with a
compound verb)

A ​compound sentence​ contains two or more independent

clauses and no dependent clauses. The clauses in a
compound sentence must be related closely in thought.

Compound sentences​ can be joined by a comma and a

coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) or by a semicolon.

Ex. Shawn tutors​, and​ he helps students learn

math.
Shawn tutors​;​ he helps students learn math.
Dependent Clauses

Most dependent clauses begin with a special kind of word

called a ​subordinating conjunction​. These are some of
the most common:

after because since when wherever

although before unless whenever while
as if until where

AAAWWWWWUUBBIS

A ​complex sentence​ contains one independent clause and

one or more dependent clauses. A dependent clause may
precede or follow an independent clause.

Ex. While Kay fixed dinner, Jason set the table.

The cat ran away because the dog barked.

Comma Rule​ – If the dependent clause comes first, use a

comma between the two clauses. If the independent
clause comes first, no comma is necessary.

A ​compound-complex sentence​ contains two or more

independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.

Ex. When we celebrate my birthday, I open my

presents, and then we eat cake and ice cream.

Jessica was tired after she worked all day, so

she
went to bed early.