CHAPTER 5: TYPES OF SENTENCES

1. Definition:
Consist of clauses (main/independent Cl. and subordinate/dependent Cl.)
2. Sentences are classified into:
(1) simple sentences
(2) compound sentences
(3) complex sentences
3. A simple sentence has a single clause with a subject and a finite verb. It has one independent
clause.
- With a subject and a verb (SV)
e.g. Somebody coughed.
The train didn't come.
- With an object or an object and a complement
e.g. Mr. Owen is cooking lunch. (SVO)
We recognized him a famous actor. (SVOC)
- With an adjunct
e.g. We quickly closed the window. (SVA)
He moved to London in 1588. (SVA)
- With a linking verb and a complement
e.g. Cathy is a nurse. (SVC)
Her hair looked wet. (SVC)
A Sample of tree diagram for a simple sentence
We quickly closed the window.

Pron-H Av-H lex V det N-H

S:NP A:AvP V:VP O:NP

Cl

S
4. Compound sentences contain 2 or more clauses joined by the coordinating conjunctions and,
but, or, yet, so (conjunct adverbs)

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e.g. It wasn’t cold, but I was shivering.
Joe became bored with teaching and he looked for a new career.
Prep NH

N-H lexV Aj-H PP proN-H lex V det Aj N-H

S:NP V:VP C:AjP S:NP V:VP O:NP

Cl conj Cl

We can emphasize the relationship b/t two clauses in compound sentences by using different
combinations of conjunctions.
They can express an addition, an alternative, a combination, or a combination of negatives.
e.g. They not only clean the houses, but also do repairs, and other jobs.
(an addition)
I will neither sleep nor rest until this is over.
(a combination of negatives)
5. Complex sentences include 2 or more clauses joined by subordinating conjunctions: since, if, so
that, because, although, etc.
They contain Rel Cl, N-al Cl, Av-al Cl.
e.g. I didn’t realize that Brian didn’t feel well. (SVO)
I had a shower after I ran. (SVOA)
She liked the women with whom she worked. (SVO)

O:PP S:NP V:VP

proNH lexV det NH RelCl

S:NP V:VP O:NP

Cl

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 I couldn't sleep because I was thinking about all the work .

proN-H aux lexV pre-det det N-H

proN-H aux neg lexV conj S:NP V:VP O:NP

S:NP V:VP A:Av-alCl

Cl