Sentence types
We distinguish three main types of a sentence: 1. a clausal sentence, which has the form of a single clause, 2. a compound sentence, which has the form of two or more coordinated clauses, usually joined by a coordinator (such as and, or, but), and 3. a complex sentence, which consists of one independent and at least one (or more) dependent clauses).
1. A simple sentence (a clausal sentence) is a sentence that has only one independent clause (one subject and one verb combination). Since this sentence type has no dependent clauses, its structure is 1+0 (1 independent clause + 0 dependent clauses).
e.g. My curiosity in a sense was stronger than my fear. (Stevenson)
2. A compound sentence is a sentence that has 2≥ independent clauses. Clauses can be joined with a coordinating conjunction, transitional conjunction, or appropriate punctuation. Its structure is 2≥ + 0 (2≥ independent clauses + 0 dependent clauses).
e.g. He made excellent shoes and worked quite diligently, but even so he could not earn enough to support himself and his family. (adapted from The Elves and the Shoemaker)
3. A complex sentence is a sentence that has one independent and 1≥ dependent clauses. Clauses are joined by means of subordinators. Its structure is 1 + 1≥ (1 independent clause + 1≥ dependent clauses).
e.g. His father was a mechanical engineer who had designed or invented a new drill bit for oil drilling, a self-cleaning, self-sharpening bit. (Paulsen)
4. A complex-compound sentence is a sentence that has 2≥ independent and 1≥ dependent clauses. The sentence combines the characteristics of compound and complex sentences. 2≥ + 1≥ (2≥ independent clauses + 1≥ dependent clauses).
e.g. The sun was hot now and the old man felt it on the back of his neck and felt the sweat trickle down his back as he rowed. (Hemingway)
Parts of Speech
We distinguish eight primary parts of speech. They are named and exemplified below:
- Verb He wants to help. He is ill. He has left.
- Noun The dog barked. Sue won easily.
- Adjective He is very young. It looks easy. I’ve got a sore knee.
- Adverb She spoke clearly. You’re extremely fit. He works very hard.
- Preposition He’s in the garden. We went to Paris. It’s from your uncle.
- Article The dog barked. I’ve got a sore knee. It’s an interesting story.
- Coordinator (FANBOYS) We saw Kim and Pat. Hurry or we’ll be late.
- Subordinator I know that it’s true. I wonder if it’s true. I like kids who are active.
Note: coordinators are conjunctions that connect independent clauses. Subordinators are conjunctions that introduce/begin dependent clauses.
Phrases
For each of the first five parts of speech, there is a corresponding class of phrases whose “Head” belongs to that class. In the following examples, the phrase is enclosed in brackets and the “Head” underlined:
1.Verb phrase She [wrote some letters]. He [is still in London].
2. Noun phrase [The new lodger] is here. [The boss] wants to see [you].
3. Adjective phrase It’s getting [rather late]. I’m [glad you could come].
4. Adverb phrase I spoke [too soon]. It’s [quite extraordinarily] good.
5. Preposition phrase They’re [in the garden]. He wrote a book [on sharks].
Structure of a Simple Sentence (Independent Clause)
Subject and Predicate
A simple sentence/independent clause consists of a Subject followed by a Predicate. The Predicate is realized by a verb phrase; the Subject is mostly realized by a noun phrase.
Subject Predicate
One of his friends | called a doctor. [noun phrase as Subject]