Sentences
Phrase
(not too important): Group of words
Can be noun phrase, adjective or adverb phrase, or propositional phase. When combined with subject, becomes clause.
Clause
A clause is comprised of at least one subject and one verb. There are two types of clauses:
a. the independent clause
b. the dependent clause.
Independent Clause
An independent clause makes a statement or asks a question that can act as a complete sentence.
example:
The dog barks
Dependent Clause
A dependent clause cannot act as a complete sentence because it begins with a subordinating word, such as when, because, if, whoever, etc.
Example: When the dog barks
Conjunction Types
Coordinating Conjunctions -Joins two Independent clauses to make compound sentence. FANBOYS
Subordinating Conjunctions - Combines 1 independent and 1 dependent clause to make complex sentence. E.g. When, Because, Even though, Although, If, Until, After.etc . List below.
Correlative Conjunctions - Work in pairs to join words, phrases, or clauses. e.g. Either..or, not only.. but also
(Bonus) Conjunctive Adverbs - aka linking verbs, Transition verbs or phrases.
Compound Sentence
Made up of two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS). Use commas in coordinating conjunctions.
e.g. Everyone was busy, so I want to the movie alone.
I really need to go to work, but I am too sick too leave.
Complex Sentence
Combines a dependent clause with an independent clause. Combined with subordinating conjunction.
If dependent clause comes first, put comma after the dependent clause. No comma otherwise.
e.g.
Because the soup was too cold, I warmed it in the microwave.
Although
Although the exam was difficult, I think I did well.
I think I did well although the exam was difficult.
Even though the exam was easy, I failed.
Even though - is more stronger than although.
Even though the exam was easy, I failed.
Compound-Complex Sentence
At least two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.
e.g. I was crazy about heavy metal when I was younger, but I am more into jazz now.
If it rains tomorrow, bring your umbrella, or you might catch a cold.
Correlative Conjunctions
Not only... but also
Use commas when connecting clauses, but do not use it while connecting nouns.
e.g. My favorite food is not only lobster but also fish.
Not only do I like to listen to music, but I also like to sing.
Either... or
My brother is either playing video games or writing music on his PC.
Neither... nor
We received neither the package nor the invoice.
Both... and
such... that
She was such an amazing cook that she won over even the pickiest eaters.
Conjunctive Adverbs
Indicate a connection between 2 independent clauses in one sentence.
link the ideas in two or more sentences
show relationship between ideas within an independent clause.
Comma Rules:
Independent clause; however/therefore, independent clause.
Independent clause. However/Therefore, independent clause.
Example:
Zach loves living in San Francisco; however, his wife hates the traffic and the pollution.
Zach loves living in San Francisco. However, his wife hates the traffic and the pollution.
Zach loves living in San Francisco. His wife, however, hates the traffic and the pollution.
Zach loves living in San Francisco. His wife hates the traffic and the pollution, however.
THAMOs (Therefore, However, Additionally, Moreover, Otherwise)
Time Contrast Reason Conditional
When Although So that Even if
After Though As If
As Even Though Because Whether
Since Whereas In order to Unless
Until While provided that
While Rather than
Subordinating conjunctions
Comparison
Than
Rather than
Whether
As much as
Whereas
While
Time
After
As soon as
As long as
Before
Once
Since
Till
Until
When
Whenever
While
Concession
Though
Although
Even though
Place
Where
Wherever
Condition
if
Only if
Unless
provided that
Even if
In case
Whether
Relative Pronoun
Who
Whoever
Whom
Whose
Reason
Because
Since
So that
That
As
Relative Adjective
That
Which
whichever
Whatever