Sentencing
The structure of the sentence indicates relationship between and among ideas.
Parts of Sentences and Sentence Patterns
Basic structures
Simple = independent clause
Compound = two or more independent clauses with no dependent clauses
Complex = one independent and one or more dependent/subordinate clauses
Compound-Complex = at least two independent clauses (compound), with each containing at least one dependent clause (complex).
Independent clause: subject/verb, complete thought
Dependent clause: subject/verb, incomplete thought
Simple: One independent clause:
Basic sentence patterns.
Subject – Linking Verb – Complement
Subject – Linking Verb - Predicate Nominative (renames the subject)
Mary is my sister.
George is a painter.
Subject – Linking Verb – Predicate Adjective (modifies the subject)
Mary is pretty.
George looks tired.
Linking verbs: forms of the verb be (am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been),
smell taste look feel seem become appear grow
Subject – Action Verb – with or without object
Subject – Action/Intransitive Verb
Jim fishes.
Mary sews.
Subject - Action/Transitive Verb – Object
Sam shoots free throws.
Mary collects tea cups.
Subject – Action/Transitive Verb – Indirect Object - Object
Louise hit you the ball.
Mary gave Sam an invitation.
Compound: Two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so), a conjunctive adverb (e.g. however, therefore), or a semicolon alone.
Coordination: ideas are equal
use parallel structure
Words or ideas joined
by a coordinating conjunction and a comma
Coordinating conjunctions connect grammatically equal elements.
and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet
by correlative conjunctions (the comma precedes the second part of the conjunction)
Correlative conjunctions connect grammatically equal elements
either ... or, neither ... or, not only ... but also, whether ... or, both ... and
Ideas joined by a semicolon that is followed by a conjunctive adverb or a transitional phrase and a comma
Conjunctive adverbs indicate relationship between independent clauses.
accordingly, also, anyway, besides, certainly, consequently, conversely, finally, furthermore, hence, however, incidentally, indeed, instead, likewise, meanwhile, moreover, nevertheless, next, nonetheless, once, otherwise, similarly, specifically, still, subsequently, then, therefore, thus
transitional phrases: for example, in other words, as a matter of fact
Complex: A dependent and independent clause.
(Towson)
Complex:
A dependent (Subordination: unequal importance) and independent clause.
Clauses joined by words that indicate dependence and relationship
Subordinating conjunctions (Hacker, S6b)
Subordinating conjunctions introduce subordinate clauses and indicate relationship.
after, although, as, as if, because, before, even though, how, if, in order that, once, rather than, that, though, unless, until, when, where, whether, while, why
or relative pronouns (Hacker, B4)
Subordinate word groups/clauses: adverb clauses, adjective clauses, noun clauses
Other ways to subordinate ideas:
Subordinate Word Groups
prepositional phrase: adjective, adverb
verbal phrases: participial (adjective), gerund (noun), infinitive (adjective, adverb, noun)
appositive: equivalent to nouns and pronouns
absolute: a noun or noun equivalent, followed by a participle, modifies clause of sentence
subordinate clauses: noun, adjective, noun
(See Hacker, pp. 502-507)
Parts of Speech
Noun: names a person, place, or thing
Pronoun: a noun substitute
Adjective: modifies or qualifies a noun or pronoun
Verb: expresses action or being; main verb and helping verb (There are twenty-three and nine modals.)
Adverb: modifies or qualifies a verb, adjective or another adverb
Preposition: used to form a phrase that functions as an adjective or adverb
Conjunctions: not only join words, phrases, and clauses, but indicate relationship
Interjection: An expression of surprise.
Sources:
Hacker, Diana, A Writer's Reference, 6th ed.
"Sentence Structure." Online Writing Support. Towson University. 2011. http://www.towson.edu/ows/sentences.htm#dependent clause
For additional information:
Walden University Writing Center. "Grammar: Sentence Structure and Types of Sentences: Definitions and Examples of Basic Sentence Elements." Walden U. 2017. http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/grammar/sentencestructure
At this site, there are also links videos, a series titled "Sentence Structure Playlist," and to information about specific types of sentences, parts of speech, and more; it is an excellent resource.