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What Is A Sentence

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19 views4 pages

What Is A Sentence

Uploaded by

Allana
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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What is a sentence?

- A sentence is a complete thought written in text.

- A sentence begins with a capital letter and ends with a punctuation mark. The type of

punctuation mark determines the kind of sentence.

What does a sentence consist of?


• A sentence contains a subject and a predicate

- The subject is the noun

- The predicate contains the verb which identifies what the subject is doing.

• A sentence consists of clauses (a verb + a noun)

• A noun (subject/ person/ place/ thing)

• A verb (action/ state/ occurrence).

Structure
The noun and verb in a clause must match, e.g. a plural noun should have a plural verb, etc. In other
words, multiple nouns and multiple verbs. There are two types of clauses: independent and dependent.

Independent Clauses
An independent clause stands on its own as a complete sentence. In other words, independent clauses
have the noun.

Dependent Clauses
Dependent clauses must be paired with an independent clause in order to create a complete sentence.
It does not have the noun. Dependent clause on its own is a fragmented sentence i.e. an incomplete
sentence.
Different Types of Sentences
There are four different "types" of sentences. Each type has a corresponding correct end punctuation.

Declarative Sentences
This type of sentence makes a statement or expresses an opinion and uses a full stop. You are stating
something specific.

Imperative Sentences
This gives a command or makes a request. It can sound authoritative. Usually there is a full stop and
sometimes an exclamation point for emphasis.

Interrogative Sentences
This asks a question and always uses a question mark.

Exclamatory Sentences
This expresses high emotion and always uses an exclamation point.

Simple Sentences
Simple sentences are the most basic, and are made up of only one independent clause. There are no
commas separating any compound elements in simple sentences.

Complex Sentences
A complex sentence is made up of a dependent clause joined to an independent clause. It is an
incomplete sentence combined with a complete sentence – which creates the complexity. The
dependent clause can either be essential, or non-essential to the meaning of the sentence.

Compound Sentences
Compound sentences are made up of two independent clauses joined together by coordinating
conjunctions (e.g. and, but, or, yet, etc.), conjunctive adverbs (such as, therefore, however) or a
semicolon.

Compound Complex Sentences


Compound-complex sentences contain two independent clauses that are also joined to one or more
dependent clauses. These sentences are essentially compound sentences with at least one dependent
clause added on. For example, I am almost done with tutorials, but I don't know if I can finish my last
essay on time because it is very difficult.

Note: Adding descriptive elements makes the sentence more interesting as it gives the listener or
reader more information.
Sentence Variety:

Consider varying the types of sentences used to achieve the desired effect:

• Short simple sentences attract attention.

• Compound sentences invite comparison.

• Complex sentences show relationships and priorities.

• Compound-complex sentences provide lots of information.

Common Errors in Sentence Structure


NOTE: “Rather than embracing the flowery prose of the literati, he chose to eschew obfuscation at
every turn and write simply and clearly.” – Brian Clarke

In other words, short, clear and concise sentences are best.

Run-on Sentences
A run-on sentence occurs when several main clauses are strung together without proper punctuation.
These can be fixed by adding punctuation such as semicolons, full stops or connecting words.

Comma Splice/ Incorrect Comma


An incorrect comma is often used in this example to join two independent clauses. This can be fixed
by replacing the comma with a connecting word like "and" or by separating the independent clauses
with either full stops or semicolons.

Sentence Fragments
Sentence fragments are sentences that cannot stand alone, like dependent clauses. For example, even
though "it was raining." is an independent clause, but if it starts with "because" it is incorrect.
“Because” is a word that links dependent clauses, this makes the phrase reliant on something more to
be complete.

Structural Errors and Incorrect Prepositions


If two or more parts of the sentence are doing the same thing, they need to have a matching or parallel
structure. For example, “I like to read, writing and editing” does not make sense. This is where
prepositions become important, and you need to ensure that their meaning carries so that the whole
sentence makes sense. You may need to add another preposition. For example, it makes sense to be
"excited about tutoring", but not to be "interested about tutoring".
Note: You should always read your writing out loud and if you make a mistake while doing this,
there is likely to be something wrong with the sentence. Microsoft Word and Google Docs can
convert the text to speech.

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