Usually, a simple sentence contains one independent/main clause. To be complete, it must have at least one subject and one predicate. Both the subject and the predicate may have modifiers such as adjectives, adverbs, prepositional phrases, participial phrases, etc. All of the following are simple sentences, because each contains only one clause:
1. Simple sentences
The most basic type of sentence is a simple sentence. It can be as short as one word (when the subject “you” is understood):
• Run!
1) a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so),
2) a conjunctive adverb (e.g. however, therefore, thus, etc.),
3) a semicolon alone.
• My brother has never been abroad before. • He is finding this trip very exciting. My brother has never been abroad before, so he is
A simple sentence may also have two or more subjects and/or predicates. • The president and his men took seats. • The president and his men took seats and discussed the problem.
A dependent/subordinate clause starts with a subordinate words such as that, which, what, when, where, why, how, because, though, whether, if, etc. It can not stand alone as a sentence though it consists of both a subject and a predicate. • when the president took a seat • because she plays an important role in the game
Notice: 1) Simple sentences can be very effective for drawing a
reader's attention, but you have to use them with care: too many simple sentences can make your writing seem choppy and childish. 2) In a simple sentence, no commas separate compound elements.
An independent/main clause consists of a subject and a predicate and can stand alone as a sentence. • the president took a seat • she plays an important role in the game
2. Compound sentences
A sentence that has at least two or more main/ independent clauses is called a compound sentence. All of the main clauses of a compound sentence have their own subject(s) and their own predicate(s) and these main clauses are of equal importance in grammar. Usually, a compound sentence is joined by
Sentences
A sentence is made up of a clause. A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a predicate. Clauses can be put into two kinds: independent/main clauses and dependent/subordinate clauses.
• Run!
• The policeman runs.
• The policeman runs fast.
• The policeman on duty runs fast towards the car.
• Receiving an emergent call from his men, the policeman on duty runs fast towards the waiting car.
College English Grammar:
Grammar and Wrinces
• Grammar: Sentences • Writing:
Correcting: Choppy/Stringy Sentences Rewriting: Variety in sentence structure