Sentence Structure

Sentence Structure

Simple sentenceOne Independent clause

Ex: Most introverts love dogs.

One subject, one verb Can have compound verb or subject

Ex: Extroverts and introverts may love books and fear dogs.

Sentence Structure

Compound SentenceTwo or more independent clauses Joined by semicolons, FANBOYS, or conjunctive

adverb (however, moreover, therefore, etc.) Some people like change, but others like stability

Note: FANBOYS just have a comma Conjunctive adverbs are introduced with a semicolon,

then followed by a comma: Ex: Some people like change; however, others like

stability.

Sentence Structure

Complex SentenceOne independent clause, one or more

subordinate Although only-children differ, they often share

many traits. Whoever lives in this house must love the color

red. Noun clause serving as the subject still makes a complex

sentence.

Sentence Structure

Compound-Complex sentenceTwo or more independent clauses and one or

more subordinate clause Researchers have studied couples who

have contrasting personalities, and the results have been interesting.

Procedure1. Look for a FANBOYS or a semi-colon

2. Look for a subordinate clause

3. Use the chart to determine sentence type

4. Remember, phrases don’t count!

Sub. Clause YES Sub. Clause NO

FANBOYS ; YES

FANBOYS ; NO

Compound-Complex

Complex

Compound

Simple

Practice Write down the sentence type for the

following sentences:1.Everyone has ideas about the influence of

personality on relationships.

2. “Birds of a feather flock together” is an old maxim; it implies that people prefer to be with others who are similar to themselves.

3. On the other hand, another old saying asserts that “opposites attract”

4. Both maxims are generalizations, and both probably have some truth in them.

Answers

1.Everyone has ideas about the influence of personality on relationships. SIMPLE

2. “Birds of a feather flock together” is an old maxim; it implies that people prefer to be with others who are similar to themselves. CC

3. On the other hand, another old saying asserts that “opposites attract” CX

4. Both maxims are generalizations, and both probably have some truth in them. CD