Speaking In English

Clauses, Phrases and Sentences

SYNTAX

The study of the principles and processes by which sentences as

constructed.

In communicating with someone else, proper syntax is essential if

you want to be understood.

CLAUSE

A clause typically consists of a noun and a finite verb, but not all clauses form a

complete thought.

TYPES OF CLAUSES

Independent Clause

Independent clauses demonstrate a complete thought.

In other words, an independent clause can also work as a sentence.

Examples of Independent Clauses

• Ride hard.• Don’t look back.• It isn’t fair.• It doesn’t matter.• His painting is a masterpiece.• Create something.• You look up.

Subordinate Clause

Independent clauses demonstrate a complete thought.

In other words, an independent clause can also work as a sentence.

Examples of Subordinate Clauses

• When I’m bad…• …because you never had the chance.• If you can’t fight fair…• …given that the committee was totally

against them…• Whenever these people come down to

visit…• In case things don’t go as planned…

SENTENCE

A sentence consists of two or more words that relate to each other

syntactically to form a complete thought.

PARTS OF A SENTENCE

Every sentence contains two basic parts: a subject and a predicate.

THE SUBJECT

The subject is one of the two main parts of a sentence. The subject is what the sentence is discussing or describing.

THE PREDICATE

In a sentence, the predicate is used to modify the subject. In other words, the predicate is what describes or defines

the subject.

Usually, the common formation of a sentence puts a subject first

followed by the predicate. However, you can also put the predicate

before the subject in a sentence.

Examples

• Dianne is very pretty.• Mark walked his dog.• The park was seen by Albert.• The cat was chased by the dog.

SENTENCE CLASSIFICATION

Structural Classification

• Simple Sentence

• Compound Sentence

• Complex Sentence

• Compound-Complex Sentence

Simple Sentence

Simple sentences consist of independent clauses only.

Examples of Simple Sentences

• I took the train to work today.• The baby is crying.• Elaine took off immediately.• We prepared for the event.

Compound Sentence

Compound sentences have two independent clauses in them which are connected together by coordinating or

correlative conjunctions.

Examples of Compound Sentences

• Mary went to movie while John bought food.

• Stan perfected the exam because he studied all night.

• You can circle around the town or you can take the shortcut.

Complex Sentence

Complex sentences contain an independent clause and one or more

dependent clauses in order to distinguish which idea in the sentence is

most important.

Examples of Complex Sentences

• I am excited to hear the announcement of the winner.

• Matt really enjoyed the breakfast you cooked for him.

• Bring some coffee before it turns cold.

Compound-Complex Sentence

Compound-complex sentences combine the properties of both compound and

complex sentence formations, such as having several independent and

dependent clauses.

Examples of Compound-Complex Sentences

• John cleaned the attic, which was full of dust, while Jenny played in the basement.

• Ben’s dog, the one with the furry tail, kept chasing Mia’s cat, while the cat, which was very scared, kept on jumping over furniture.

Classification by Purpose

• Declarative Sentence

• Interrogative Sentence

• Exclamatory Sentence

• Imperative Sentence

Declarative Sentence

The declarative sentence’s purpose is to ‘declare’, or simply make a statement.

Declarative sentences always end with a period (“.”).

Examples of Declarative Sentences

• Ryan is a highly intelligent student.• Rachel is very beautiful and smart.• The Lion is the king of the beasts.• Wolves travel in packs.

Interrogative Sentence

The interrogative sentence is used to gather information or ask questions, and always ends up with the question mark

(“?”).

Examples of Interrogative Sentences

• Who are you?• What is your name?• Why did the cat jump over the sofa?• Where will we meet you?

Exclamatory Sentence

The exclamatory sentence expresses intense emotion, which is why it always

ends with the exclamation mark (“!”). Exclamatory sentences can have a single

word expressing a complete thought.

Examples of Exclamatory Sentences

• Aha!• We did it again!• We won!• You are great!• Wow!

Imperative Sentence

The imperative sentence is used as a request or command, and implies

urgency and need. Imperative sentences can either end with a period, question

mark or exclamation point, depending on the urgency of the command.

Examples of Imperative Sentences

• Please bring this basket to your grandma.

• Don’t do that.• Would you please turn the volume a

little higher?• Be quiet!

Understanding the fundamentals of words, clauses and sentences will

enhance your capability in speaking the English language. Focus on memorizing the concepts, and

you’re well on your way to becoming a proficient English speaker!

THANK YOU!

Credits

• Microsoft Power Point• Wikipedia.org• About.com• TheFreeDictionary.com