Sentence Structures

Sentence Structures

By Amy Lee

Simple Sentence/Independent Clause

Subject | Subject

A simple sentence/ independent clause has the most basic elements that make it a sentence:

a subject, a verb, and a completed thought. 

S + V (complete idea)​

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​Examples of simple sentences include the following: 

1. Joe waited for the train. 

   "Joe" = subject, "waited" = verb 

2. The train was late. 

   "The train" = subject, "was" = verb 

3. Mary and Samantha took the bus. 

   "Mary and Samantha" = compound subject, "took" = verb 

4. I looked for Mary and Samantha at the bus station. 

   "I" = subject, "looked" = verb 

5. Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus station before noon and left on the bus before I arrived. 

   "Mary and Samantha" = compound subject, "arrived" and "left" = compound verb   

Open Ended

Write a simple sentence with compound subject.

Open Ended

Write a simple sentence with compound verb.

Compound Sentences 

​A compound sentence refers to a sentence made up of two independent clauses (or complete sentences) connected to one another with a coordinating conjunction. Remember "FAN BOYS"?

For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So

Examples of compound sentences:

1. Joe waited for the train, but the train was late. 

2. I looked for Mary and Samantha at the bus station, but they arrived at the station before noon and left on the bus before I arrived. 

3. Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus station before noon, and they left on the bus before I arrived. 

4. Mary and Samantha left on the bus before I arrived, so I did not see them at the bus station. 

Multiple Select

Tick all the compound sentences.

• I wanted to go to the store, but I decided to stay home instead.

• I went to dance and then went home.

• Should I go to the mall or movies?

• She said you were in shock, but I think you're just excited.

Multiple Select

Which sentences need a comma?

• Every day was happy and every night was peaceful.

• I wanted to go to the store but I decided to stay home instead.

• I went to dance and then went home.

• She said you were in shock but I think you're just excited

Multiple Choice

Complete the sentence with the coordinating conjunction that make sense.

The weather today will be cool, ____ it will also be rainy.

• or

• and

• but

• so

Multiple Choice

Complete the sentence with the coordinating conjunction that make sense.

I play the violin well, _____ the clarinet is my favorite instrument.

• so

• for

• but

Multiple Choice

Complete the sentence with the coordinating conjunction that make sense.

You may have soup, ____ you may have salad.

• or

• but

• and

• for

Multiple Choice

Complete the sentence with the coordinating conjunction that make sense.

I got an "A" on the LA test, _____ I had studied hard.

• for

• or

• yet

• but

Open Ended

Write a simple sentence.

Sarah must pass her test.

Sarah will not be able to go to the movies.

Open Ended

Write a simple sentence.

We must do well on the test.

We will not graduate.

COMPOUND SENTENCES USING SEMICOLON (;)

With a conjunctive adverb ( semicolon + adverb + comma)​

1. The police searched the property for hours​; however, they found no signs of any illegal activities.

Without a conjunctive adverb (semicolon)

2. The road has been closed for three weeks​; the traffic seems to be getting worse and worse.

​Adverbial Conjunctions

​

Therefore --> so

However --> but

Also --> and, too, or plus

Meanwhile --> at the same time​

Otherwise --> or else​

Open Ended

Write a compound sentence using "but".

"but" should be used to show a contrast.

Open Ended

Write a compound sentence using "for".

"for" should be used to show a reason.

Open Ended

Write a compound sentence using "so".

"so" should be used to show a result/an outcome.

Open Ended

Write a compound sentence using "and".

"and" should be used to add a smiliar idea.

Open Ended

Write a compound sentence using "or".

"or " should be used to show options.

Open Ended

Write a compound sentence using semicolone, adverb, comma

Open Ended

Write a compound sentence using a semicolon.