Notes

Understanding sentence structures:

Definitions.
Sentence: a cluster of words that completely and independently convey an idea are known as sentences.
What are the components of a sentence?
Sentences are made up of clauses which can be independent and dependant.
Clause: a group of words that can have a subject and a verb

An independent clause contains both a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a sentence.

A dependent clause contains both a subject and a verb, but cannot stand alone as a sentence.
Dependent clauses are introduced by subordinating conjunctions such as because, that, what, while, who, which, although, if, etc.

Examples of independent and dependant clauses,former being listed first.
1) he is a man
2) The paper does not specify which type of format it must be in
3) He ran
1)Because I woke up late this morning
2) When we arrived in class
3) If my neighbor does not pay his rent on time

Types of sentences:

1) SIMPLE: A simple sentence consists of one main (or independent) clause. To be complete, a simple sentence must have at least one SUBJECT and one 'verb'.
Example:
The MAN 'went' to the store.
A simple sentence may also have a compound subject and/or a compound verb.
Example:
The MAN and his SON 'went' to the store and 'bought' some milk.
2) COMPOUND: A compound sentence has at least two main (or independent) clauses, connected by coordinating conjunctions (such as and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet). Each clause has its own subject(s) and verb(s). The second clause should be separated from the first by a comma in front of the coordinating conjunction.
Example:
The man went to the store, and the sales clerk sold him some milk.
Note: remember the coordinating conjunctions by the acronym 'FANBOYS'

3). COMPLEX: A complex sentence has one main (or independent) clause and one or more dependent (or subordinate) clauses.
Example:
When an atom is split, it releases neutrons.
Dependent clauses can function in the sentence as nouns, adjectives or adverbs:
Examples of complex sentences:
1) Because my coffee was too cold, I heated it in the microwave.
2) Though he was very rich, he was still very unhappy
3) The actor was happy he got a part in a movie, although the part was a small one.

Types of clauses:
1) NOUN CLAUSES function as nouns in the sentence and can be used as subjects, objects, predicate nominatives, and objects of prepositions.
2) ADJECTIVE CLAUSES start with a relative pronoun( such as who, which, or that) and function as adjectives.
The pronoun refers to a noun that usually precedes it directly.
3) ADVERB CLAUSES function as adverbs in the sentence, modifying verbs, adjectives, or adverbs. They may tell how, why, when, where, etc.
Conjunctions used include although, after, if, because, while, since, whether, etc.

Type of sentence errors:
1) Sentence Fragments:
A sentence fragment is not a complete sentence. It usually lacks either a subject or a verb, or both, or contains only a dependent clause.
2) Run-on Sentences: Fused Sentences and Comma Splices
A run-on sentence is one in which two or more independent clauses are inappropriately joined. Remember that the length of a sentence does not determine whether it is a run-on sentence: a sentence that is correctly punctuated and correctly joined can be extremely long. Two types of run-on sentences are fused sentences and sentences with comma splice errors
3) Loose Sentences:
A loose sentence may result if you use too many “and ” connectives when other conjunctions would convey a more precise meaning.
4) Choppy Sentences:
A succession of short sentences, without transitions to link them to each other, results in choppy sentences
5) Excessive Subordination
Excessive subordination is not an effective substitute for choppiness.
6). Parallel Structure
Parts of a sentence which are in sequence must all follow the same grammatical or structural principle.