Syntax 4

Types of sentence Definition Structure of sentence Examples

Clauses Simple A simple sentence (independent clause) contains a subject and SVO Joe waited for the train.
a verb, and it expresses a complete thought.

Compound A compound sentence contains at least two independent SVO + a coordinator + SVO Joe waited for the train, but the train was late.
clauses joined by a coordinator. The coordinators are as
follows: for, and, nor, but, or, yet.

Complex A complex sentence has a main (independent) clause and one S: independent clause, subordinate clauses
or more subordinate (dependent) clauses. I joke with the bats and have intimate chats with the cooties
relative pronouns – that, which, who, whose. who crawl through my hair.

While fishing in the blue lagoon, I caught a lovely silver

conjunctions (subordinating) – while, because, although, as, when,
until, unless, through, by, since, whenever, if, where, before,..... fish.

Entering the world of the Yanomamo, the anthropologist

verb structures (non-finite) – (participle) verb forms that end in –ing or experienced culture shock.
–ed or an infinitive verb form such as to go, to become, to see.

Compound- A compound-complex sentence is made up of at least two S: independent clause, independent clause, subordinate clauses Orange: Dependent clause
complex main (independent) clauses and one or more subordinate Green: Independent clause
(dependent) clauses. Purple: Conjunctions

Independent Clause Even though she was tired, Abby knew she had to finish the race
and she ran to meet her team.

Dependent Clause Usually I take a walk every day while the sun sets, but it was
raining today.

Conjunctions
- Coordinating conjunctions She likes to sleep in but she can get up early if she has work.

- Subordinating conjunction She likes to sleep in but she can get up early if she has work

Communicative Statement Sentences in which the subject is always present and generally Banana has no bones
Functions precedes the verb. Cow eats grasses

Question Including Wh-question, Yes No - question, alternative Wh-question: What is your major?
question Yes no question: Do you want to hang out?
Alternative question: Are we eating in or out this evening?

Command Sentences that make use of the imperative mood in the main, Close the door.
or sometimes of questions with the initial modal - particularly
with invitations or requests.

Exclamation An exclamatory sentence makes a statement Short What a brilliant idea!

that conveys strong emotion Exclamation What a cool car!

Full What a brilliant idea that is!

Exclamation What a cool car you've got!