Sentence Parts & Types

What is a clause? A group of words that has a subject and

verb (predicate) and is used as part of a sentence.

Examples: Neither answer is correct Because they are twins Since she is young

Two types of a clause… Independent (IC) Subordinate (SC)

AKA Dependent (DC)

What is an independent clause? A group of words that has a subject

and a verb and expresses a complete thought; it can stand by itself as a sentence.

Examples: I woke up this morning. The alarm clock never rang.

What is a subordinate clause? A group of words that has a subject

and a verb and doesn’t express a complete thought; it cannot stand by itself as a sentence.

Examples After she performed her solo While the band practiced in the

garage

What is a simple sentence? A simple sentence consists of one

independent clause IC=SS

Examples: A good rain helps the farmers. The monsoon came.

Why are simple sentences so tricky? A simple sentence may have a

compound subject, a compound predicate, or both!

They never have a SC They never have more than

one IC

Examples of tricky simple sentences…

Burritos and fajitas are two popular Mexican dishes. (compound subject)

The door squeaked and rattled. (compound predicate)

My mother and father said goodbye and left on vacation. (compound subject & predicate)

The huge dog and the tiny kitten lay down in the sunshine and napped. (compound subject & predicate)

What is a compound sentence? A compound sentence is made up of two

or more independent clauses or simple sentences.

Formula- IC+IC=CS

Examples: Sally wrote about frogs. (+) Leroy wrote

about lizards.= Sally wrote about frogs, and Leroy wrote

about lizards.

There are two ways to form compound sentences… 1. Independent clauses can be

joined using a comma and a coordinating conjunction. (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So FANBOYS)

Ex. The wind whipped against our faces, and the screams of other riders excited us.

There are two ways to form compound sentences…2. Independent clauses can be

joined by a semi-colon. Example: The roller coaster is such fun; it’s

very popular.

Please Remember… In order to be a compound sentence,

the sentence must have two or more independent clauses. Each independent clause must have its own subject and predicate.

Kim and Maureen read each other’s stories, and they gave each other suggestion for improvements.

Kim and Maureen read each other’s stories and made suggestions for improvements.

What is a complex sentence? A complex sentence has at least one

subordinate clause and one independent clause. I will help (IC)

+If you need me (SC)

=I will help if you need me. (complex sentence with

the SC placed at the end of the sentence)OR

If you need me, I will help. (complex sentence with the SC placed at the beginning of the sentence)

Remember… If the SC is at the beginning of the

sentence, a comma follows it. If the subordinate clause comes at the

end of the sentence it often does not require a comma, but a comma is sometimes needed.

Also, a subordinate clause can be in the middle of a sentence.

What is a Compound-Complex Sentence? A compound-complex sentence has

two independent clauses and one subordinate clause.

When I wrap the presents, I take great care to fold the paper, and I try to tape it very well. (SC, IC, cc IC.)