Sentences

Types of sentence - content

• Command• Question• Statement

Types of sentence - shape

• Simple• Compound• Complex

Simple sentences

A simple sentence has just one finite verb – a verb that has a subject

Catch that man! (You catch that man.)

Is your confidence at a low ebb?

The drug dealer was arrested while drinking in a local bar.

A long sequence of simple sentences can become monotonous but, when used sensitively, they can become very effective.

We all decided to go to Cromer yesterday. It was very hot. We were determined to swim. We all stayed in the water for a long time. We brought a packed lunch. We ate it on the waterfront. We played volleyball after lunch. We all enjoyed that. It got colder in the afternoon. We decided to go home early. It was a really good day.

It is the ability to sensitively adapt your style to any given occasion and audience which defines a skilful writer.

The controlled use of a range of sentence structures for effect is one of the demonstrable skills which defines high grade candidates at IGCSE.

It is also a life skill which will serve you well!

Compound sentences

A compound sentence is made up of two or more simple sentences joined by co-ordinating conjunctions.

I now quit altogether public affairs and lay down my burden.

I like you very much and I respect you but I cannot marry you.

There are 7 co-ordinating conjunctions:

andbutornorforsoyet

Compound sentences also make use of subordinating conjunctions such as:

althoughhoweverbecausewhichthatunlessuntilin order thatwhile

It was a hot day although there was a cooling breeze.

We will have to leave early because there has been a storm warning.

I played volleyball with my friends while my dog was digging in the sand.

Compound sentences allow for more concise and fluent writing:

We all decided to go to Cromer yesterday because it was becoming very hot. We were determined to swim and stayed in the water for a long time. We brought a packed lunch which we ate on the waterfront before enjoying a game of volleyball. However, It got colder in the afternoon and so we decided to go home early. It was a really good day.

Complex sentences

Phrases

A phrase is a group of words which doesn’t contain a finite verb and therefore doesn’t make complete sense by itself:

running at top speed

with a ridiculous expression

to my great surprise

ClausesA clause is a group of words which contains a finite verb. Main clauses can make complete sense on their own, but there are some cases where they are incomplete.

A simple sentence is one main clause; a compound sentence has two or more main clauses.

A complex sentence has one main clause and any number of subordinate clauses, joined to it.

You must believe me when I tell you that I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility and to discharge my duties as King as I would wish without the help and support of the woman (whom) I love.

Crafting complex sentences is an art and subtle nuances of attitude and meaning can be conveyed.

Simple, compound and complex sentences are 3 building blocks which can be combined to achieve an array of different effects.