Sentence Patterns
Sentence patterns show where to put punctuation: commas, semicolons, colons, dashes, parenthesis, quotation marks;
if the writer knows the pattern, she knows where to put the punctuation.
Sentence patterns give variety to writing. A writer who is control of her sentence patterns has options for starting
sentences, the length of sentences and ways of combining information. The writer does not have to repeat the same
sentence pattern over and over. This reveals the writer’s voice and gives the writer control over the effect that the
writing has on the reader.
1. Complete sentence/independent clause: A complete sentence has a subject and a predicate. It expresses a complete
thought.
Model: The principal will hand out candy.
2. Independent clause + comma + coordinating conjunction + independent clause: Coordinating conjunctions are and,
but, or, nor, for, so (FANBOYS is the acronym)
Model: I am on restriction again, so I will not go to the dance this weekend.
3. Independent clause that includes a compound idea: The compound ideas do not use commas.
Model: Students and teachers appreciate pep assemblies. (compound subjects)
10. Independent clause which includes an appositive surrounded by commas: An appositive (also called an interrupter)
renames the subject in the sentence. It can be used interchangeably with the subject words .
Model: The raven, the noisemaker outside my window, keeps me from sleeping in on Saturdays.
15. Independent clause + semicolon + independent clause. Joining two independent clauses with a semicolon demands
that the two independent clauses be closely related, so much so that if a period was used between the clauses, it would
make too distinct a break between them. The author’s judgment is crucial.
Model: 12:24 to 12:25 is the longest minute of the day; I am always starving.
Sentence Branching
Sentence Branching allows students to create more sophisticated sentence variety. The branching indicates a front,
middle or end phrase to a sentence.
Front Branch Model: _____, Van Gogh emerged as a dominant artist of Post-Impressionism.
Even though he cut off his ear, Van Gogh emerged as a dominant artist of Post-Impressionism.
Because of his distinct brush strokes, Van Gogh emerged as a dominant artist of Post-Impressionism.
Middle Branch Model: The Battle of Gettysburg, ___, is known as the turning point of the Civil War.
The Battle of Gettysburg, which took place in 1863, is known as the turning point of the Civil War.
The Battle of Gettysburg, one of the bloodiest battles in America, is known as the turning point of the Civil War.
End Branch Model: I studied sea lions, ____.
I studied sea lions, hoping to find out why they continually take my bait.
I studied sea lions, members of the Otariidae family.