Sentence Structure
Independent Clause
Contains a subject and verb
Expresses a complete thought
Can stand alone as a separate sentence
Dependent Clause
Contains a subject and verb
Expresses an incomplete thought
Cannot stand alone
Phrases
Do not have a subject and verb
Types: prepositional phrase, verbal phrases
Common Dependent Words
after
although
as
because
before
even though
how
if
since
so that
that
though
unless
until
what(ever)
when(ever)
where
whether
which(ever)
while
who/whose
Simple Sentence
One Independent Clause (1 IC)
May contain phrases
ex. The lake looks beautiful in the moonlight.
Compound Sentence
Two Independent Clauses (2 IC)
Combine with comma and FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)
Combine with semicolon
ex. He opened the drawer, and he found his missing disk.
Complex Sentences
One Independent Clause + One Dependent Clause (1 IC + 1 DC)
Use a comma after a dependent clause that appears before the main clause
ex. Although it rained last night, we decided to take the path that led through the woods.
Compound-Complex Sentences
Two Independent Clauses + One Dependent Clause (2 IC + 1 DC)
ex. Albert enlisted in the army, and Robert, who was his older brother, joined him a day later.
Independent clauses:
Albert enlisted in the Army
Robert joined him a day later
Dependent clauses:
who was his older brother
ex. Because Mr. Yamamoto was a talented teacher, he was voted teacher of the year, and his
students prospered.
Independent clauses:
he was voted teacher of the year
his students prospered
Dependent Clauses:
Because Mr. Yamamoto was a talented teacher