Sentence Types
Strategies for varying sentence
types in writing.
Some Definitions
What is a clause?
A clause is a group
of related words
containing a
subject and verb.
Independent vs. Dependent
• An independent clause (main clause) is a
group of words that contains a subject and verb
and expresses a complete thought. An
independent clause can be a sentence.
Jim should study for his chemistry quiz
• A dependent (subordinate) clause is a group
of words that contains a subject and verb but
does not express a complete thought.
When Jim studied for his chemistry quiz
Quiz
• Which of the following are dependent
clauses? Which are independent clauses?
So they left for home.
She washed their car.
Before the trial.
Because the judge was biased.
The tire is flat.
Simple Sentence
A sentence with one
independent clause
and no dependent
clauses.
• My aunt enjoyed the hayride
with you.
• China's Han Dynasty marked
an official recognition of
Confucianism.
Compound Sentence
A sentence with two or more
independent clauses
(simple sentences) joined
by a comma and
coordinating conjunction
(FANBOYS).
• The clown frightened the little
girl, and she ran off screaming.
• The Freedom Riders departed
on May 4, 1961, and they were
determined to travel through
many southern states.
Complex Sentence
A sentence with one
independent
clause and at least
one dependent
clause.
• After Mary added up all
the sales, she discovered
that the lemonade stand
was 32 cents short.
• While all of his paintings
are fascinating,
Hieronymus Bosch's
triptychs are the real
highlight of his art.
Complex-Compound Sentence
A sentence with multiple independent
clauses and at least one dependent
clause.
• With her reputation on the line, Peggy played against a
fierce opponent at the Scrabble competition, and
overcoming nerve-racking competition, she won the
game with one well-placed word.
• Catch-22 is widely regarded as Joseph Heller's best
novel, and because Heller served in World War II, which
the novel satirizes, the zany but savage wit of the novel
packs an extra punch.
Strategies for Better Writing
1. Vary the rhythm by alternating short and long sentences.
Several sentences of the same length can make for bland writing.
To enliven paragraphs, write sentences of different lengths. This will
also allow for effective emphasis.
2. Vary sentence openings.
If too many sentences start with the same word, especially "The,"
"It," "This," or "I," prose can grow tedious for readers, so changing
opening words and phrases can be refreshing. Notice that different
beginnings can alter not only the structure but also the emphasis of
the sentence. They may also require rephrasing in sentences before
or after this one, meaning that one change could lead to an
abundance of sentence variety.
Vary the rhythm by alternating
short and long sentences.
• Example: The Winslow family
visited Canada and Alaska last
summer to find some native
American art. In Anchorage
stores they found some
excellent examples of
soapstone carvings. But they
couldn't find a dealer selling
any of the woven wall
hangings they wanted. They
were very disappointed when
they left Anchorage emptyhanded.
Revision: The Winslow family
visited Canada and Alaska last
summer to find some native
American art, such as
soapstone carvings and wall
hangings. Anchorage stores
had many soapstone items
available. Still, they were
disappointed to learn that wall
hangings, which they had
especially wanted, were
difficult to find. Sadly, they left
empty-handed.
Vary sentence beginnings.
Example: The biggest coincidence that day happened when David
and I ended up sitting next to each other at the Super Bowl.
Possible Revisions:
• Coincidentally, David and I ended up sitting right next to each other
at the Super Bowl.
• In an amazing coincidence, David and I ended up sitting next to
each other at the Super Bowl.
• Sitting next to David at the Super
Bowl was a tremendous coincidence.
• But the biggest coincidence that day
happened when David and I ended up
sitting next to each other at the Super
Bowl.
Declarative Sentence
A declarative sentence makes a statement.
A declarative sentence ends with a period.
The house will be
built on a hill.
Interrogative Sentence
An interrogative sentence asks a question.
An interrogative sentence ends with a
question mark.
How did you find
the card?
Exclamatory Sentence
An exclamatory sentence shows strong
feeling. An exclamatory sentence ends
with an exclamation mark.
The monster is attacking!
Imperative Sentence
An imperative sentence gives a command.
Cheryl, try the other door.
Sometimes the subject
of an imperative sentence
(you) is understood.
Look in the closet.
(You, look in the closet.)
Quiz
Identify the kind of sentence.
1. Why do you believe that? Interrogative
2. I want to know why you believe that.
declarative (This is not a question.)
3. Please accept my apology.
4. Your face is frightening the baby!
5. My shoe is on fire!
6. When did you first notice that your shoe was on
fire?
7. My doctor told me to take these vitamins.
More Quiz
8. Ask Doris for the recipe.
9. Did you solve the puzzle yet?
10. Ann, hand me your coat.
11. It’s hard to believe that this paper is made from
wood.
12. There are more apples in the refrigerator.
13. We’re on the wrong planet!
14. Will Patricia pause to place poached pickles on
Paula’s pretty plate?
15. I would send her a gift if I were you.
16. Send her a nice gift.