SENTENCES

Review: What is a clause?

A clause is a unit formed around a lexical verb, including all optional and obligatory elements associated
with the verb.
I. Definition:
A sentence is a unit of grammar. It must contain at least one main clause. It can contain more than one
clause. (Cambridge Dictionary).

II. Types of sentences: (In terms of clause)

1. Simple sentence:
A simple sentence, also called an independent clause, contains a subject and a verb, and it expresses a
complete thought.
E.g.: All these books are mine.
2. Compound sentence:
- A compound sentence contains at least two independent clauses joined by a coordinator, a conjunctive
adverb or a semicolon. The coordinators are as follows: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. (FANBOYS).
E.g.: He was watching T.V, and she was cooking.
- The conjunctive adverbs (words used to connect independent clauses or sentences) are as follows:
accordingly, additionally, after all, also, alternatively, anyway, as a result, at the same time, besides,
certainly, comparatively, consequently, conversely, equally important, finally, for example, for instance,
furthermore, hence, however, in addition, in conclusion, in fact, in summary/summation, in the meantime,
in the same way, incidentally, indeed, instead, lately, likewise, meanwhile, moreover, namely, naturally,
nevertheless, next, nonetheless, now, of course, on the other hand, otherwise, predictably, rather,
regardless, similarly, since, still, subsequently, then, thereby, therefore, thus, typically, understandably,
undoubtedly,…..
E.g.: We have many different sizes of this shirt; however, it comes in only one color.
- Using semicolon:
E.g.: They got there early; they got really good seats.
3. Complex sentence:
A complex sentence has an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses.
E.g.: He didn’t want to talk to whoever he met in the London workshop.
4. Compound-complex sentence:
- A compound-complex sentence is made up of at least two independent clauses and one or more
dependent clauses.
E.g.: When I arrived home, my wife was still watching TV, but the children had gone to bed.
- The clauses in a compound-complex sentence can be combined in various ways.
1. DC + (IC1; IC2) or (IC1; IC2) + DC
E.g. Although the exercise was difficult, we managed to finish it on time, so we passed the exam.
When we won the state championship, the team captain jumped for joy, and the fans cheered.

2. (IC1 + DC1); IC2 or IC1; (IC2 + DC2)

E.g. Sarah cried when her cat got sick, but he soon got better.
The sun is shining through the clouds, so I think that we can go swimming.
3. (IC1 + DC1); (IC2 + DC2)
E.g. The eagles which live in the local mountain range attract many tourists, but the local politicians
still refuse to protect them.
Anthony showed us how the products are assembled, but he failed to tell us where they were made.

III. Practice:
1. John went to school, but James remained at home because he had a sore throat.
2. If he changes his mind, we shall know for sure that Joe has learned his lesson, but only time will tell.
3. Those clouds promise rain; we should hurry before we get caught in a flash flood.
4. Here is the money that I owe you, and I am happy to be free of debt.
5. Were you ever in a storm that was full of lightning, or don't you recall?