Writing

Sentence Structures
What is a sentence?
Sentences are made up of clauses: groups of words that express a single idea. There are
two types of clauses: independent clauses and dependent clauses.

Examples:

Simple sentenceS : The bell didn't ring on time.

Compound sentences : .The bell didn't ring on time, so we missed the lecture .

We can also join simple sentences with a semi-colon.

The bell didn't ring on time; we missed the lecture.

Complex sentences : Because the bell didn't ring on time, we missed the lecture.

When the dependent clause comes first, it is separated from the independent clause with
a comma. When the sentence begins with the independent clause, no comma is needed
in the sentence: We missed the lecture because the bell didn't ring on time.

TO DO:

1. Underline the subjects, circle the verbs and box the objects. Then decide if
the sentence is simple (S), compound (C) or complex (CX).

1. While the students were taking the exam, the teacher was 1. ____

preparing for his lesson. 2. ____

2. He took a long time driving to the party, so they were very late. 3. ____

3. I need you to blow the whistle when you see the flag. 4. ____

4. Both Jane and Jim ate pasta and went shopping. 5. ____

5. I can imagine you wearing that jacket and running away like 6. ____

that. 7. ____

6. Would you rather take the Jeep or the Lexus? 8. ____

7. I think Anne was talking about going on a ski trip with Michael. 9. ____

8. I remember taking that exam although it was a long time ago. 10. _____

9. As soon as you're ready, we'll go.

10. The visitors complained loudly about the heat, yet they

continued to play golf every day.

EDITED from original by Maali Jamil

 Writing
Sentence Structures

2. Match the dependant clause with the best independent clause.

1. Before he changed his name to Bob, a. he was shaking from stage fright.
2. Until you finish your work, b. she realized she didn't want to be there.
3. Because the weather was too hot, c. turn the lights off.
4. When they called him to the stand, d. he was constantly made fun of.
5. As soon as you finish studying, e. the car overheated.
6. While she was walking on the beach, f. stay inside and be quiet!

1.______ 2.______ 3. _____ 4. ______ 5.______ 6._________

3. Finish the sentences by choosing the correct subordinate conjunction. You

can only use each one once.

although because while after until

as soon as before when if whereas

1. ___________ you take the pot out of the oven, wear the oven gloves.

2. I won't give you the card ___________ you tell me where mine is.

3. Ice cream will actually make you warmer rather than colder ___________ it

contains so many calories.

4. Cats have more than 100 vocal sounds, ___________ dogs have only about 10.

5. You know it's going to be a bad day ___________ your boss calls you at 8 am.

6. ___________ you want to know where I want, check the GPS.

7. ___________ the bell rings, you can go. Be patient.

8. I went to the party ___________ I really didn't want to.

9. ___________ you see your name on the list, take a seat.

10. ___________ I was driving, I saw many new billboards.

EDITED from original by Maali Jamil