Sentence Structures

Understanding Sentence Structures

• Recognise the main types of sentences in English: simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex. Each has a unique structure and can be used to add variety and depth to your writing.
• Simple sentences contain a single subject and a predicate. They express a complete thought, such as “She reads.”
• Compound sentences consist of two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (“and”, “but”, “or”, etc.) or by a semicolon. An example is “She reads, and he writes.”
• Complex sentences contain an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. They are linked by subordinating conjunctions (e.g., “because”, “although”, “when”, etc.). For example, “Although she reads, he writes.”
• Compound-complex sentences are a combination of compound and complex sentences. They include multiple independent clauses and at least one dependent clause. For example, “Although she reads, he writes, and they learn.”

Utilising Sentence Structures

• Use variety in sentence structure to make your writing more engaging. Overuse of simple sentences can make writing seem simplistic and repetitive.
• Use complex sentences to show cause and effect, provide explanations, or introduce contrasting information.
• Use compound sentences to connect related ideas and create a smoother flow between thoughts.
• Use compound-complex sentences to weave together multiple related thoughts and ideas. Though complex, these sentences can provide a rich and sophisticated sense to your writing when used correctly.

Common Mistakes and Corrections

• Avoid fragments, which are incomplete sentences. They often lack a subject or a verb, or they don’t express a complete thought.
• Beware of run-on sentences and comma splices. Run-on sentences join two independent clauses without appropriate punctuation or conjunction. Comma splices incorrectly use a comma to join two independent clauses.
• Correct these errors by breaking the sentences into simple sentences, using a coordinating conjunction, or applying the correct punctuation.

Summary

Understanding sentence structures, how to use them effectively, and how to avoid common errors are crucial skills in English grammar. With practice and revision, these skills can greatly enhance the clarity and complexity of your writing. It’s worth investing the effort to master them.