constructing sentences
Sentence Types
Declarative Sentence: Makes a statement.
Example: The train was full.
Interrogative Sentence: Asks a question.
Example: Did you remember to feed the cat?
Exclamatory Sentence: Expresses strong emotion.
Example: What a beautiful day!
Imperative Sentence: Gives a command or makes a request.
Example: Bring your thickest coat.
Negative Imperative Sentence: Gives a negative command.
Example: Do not forget to feed the cat.
Clauses
Independent Clause: A group of words that contains a subject and a verb and
expresses a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence.
Example: The train was full.
Dependent Clause: A group of words that contains a subject and a verb but does not
express a complete thought. It cannot stand alone as a sentence and must be
attached to an independent clause.
Example: because it was late
Compound Sentences
A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses joined by a
coordinating conjunction or a semicolon.
Coordinating Conjunctions: Words used to join independent clauses in a compound
sentence. The common coordinating conjunctions can be remembered with the
acronym FANBOYS:
For: To show a reason.
Example: The train was full, for it was the last one of the night.
And: To add information.
Example: Bring your thickest coat, and tell Carla to wear her earmuffs.
Nor: To introduce a negative clause after another negative clause.
Example: The train was not empty, nor did I have a seat.
Sentence Types
Declarative Sentence: Makes a statement.
Example: The train was full.
Interrogative Sentence: Asks a question.
Example: Did you remember to feed the cat?
Exclamatory Sentence: Expresses strong emotion.
Example: What a beautiful day!
Imperative Sentence: Gives a command or makes a request.
Example: Bring your thickest coat.
Negative Imperative Sentence: Gives a negative command.
Example: Do not forget to feed the cat.
Clauses
Independent Clause: A group of words that contains a subject and a verb and
expresses a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence.
Example: The train was full.
Dependent Clause: A group of words that contains a subject and a verb but does not
express a complete thought. It cannot stand alone as a sentence and must be
attached to an independent clause.
Example: because it was late
Compound Sentences
A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses joined by a
coordinating conjunction or a semicolon.
Coordinating Conjunctions: Words used to join independent clauses in a compound
sentence. The common coordinating conjunctions can be remembered with the
acronym FANBOYS:
For: To show a reason.
Example: The train was full, for it was the last one of the night.
And: To add information.
Example: Bring your thickest coat, and tell Carla to wear her earmuffs.
Nor: To introduce a negative clause after another negative clause.
Example: The train was not empty, nor did I have a seat.
