Classifying sentences is easiest if you mark the parts and then see what you have. Underline independent clauses once. Underline dependent clauses twice. 1 independent = simple2 independent = compound1 independent and 1(or more) dependent = complex2(or more) independent and 1(or more) dependent = compound-complex We might go to New Orleans on our Christmas vacation […]
Definition: A complex sentence is made up of one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. Before we arrived at school, we met up at the coffee house across the street.We met up at the coffee house across the street [independent]+ before we arrived at school (dependent)= complex sentence(Before we arrived at school),[we met up […]
Definition: A simple sentence has one independent clause. The radio is blaring.Your sneaker is under the couch. A simple sentence may have a compound subject or a compound predicate. The walrus and the sea lion live both on land and in the water.The trains pass our street and stop at the station a mile away. Definition: A compound sentence is made up of two independent clauses joined by a coordinating or correlative […]
Definition: Declarative sentences (also called assertive sentences) give information. They may state a fact or an opinion. Declarative sentences end with periods. I like riding my bicycle around the park.My essay is better than yours. Declarative sentences can be positive (affirmative) or negative. The sun is shining. (Positive)It is not raining. (Negative) Definition: Interrogative sentences ask a question. Interrogative […]
To classify a dependent clause, you need to determine how the dependent clause relates to the independent clause. If it is replacing a noun, it is a noun clause. Try replacing it with the indefinite pronouns something or someone. I know that you were late yesterday. (I know something.)I bought these cards for whenever I might need some extras. (I bought these cards […]
Definition: A noun clause is a dependent clause that acts as a noun. It can be used as the subject, direct object, indirect object, object of a preposition, subject complement, or appositive. Subject: What I had forgotten was that I had a test today.Direct object: You must choose which flavor of ice cream you want.Indirect object: I will tell whoever will listen my […]
Definition: An adverb clause is a dependent clause that describes a verb, an adjective, or an adverb. An adverb clause tells when, where, how, why, to what extent, or under what conditions something happened. We will not have school today because it snowed last night.Until it stops raining, we will stay inside.When your father gets here, we will go. An adverb clause begins with […]
Definition: An adjective clause is restrictive (also called essential) if it narrows down the word it modifies. It tells which one of the noun you are writing about. A restrictive adjective clause is necessary to the meaning of the sentence. It is not separated from the rest of the sentence by commas. The players who are wearing the red uniforms are […]
Definition: An adjective clause (also called relative clause) is a dependent clause that modifies a noun or pronoun. It tells which one or what kind. Adjective clauses almost always come right after the nouns they modify. There is the mountain that we are going to climb.My blue tennis shoes, which used to be my mom’s, were under the bed.Daniel, who was late […]
Definition: A clause is a group of words that has both a subject and a predicate. Every complete sentence is made up of at least one clause. Michael bought a new computer. (One sentence, one clause)Michael bought a new computer, but he still has the old one. (One sentence, two clauses)Although he still has his old one, Michael […]
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