Independent Learning 1

Independent Learning 1-Sentence Structure
Components of A Sentence
SUBJECT
The part which names the person or thing we are speaking about is called a subject.
The subject may also have an attribute.
Example:
"My friend bought a hundred pens from online shops."
In this sentence, 'friend' is a subject, while 'my' is an attribute.
PREDICATE
The part which tells something about the subject is called the predicate. The predicate may have
a verb, direct object, indirect object, complement, etc.
Example:
In this sentence, 'bought a hundred pens from online shops' is the predicate of the sentence.
VERB
A word or group of words that expresses an action, event, or state is called a verb.
Example:
In this sentence, 'bought' is a verb.
PHRASE
A group of words that does not have a subject and a verb is called a phrase. A phrase makes
sense, but not complete sense. Phrases may be classified as follows:
Adjective Phrase
A group of words that does the work of an adjective is called an adjective phrase. Thus,
the adjective phrase describes a person or a thing.
Example:
Adjective phrase - a table made of wood (adjective - a wooden table)
Adverb Phrase
A group of words that does the work of an adverb is called an adverb phrase. Thus, the adverb
phrase describes adjectives, phrases, or another adverb.
Example:
Adverb phrase - at that place (adverb - there)
Noun Phrase
A group of words that does the work of a noun is called a noun phrase. Thus, a noun
phrase does the work as a subject, an object, a compliment, or as the object of the preposition.
Example:
Noun phrase - I spoke to the governor of this province. (noun - governor)
CLAUSE
A group of words which forms part of a sentence, and contains a subject and predicate is called
a clause. Clauses may be classified as follows:
Adjective Clause
An adjective clause is a group of words that contains a subject and predicate of its own and does
the work of an adjective.
Example:
"We live in a house which has two stories"
In this sentence, 'which has two stories' is an adjective clause.
Adverb Clause
An adverb clause is a group of words that contains a subject and predicate of its own and does
the work of an adverb.
Example:
"After she came, I left"
In this sentence, "After she came" is an adverb clause.
Noun Clause:
A noun clause is a group of words that contains a subject and predicate of its own, an dose the
work of a noun.
Example:
They know who won the competition
In this sentence, "who won the competition" is a noun clause.
TYPES OF CLAUSES
Based on dependency, clauses are of two types.
Independent or Principal Clause
An independent clause has a subject and predicate. It can stand on its own. It makes sense all
by itself. So, it is a complete sentence in itself
Example:
"We hired a taxi for the stadium"
Dependent or Subordinate Clause
A dependent clause also has a subject and a predicate. However, it cannot stand on its own. It
does not make sense by itself. So, it is dependent on an independent clause to make complete
sense.
Example:
"As we got off the bus"
Now, combine both these clauses. What do you get? Could the new sentence stand on its own?

Compound Sentence
A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses joined together by (a)
coordinating conjunctions, (b) correlative conjunctions, or (c) transitional expressions
(transitional words or phrases)
(A) Coordinating Conjunctions (Also known as 'Coordinators')
They are used to merely connect independent clauses of equal importance. There
are SEVEN coordinating conjunctions in English.
1. And - used to express a relationship of 'addition'

2. But - used to express a relationship of 'contrast'
3. For - used to express a relationship of 'effect-cause'
4. Nor - used to express a relationship of 'negative addition'
5. Or - used to express a relationship of 'alternative'
6. So - used to express a relationship of 'cause-effect'
7. Yet - used to express a relationship of 'contrast'
Example:
"She studied grammar, for she wanted to improve her English."
(B) Correlative Conjunctions
They are used in "pairs" and join words, phrases, and independent clauses which are
grammatically equal. They are separated in a sentence but work together to perform a single
function. Following are the most common correlative conjunctions that are used to join
independent clauses in compound sentences:
1. although ... yet

2. not only ... but also
3. either ... or
4. neither ... nor
Example:
"I am neither her supporter nor do I know her."
(C) TRANSITIONAL EXPRESSIONS

Transitional Expressions are used to provide a connection between sentences or paragraphs.
The word transition literally means passing from one subject to another. Thus, transitional
expressions show the logical relationships between ideas. They help to make a piece of writing
flow better.
NOTE: Joining two independent clauses with a coordinating or correlating conjunction implies
that they are part of the same idea. While joining two independent clauses with a transitional
expression (transitional words or phrases) implies that they are NOT part of the same idea.
Instead, there is a specific and logical relationship between two independent clauses.
There are two types of transitional expressions: (1) Transitional words, (2) Transitional phrases.
Please look up which words are included in the transitional words and phrases.
Example:
"Mark studied for six hours, and George played for five hours, yer Jimmy sang for three hours,
and Bill walked for two hours"
Complex Sentence
A complex sentence contains an independent clause joined by one or more dependent or
subordinate clauses. The dependent (subordinate) clause begins with subordination
conjunction or a relative pronoun. In other words, a complex sentence always
has subordinating conjunction (subordinator) or a relative pronoun.
Clauses in a complex sentence are not structurally equal. They express related thoughts.
Subordinators or relative pronouns are used not only to connect these clauses but also to show a
'clear and specific relationship' between the clauses. In other words, subordinator or relative
pronoun show how one clause (dependent or subordinate clause) is dependent on others. The
two parts are no longer of equal importance.
Please look up the subordinating conjunctions and relative pronouns commonly used in a
complex sentence.
Punctuation Rules
Pattern: subordinate clause + comma + independent clause
Example:
After she completed her post-graduation, she applied for the job.
Independent clause - she applied for the job
Dependent clause - After she completed her post-graduation
Relative Pronouns
A relative pronoun is used to connect a clause or phrase to a noun or pronoun. That, Which,
Who, Whom and Whose are relative pronouns that are commonly used in complex sentences.
Example:
"He entered the building whose windows were broken."
Independent clause - He entered the building.
Dependent clause - Whose windows were broken.
Difference Between Subordinating Conjunctions and Relative Pronouns

Relative pronouns act as the subject of a dependent clause. Subordinating conjunctions are
followed by the subject of their clause.
Compound-Complex Sentence
A mixed sentence or compound-complex sentence is a type of complex sentence in which
there is more than one independent clause joined by one or more dependent or subordinate
clauses. Thus, a mixed sentence is the combination of a compound sentence and a subordinate
clause. Sometimes, a complex sentence is connected with a simple sentence. Sometimes, there is
more than one complex sentence.
Thus, three situations are possible:
Mixed Sentence Having a Subordinate Clause and A Compound Sentence

Example:
Even though she won the competition, she didn't organize the party but her father bought her a
laptop.
Subordinate Clause - Even though she won the competition
Compound Sentence - She didn't organize the party but her father bought her a laptop.
Mixed Sentence Having a Simple and a Complex Sentence

Example:
I entered the class after the teacher came, but my classmate didn't join the class.
Complex sentence - I entered the class after the teacher came
Simple sentence - My classmate didn't join the class.
Mixed Sentence Having More Than One Complex Sentence

I will go to the market when I finish my work, and he will go to the playground when he
completes his duty
Complex Sentence 1 - I will go to the market when I finish my work.
Complex Sentence 2 - He will go to the playground when he completes his duty.
Sentence Forms - Comparison
Simple Sentence - One independent clause
Compound Sentence - Two or more independent clauses
Complex Sentence - One independent clause and one or more dependent (subordinate) clauses
Compound-complex sentence (mixed sentence) - Two or more independent clauses and at least
one dependent (subordinate) clause.

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Independent Learning 1-Sentence Structure

Independent Learning 1-Sentence Structure

1. And - used to express a relationship of 'addition'

1. although ... yet

(C) TRANSITIONAL EXPRESSIONS

Difference Between Subordinating Conjunctions and Relative Pronouns

Mixed Sentence Having a Subordinate Clause and A Compound Sentence

Mixed Sentence Having a Simple and a Complex Sentence

Mixed Sentence Having More Than One Complex Sentence

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