Sentence structure

Simple sentences

Simple sentences need at least a subject and a verb for example: Lucy studies.

You could add more information, e.g. Lucy studies history/Lucy studies at university.

However, it is still a simple sentence as it expresses a complete idea and can stand on its own.

This is also called an independent clause.

Compound sentences

Compound sentences are formed when you join two independent clauses together.

There are 2 ways of doing this:

1. using a semi-colon (;)
2. using a coordinating conjunction

For example:

• Lucy studies hard; he expects to pass his exams.
• Lucy studies hard, so he expects to pass his exams.

Coordinating conjunctions

Examples: And, but, or, yet, so…

We usually put a comma before the conjunction, particularly if it is a long clause.

Comma splice

This is a very common error in writing, for both international and home students

It happens when you connect two independent clauses with a comma, for example:

• ‘I’ve lived in London for a while, I find it a very interesting city.’

Both parts of this sentence are independent. You can either add a coordinating conjunction or semi-colon, or you can make it into two sentences, for example:

• I’ve lived in London for a while, and I find it a very interesting city.
• I’ve lived in London for a while; I find it a very interesting city.
• I’ve lived in London for a while.  I find it a very interesting city.

Complex sentences

Complex sentences are formed by joining a dependent clause to an independent clause.

For example: While she was studying, lucy heard a knock at the door.

Can ‘while she was studying’ be a sentence on its own?

No, so it is a dependent clause.

‘While’ is a subordinating conjunction – it makes the clause dependent.

Subordinating conjunctions

• After
• Although
• As
• As if
• As long as
• Though
• As soon as
• Whether
• As though
• Because
• Since
• Until
• Except
• Provided that
• Before
• Once
• Where
• While
• Unless No matter
• If
• Whereas
• Why
• When

Relative pronouns

We can also use relative clauses to make a sentence complex.

For example: Lucy, who was a student, lived in London.

Other example relative pronouns: That, which, who, where, whose, whom, whoever, when, whatever, whomever

Conditionals

Conditional sentences are also complex.

– Zero conditional

Example: If it rains, trees get wet

This is a statement that is generally true

– First conditional

Example: If you study hard, you should pass your exams. If you do all the reading, you will understand the subject better.

This is used to state something that probably will happen.

– Second conditional

Example: I would run away if I saw a tiger in the corridor

If I were you, I would go to the lecture.

This is usually a hypothetical and unlikely to happen or used when giving advice.

– Third conditional

Example: If I had studied harder, I would have passed my exams

If I had left earlier, I wouldn’t have missed the train.

This is used for looking back at a situation that you can’t change.

Transitions and connectors (linking vocabulary)

Examples: However, therefore, thus, consequently, in addition, first of all, finally, hence, for example, also, on the other hand, moreover…