Sentence Structure

Vary to keep the reader merry!

Know your clauses

First we have to be able to identify between two clauses: Independent and Dependent

Who knows the difference? How to identify?

Independent clause

Definition- A group of words that contains a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought. An independent clause is a complete/simple sentence.

Examples- The students are learning sentence variety today.

The students glanced around the room nervously as the last bell rang and class began.

Dependent clause

Definition- A group of words that contains a subject and verb but does not express a complete thought.

Examples- While the students were learning sentence structure.

Since the students had yet to awaken.

Marker words

Independent

Also

Consequently

Furthermore

However

Moreover

Dependent

After, although, as, as if

Because, before

Even if, Even though

If, in order to, since, though

Why do we need to know marker words?

Dependent markers help us identify Dependent clauses.

Independent markers help you connect two Independent clauses.

Compound sentence

Definition- Sentence with multiple independent clauses but no dependent clause.

Examples- The lights dimmed as the presentation began, and the students felt the demise of summer.

The class was packed with occupied desks, however not a sound was made except for the cool air blowing from the air condition vents.

Complex sentence

Definition- Sentence with one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

Examples- Although the bell rang, the teacher was nowhere to be found.

The television show is full of lies, but it’s still one of the the highest rated shows airing.

“This sentence has five words. Here are five more. Five-word sentences are fine. But several together become monotnous.”

-Gary Provost

Without varied sentences in your essay a perfect score is not attainable.

-STAAR