Sentences

Independent Clauses

Complete sentence.

Run-On Sentence

Joins two independent clauses without proper punctuation.

Subject-Action Verb-Object

The verb follows the subject, and the object follows the verb. Mary(s) had(v) a lamb.(o)

Phrase

A group of related words without a subject and verb. (They often begin with a preposition.)

Complete Predicate

A verb or verb phrase and its modifiers, objects, and complements.

Simple Predicate

A verb or verb phrase that tells what the subject is doing or what is being done to the subject.

Fragment

An incomplete sentence. It may be a phrase or clause. Remember, a sentence must contain a subject and a verb, and it must make sense. Because my dog likes squirrels. (This is a dependent clause. It has a subject and a verb, but it is not a complete sentence because it doesn't make sense.) In the good old days. (The is a prepositional phrase. It does not contain a subject or a verb.)

Complex Sentence

Contains an independent clause and a dependent clause.

Compound-Complex Sentence

Contains at least two independent clauses and one dependent clause.

Compound Sentence

Contains two independent clauses connected by a conjunction, semicolon, or conjunctive adverb.

Dependent Clause

Depends on independent clauses for their meaning. They often begin with words such as if, when, because, and as.

Command

Gives an order or makes a direct request. They end with periods or exclamation points. (The subject in a command is understood to be you, but may not be stated in the command.) (You) Take the dog out for a walk. (You) Get that squirrel!

Complete Sentence

Has a subject, precicate (verb), and makes sense

Question

It uses exact words of the speaker and requires an answer. Does your dog like to chase squirrels?

Statement

Makes an assertion and ends with a period. My dog loves chasing squirrels.

Subject-Verb

Most basic pattern; the verb follows the subject. Mary(s) ran.(v) I(s) laughed.(v)

Simple Subject

Noun or pronoun that tells what or who the sentence is about.

Simple Sentence

One independent clause.

Exclamation

Shows surprise, disbelief, or strong feeling. It may or may not be expressed as a complete thought. Both subject and predicate may be implied. Your dinner was great! Wow! We just had another earthquake!

Complete Subject

The simple subject and all of its modifiers (words that describe or limit)

Subject-Linking Verb-Complement

The subject is before the linking verb and its complement. Some linking verbs are am, is, are, was, were, feels, appears, tastes, looks. My dog(s) was(lv)brown. (c)

Inverted Order

The verb comes before the subject. Many questions are in the inverted order. What is(v) the weather(s) like?

Comma Splice

Two sentences or independent clauses are incorrectly joined or spliced together. Commas alone cannot join two sentences or independent clauses.

Clause

A group of related words including a subject and verb.

Complement

A noun, pronoun, or adjective that renames or describes the subject.