Sentence Structure Practice

Lit 11/12

ELAC1.c The student demonstrates an understanding of sentence construction (i.e., subordination, proper placement of modifiers, parallel structure) and proper English usage (i.e., consistency of verb tenses, agreement).

KEY:

Independent Clause: Also known as a simple sentence, can stand alone.

                I fed the ducks.

Dependent Clause: Has a subject and a verb, but cannot stand alone.

                After I fed the ducks, . . .

Simple Sentence = One independent clause

                I went fishing.

Compound Sentence = Two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction.

                I fed the ducks, and I went fishing.

Complex Sentence = An independent and a dependent clause joined by a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun

Subordinating Conjunction = After I fed the ducks, I went fishing.  I went fishing after I fed the ducks

                Relative pronoun = I fed the ducks the bread that had gone stale.

Compound-Complex Sentence = Two independent clauses joined with a coordinating conjunction and an independent clause joined with a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun.

Subordinating Conjunction = After I fed the ducks, I went fishing, and I rowed       my boat.

                Relative Pronoun = I went fishing, and I rowed the boat that my uncle built.

Identify the structure

1.           The pirate captain lost her treasure map, but she still found the buried treasure.

2.           Because the soup was too cold, I warmed it in the microwave.

3.          Laura forgot her friend's birthday, so she sent her a card when she finally

remembered.

4.          Lupe’s room was full of books that showed her interest in science.

5.          Because the story would have offended many people, the paper did not print it.

6.          Traditional Chinese writing is arranged in vertical columns that are read from top to bottom.