CH9 - The Basic Elements of a Sentence Flashcards
What is the difference between a clause and a phrase?
A clause contains both a subject and a verb, while a phrase lacks either a subject or a verb, or both.
Define an independent clause.
An independent clause can stand alone and convey a complete idea.
Define a dependent clause.
A dependent clause relies on another part of the sentence for meaning and cannot stand alone.
What are the four different sentence structures?
- Simple
- Compound
- Complex
- Compound-complex
What elements are essential in a sentence?
A subject and a verb.
Fill in the blank: A _______ is a group of words that contains both a subject and a verb.
clause
Fill in the blank: A _______ cannot stand alone and must relate to other parts of the sentence.
dependent clause
What is the formula for a simple sentence?
subject + verb
What do compound sentences contain?
Two or more main clauses joined by coordinating conjunctions.
List the coordinating conjunctions known by the acronym FANBOYS.
- For
- And
- Nor
- But
- Or
- Yet
- So
What is the formula for a compound sentence?
subject + verb, CC subject + verb
What is a complex sentence?
A sentence that contains one main clause and at least one dependent clause.
What does a compound-complex sentence include?
At least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.
True or False: A simple sentence can have multiple phrases.
True
What is the main purpose of using a variety of sentence structures in writing?
To strengthen the style and convey ideas effectively.
Fill in the blank: A clause must contain both a _______ and a _______.
subject, verb
What can be a consequence of using too many simple sentences in a row?
They can sound repetitive and choppy.
What should you avoid when writing compound sentences?
Committing a comma splice by omitting the coordinating conjunction.
What is the stylistic effect of beginning a complex sentence with a dependent clause?
It gives added emphasis to the main clause at the end.
Identify the two types of conjunctions used in sentence structures.
- Coordinating conjunctions
- Subordinate conjunctions
What is the key takeaway regarding sentence structure?
Using a combination of sentence types strengthens writing.
