Sentence notes Flashcards
Compound sentences
Two or more simple sentences (independent clauses) joined by a co-ordinating conjunction - FANBOYS.
Example: The classroom is on fire, but everyone has been evacuated.
Simple sentence
One main or independent clause (one subject and one finite verb)
Example: The classroom is on fire
FANBOYS
For
And
Nor
But
Or
Yet
So
Complex sentences
One main clause and one or more subordinate clauses joined by a subordinating conjunction (although, because, since, after, if, until etc) or relative pronoun (who, what, which)
Example: The classroom, which contains highly flammable material, is on fire
Subordinate clauses
Provide additional information about the main clause, they cannot stand and are separated by main clause with a comma.
Compound-complex sentences
A combination of both.
Example: The classroom is on fire because a science experiment went wrong and now the whole school is sitting on the hockey field.
Clause
A group of words that contains a finite verb.
Comma splice error
Two simple sentences can never be joined with a comma - they MUST be joined with a semi-colon, full stop or conjunction.
HOWEVER - if the simple sentences form a part of a list, they may be joined with a comma, provided that the final sentence is joined with a conjunction.
Passive voice
Object of the sentence has the action done to it
Used:
- when it is not necessary to mention the subject (eg dinner will be served)
- when the doer is left unknown (my car was stolen)
- when anonymous accusations are made (right of admission is reserved)
- when a nameless accusation has been made (the carpet is ruined)
Active voice
The subject of the sentence does the action
Phrase
A group of words that doesn’t contain a finite verb
Adjectival phrase example
The girl (with the long hair) is my sister
Noun phrase
I gave sweets to (everyone at the party).
Adverbial phrase example
Tim, (having turned the corner), saw the accident.
