Sentence Structure Flashcards
What is a phrase?
A phrase is a collection of words without a subject-verb relationship. A phrase can never stand alone as a sentence.
Ex. For the national good a man called Horse in the sky
In the woods when in Rome at the mall
Across the ocean at the market in love with you
What is a finite verb
A verb that answers the question “When did the action occur?”
“Gave”, “will”, “was”, “would”, “is”, “have”, “had”, “are”, “were”, “would”, “can”, “must”
What is a clause? Difference between clause and phrase?
A clause has both a subject and a finite verb. A phrase lacks a subject, a finite verb, or both.
What is an independent clause?
An independent clause contains a subject and a finite verb and can stand alone as a sentence.
What is a main verb?
The finite verb found in an independent clause. A finite verb found in an independent clause is called a main verb.
What is a dependent clause?
A clause that cannot constitute sentence on its own. A clause fulfills specific functions within sentence and serves to enhance or modify the meaning expressed by an independent clause.
What is a subordinating conjunction?
Word that can take away the independence of a clause when placed at the head of the clause.
Ex. after, before, until, once, while, although, whereas, because, if, unless, though, as much as, just as, rather than, whenever
What happens when a subordinating conjunction is placed at the head of a clause?
That clause becomes a subordinate clause, a type of dependent clause.
Ex. Since John was at the beach
Although Scott is typing fast
Whereas Douglas may complain about the strict rules
Unless she arrives at the airport by midnight
What is a sentence fragment?
A collection of words missing a subject or main verb and failing to express a complete thought.
What is a simple sentence?
A simple sentence consists of a single independent clause followed by a period.
Ex. I do.
You will.
I was at the beach.
John and Jeff were reading books.
Spending time with animals is one of the best ways to enjoy your days.
What is a compound sentence? How are the connected?
A compound sentence is composed of at least two independent clauses.
Two independent clauses are connected by a comma and a coordinating conjunction.
What are the 7 coordinating conjunctions that connect independent clauses?
FANBOYS
For And Nor But Or Yet So
What is a “comma splice”?
Linking two independent clauses with only a comma, which is incorrect.
When is a semicolon used?
When a semicolon is used as a substitute for a comma and coordinating conjunction, an independent clause must be found on each side of the semicolon.
Ex.
I have a boxing match tomorrow; i can’t go dancing with you tonight.
The GMAT is a game of determination; the highest scores are often earned by those willing to prepare the most thoroughly.
What is the rule for colon?
A colon must be preceded by an independent clause. It may be followed by an independent clause, but it need not be. The colon can also be followed by an example or series of examples.
Ex.
Aditya had a productive day: he completed his studying and walked the dogs.
Students who earn top GMAT scores usually do three things: study with TTP, work hard, and persis until they succeed.
What is a complex sentence?
A complex sentence is composed of one independent clause and at least one subordinate clause. The order doesn’t matter.
What is required when a subordinate clause precedes an independent clause?
The subordinate clause must be followed by a comma. When a subordinate clause comes after an independent clause, the comma between the two clauses is optional.
What is a compound-complex sentence?
A sentence with more than one independent clause and at least one subordinate clause.
Ex. While you were at the beach, I ran a few errands, and I bought groceries for dinner.
This example features one subordinate clause followed by two independent clauses
How to join two independent clauses within a compound-complex sentence?
Must link the independent clauses either with a comma and a coordinating conjunction or with a semicolon.
What is a relative clause?
A relative clause is a type of dependent clause and it begins with relative pronouns. A relative clause is unable to stand alone as a sentence. Every relative clause must have a subject and a finite verb.
What are relative pronouns?
Can be the subject of a relative clause. When a relative pronoun is not the subject of the relative clause, it can be omitted from the sentence
That Which Who Whom Whose Where When
What is the structure of relative clause?
Relative clause = [relative pronoun acting as the subject] + [finite verb]
or
Relative clause = [relative pronoun not acting as the subject] + [subject] + [finite verb]
What is a noun clause?
A clause that plays the role of a noun. Begin with the following words:
That, which, how, who, whom, where, whether, what, why
A noun clause can fulfill the role fo the subject of a sentence
What is a direct object?
A noun or pronoun that is receiving the action of the finite verb in a clause. They can be noun clauses
What is the difference between relative clauses and noun clauses?
A clause that follows a noun and modifies that noun is a relative clause.
Ex. The elephants (that live in the area) generally avoid humans.
A clause that acts as a noun is a noun clause.
Ex. Eddie sat there and wondered (which came first), the chicken or the egg.
What can be used to separate items in a list when using commas would make the list confusing?
Semicolons
When Monica is in Europe, she’ll visit London, England; Paris, France; Rome, Italy; and Vienna, Austria
