Writing Effective Writing Effective SentencesSentences

Complete SentencesComplete Sentences

A complete sentence…A complete sentence… has a subjecthas a subject has a verbhas a verb expresses a complete thoughtexpresses a complete thoughtExamples: Examples: Olivia (subject) rode (verb) her bicycle two miles.Olivia (subject) rode (verb) her bicycle two miles.Please be quiet! (verb) (The subject is you or the Please be quiet! (verb) (The subject is you or the

audience)audience)

Sentence FragmentsSentence FragmentsA sentence fragment is a group of words that has been A sentence fragment is a group of words that has been

capitalized and punctuated but lacks a subject or a capitalized and punctuated but lacks a subject or a verb and does not express a complete thought.verb and does not express a complete thought.

Examples: Examples: Was an outstanding athlete! Was an outstanding athlete! (no subject)(no subject)Andi an impressive singer.Andi an impressive singer.(no verb)(no verb)While she was taking swimming lessons.While she was taking swimming lessons.(not a complete thought)(not a complete thought)

Run-on SentencesRun-on Sentences

A run-on sentence is two complete sentences A run-on sentence is two complete sentences combined and punctuated like one. In a run-combined and punctuated like one. In a run-on, two separate thoughts run into each other.on, two separate thoughts run into each other.

Example: The yearbook staff is working hard to Example: The yearbook staff is working hard to organize the yearbook they also like to take organize the yearbook they also like to take candid photos of students.candid photos of students.

PhrasesPhrases

A phrase is a group of words that acts as a single A phrase is a group of words that acts as a single part of speech; however, it does not have both part of speech; however, it does not have both a subject and a verb.a subject and a verb. Phrases are often used to Phrases are often used to combine sentences. combine sentences.

Example: The football team won again. They Example: The football team won again. They have won all their games this season.have won all their games this season.

The football team has won all their games The football team has won all their games during this seasonduring this season..

Prepositional PhrasesPrepositional Phrases

A prepositional phrase includes a preposition, A prepositional phrase includes a preposition, the object of the preposition the object of the preposition (noun or (noun or pronoun),pronoun), and any modifiers and any modifiers (articles or (articles or adjectives)adjectives) of that object. of that object.

Examples:Examples:

under the table over the rainbowunder the table over the rainbow

above a street sign between two treesabove a street sign between two trees

Commonly Used PrepositionsCommonly Used Prepositionsbesidebesidebetweenbetweenbeyondbeyondbut*but*bybyby means ofby means ofconcerningconcerningdespitedespitedowndownduringduringexceptexceptexcept forexcept forexceptingexceptingforforfromfromininin addition toin addition toin back ofin back ofin case ofin case of

in front ofin front ofin place ofin place ofinsideinsidein spite ofin spite ofinstead ofinstead ofintointolikelikenearnearnextnextofofoffoffononontoontoon top ofon top ofoutoutout ofout ofoutsideoutsideoverover

pastpastregardingregardingroundroundsincesincethroughthroughthroughoutthroughouttilltilltototowardtowardunderunderunderneathunderneathunlikeunlikeuntiluntilupupuponuponup toup towithwithwithinwithinwithoutwithout

aboutaboutaboveaboveaccording toaccording toacrossacrossafterafteragainstagainstalongalongalong withalong withamongamongapart fromapart fromaroundaroundasasas foras foratatbecause ofbecause ofbeforebeforebehindbehindbelowbelowbeneathbeneath

Appositive PhrasesAppositive Phrases

Appositive phrases are phrases that need to be set off by Appositive phrases are phrases that need to be set off by commas. If a phrase renames a noun or pronoun in a commas. If a phrase renames a noun or pronoun in a sentence, it is an appositive phrase. sentence, it is an appositive phrase.

Example: Example: Arachne challenged AthenaArachne challenged Athena, , the goddess of wisdomthe goddess of wisdom,,

to a weaving contest.to a weaving contest.

(Athena is named and then referred to again in the same (Athena is named and then referred to again in the same sentence as sentence as the goddess of wisdomthe goddess of wisdom.).)

Adjective PhrasesAdjective Phrases

An An adjective phraseadjective phrase is a prepositional phrase is a prepositional phrase that is used as an adjective. An that is used as an adjective. An adjective adjective phrasephrase modifies (describes) a noun or modifies (describes) a noun or pronoun. It answers one of the following pronoun. It answers one of the following questions:questions:

What kind?What kind? Which one?Which one? How many?How many? How much?How much?

Adjective Phrases cont.Adjective Phrases cont.

Examples:Examples: Ted Turner, a Ted Turner, a millionairemillionaire from Atlantafrom Atlanta, owns , owns

several businesses.several businesses.from Atlanta – adjective phrase from Atlanta – adjective phrase millionaire – noun the phrase modifiesmillionaire – noun the phrase modifies Three Three dogsdogs in the contestin the contest won blue ribbons. won blue ribbons.in the contest – adjective phrasein the contest – adjective phrasedogs – noun the phrase modifies dogs – noun the phrase modifies

Adverb PhrasesAdverb PhrasesAn An adverb phraseadverb phrase is a prepositional phrase that is used is a prepositional phrase that is used

as an adverb. It modifies (describes) a as an adverb. It modifies (describes) a verbverb, , adjectiveadjective, , or an or an adverbadverb. Adverb phrases answer the following . Adverb phrases answer the following questions:questions:

When?When? Where?Where? How?How? Why?Why? How often?How often? How long?How long? To what extent?To what extent?

Adverb Phrases cont.Adverb Phrases cont.

Examples:Examples: We We gotgot our new puppy our new puppy at the animal shelterat the animal shelter..got – verbgot – verbat the animal shelter – adverb phraseat the animal shelter – adverb phrase(The phrase answers the question WHERE.)(The phrase answers the question WHERE.) On SaturdayOn Saturday we we will rehearsewill rehearse the new song. the new song.will rehearse – verbwill rehearse – verbOn Saturday – adverb phraseOn Saturday – adverb phrase(The phrase answers the question WHEN.)(The phrase answers the question WHEN.)

ClausesClauses

A A clauseclause is a group of words that contains a subject and is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb. a verb.

An An independent clauseindependent clause can stand alone independently can stand alone independently as a sentence.as a sentence.

A A subordinate or dependent clausesubordinate or dependent clause cannot stand alone cannot stand alone because it does not express a complete thought.because it does not express a complete thought. It It needs help to be a complete sentence.needs help to be a complete sentence.

Clauses cont.Clauses cont.

Examples:Examples: The band marched in the parade The band marched in the parade (independent (independent

clause)clause) while the football team rode on a float behind while the football team rode on a float behind

them them (subordinate clause)(subordinate clause)

The band marched in the parade while the The band marched in the parade while the football team rode on a float behind them.football team rode on a float behind them.

Subordinate ClausesSubordinate Clauses

Subordinate or dependent clauses add extra information Subordinate or dependent clauses add extra information to sentences and they often begin with words like to sentences and they often begin with words like who, which, that, because, when, if, while, until, who, which, that, because, when, if, while, until, before, and after.before, and after.

Examples: Examples: when the weather gets coldwhen the weather gets cold

When the weather gets coldWhen the weather gets cold, I wear sweaters., I wear sweaters. before the movie beginsbefore the movie begins

I want to get some popcorn I want to get some popcorn before the movie begins.before the movie begins.

Adjective ClausesAdjective Clauses

An An adjective clauseadjective clause is a subordinate (dependent) is a subordinate (dependent) clause that describes a noun or pronoun. It clause that describes a noun or pronoun. It contains both a verb and its subject.contains both a verb and its subject. An An adjective clause usually follows the word or adjective clause usually follows the word or words it modifies. words it modifies. It tells…It tells…

which onewhich one what kindwhat kind

Adjective Clauses cont.Adjective Clauses cont.

ExampleExample::

a a redred rose - adjectiverose - adjective

a rose a rose with red petalswith red petals - - adjective phraseadjective phrase

a rosea rose that has red petalsthat has red petals – adjective clause– adjective clause

rose – subjectrose – subject

has - verbhas - verb

Relative PronounsRelative Pronouns

A relative pronoun usually introduces an A relative pronoun usually introduces an adjective clause by relating it to the noun or adjective clause by relating it to the noun or pronoun the clause modifies.pronoun the clause modifies.

Commonly Used Relative Pronouns:Commonly Used Relative Pronouns:

thatthat whichwhich whowho whomwhom whosewhose

Relative Pronouns continuedRelative Pronouns continued

ExampleExamples: (copy one sentence)s: (copy one sentence) A snorkel is a hollow tube A snorkel is a hollow tube THATTHAT lets a diver lets a diver

breathe underwater.breathe underwater. Gary Paulsen is the writer Gary Paulsen is the writer WHOWHO is the author is the author

of of HatchetHatchet and and Brian’s WinterBrian’s Winter.. The team’s mascot, The team’s mascot, WHICHWHICH is a bulldog is a bulldog, is , is

called Uga.called Uga.

Adverb ClausesAdverb ClausesAn adverb clause is a subordinate clause that modifies a verb, an An adverb clause is a subordinate clause that modifies a verb, an

adjective, or an adverb. It contains both a subject and a verb. adjective, or an adverb. It contains both a subject and a verb. Adverb clauses answer the questions…Adverb clauses answer the questions…

How?How? When?When? Where?Where? Why?Why? To what extent?To what extent? How much?How much? How long?How long? Under what condition?Under what condition?

Adverb Clauses cont.Adverb Clauses cont.

Example:Example:

BravelyBravely, Jason battled a dragon., Jason battled a dragon.

adverbadverb

With great braveryWith great bravery, Jason battled a dragon., Jason battled a dragon.

adverb phraseadverb phrase

Because Jason was braveBecause Jason was brave, he battled a dragon., he battled a dragon.

adverb clauseadverb clause

Subordinating ConjunctionsSubordinating Conjunctions

A conjunction that introduces a subordinate A conjunction that introduces a subordinate clause. Adverb clauses begin with clause. Adverb clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions.subordinating conjunctions.

Examples: Examples:

AFTER the sun had risenAFTER the sun had risen, we left for the cabin., we left for the cabin.

Late yesterday afternoon, Late yesterday afternoon, BEFORE the deer left BEFORE the deer left the fieldthe field, we took photos of them., we took photos of them.

Common Subordinating Common Subordinating ConjunctionsConjunctions

afterafter becausebecause thoughthoughalthoughalthough beforebefore unlessunlessasas howhow untiluntilas ifas if ifif whenwhenas long as as long as in order thatin order that wheneverwheneveras much asas much as sincesince wherewhereas soon asas soon as so thatso that whereverwhereveras thoughas though thanthan whilewhile

Coordinating ConjunctionsCoordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions can be used as Coordinating conjunctions can be used as connecting words to combine sentences.connecting words to combine sentences.

FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, soFANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so

Simple Sentences (S)Simple Sentences (S)

A simple sentence contains A simple sentence contains one independentone independent clauseclause and and no subordinate clausesno subordinate clauses..

Examples:Examples:A good rain will help the farmersA good rain will help the farmers..rain – subject, will help - verbrain – subject, will help - verbWhere are my keysWhere are my keys??keys – subject, are - verbkeys – subject, are - verb

Compound Sentences (CD)Compound Sentences (CD)

A compound sentence contains A compound sentence contains two or more two or more independent clausesindependent clauses and and no subordinate clausesno subordinate clauses..

Example: The leaves on the trees in Georgia are Example: The leaves on the trees in Georgia are changing colors. The trees in Tennessee are already a changing colors. The trees in Tennessee are already a beautiful orange. – 2 simple sentencesbeautiful orange. – 2 simple sentences

The leaves on the trees in Georgia are changing colorsThe leaves on the trees in Georgia are changing colors, , but but the trees in Tennessee are already a beautiful the trees in Tennessee are already a beautiful orangeorange.. – 1 compound sentence connected with a – 1 compound sentence connected with a coordinating conjunctioncoordinating conjunction

Complex Sentences (CX)Complex Sentences (CX)

A A complex sentencecomplex sentence is a sentence that contains is a sentence that contains oneone independent clauseindependent clause and and at least one at least one subordinate clausesubordinate clause..

Examples: Examples:

When the outside temperatures start getting When the outside temperatures start getting coolercooler, , I think of college footballI think of college football..

Albert EinsteinAlbert Einstein, , who was a famous scientistwho was a famous scientist, , wrote many interesting books and essayswrote many interesting books and essays..

Compound-Complex Sentence (CC)Compound-Complex Sentence (CC)

A compound-complex sentence contains A compound-complex sentence contains two or two or moremore independent clausesindependent clauses and and at least one at least one subordinate clausesubordinate clause..

Examples:Examples:

When Jeb goes huntingWhen Jeb goes hunting, , he takes camping he takes camping suppliessupplies, and , and he wears camouflage clothinghe wears camouflage clothing..

The quarterback threw a passThe quarterback threw a pass, and , and Sawyer Sawyer caught itcaught it before the buzzer soundedbefore the buzzer sounded..

Which paragraph is better? Why?Which paragraph is better? Why?

I am nervous and excited. The championship game is I am nervous and excited. The championship game is tomorrow. Our team is ready. We have been practicing for tomorrow. Our team is ready. We have been practicing for months. We have the strongest offense. The other team is good. months. We have the strongest offense. The other team is good. We are better. We will win. I know it.We are better. We will win. I know it.

The championship game is tomorrow, and I am nervous The championship game is tomorrow, and I am nervous and excited. Our team is ready, as we have been practicing for and excited. Our team is ready, as we have been practicing for months, and we have the strongest offense. The other team is months, and we have the strongest offense. The other team is good, though we are better. I know that we will win. good, though we are better. I know that we will win.

I am nervous and excitedI am nervous and excited (S). (S). The The championship game is tomorrowchampionship game is tomorrow (S). (S). Our team is Our team is readyready (S). (S). We have been practicing for monthsWe have been practicing for months (S). (S). We have the strongest offense We have the strongest offense (S). (S). The other team is The other team is goodgood (S). (S). We are betterWe are better (S). (S). We will winWe will win (S). (S). I I know itknow it (S). (S).

The championship game is tomorrow, The championship game is tomorrow, andand I am I am nervous and excited.nervous and excited. (CD). (CD). Our team is readyOur team is ready, , because we have been practicing for months, because we have been practicing for months, andand we we have the strongest offensehave the strongest offense.. (CC). (CC). The other team is The other team is good, good, though we are betterthough we are better (CX). (CX). I know that we will I know that we will winwin (S). (S).