Writing Sentences in

English

Presented by Ingrid Johanna Rodríguez GranadosProfessor at Universidad El Bosque

Subject: English 2Bogota, Colombia

I - 2016

Table of Contents 1. Introduction2.Types of sentences2.1. simple sentences2.2. Compound sentences2.3. Complex sentences3. Extra explanations, examples and exercises4. References

Introduction

Writing in English is different from writing in Spanish. English texts follow different formats according to the intention of the writer. Prose works are divided into paragraphs, which are also divided into sentences. In this class, you will focus on the types of sentences you can include in your English texts.

Types of SentencesThere are three main types of sentences when writing in English:

1.Simple2.Compound3.Complex

Simple SentencesIt is a unit of meaning that has a subject and a predicate. It sometimes has an implicit subject (imperative). It can include different types of complement (object, time, place, company, manner, etc.).

Punctuation: It starts with a capital letter and ends with a period.

Examples: Find Subject, verb, complements.

• I have not seen a horror movie alone.

• I am travelling with my family next vacation.

• John usually reads a book at night.

__ ________________ _____________________________Subject verb complement

__ _________________ ______________________________________Subject verb complement

_______ _________ ______ _____________________ Subject complement verb complement

Exercise: Find the mistake.

• The whole Sunday in the park with my friends.

• I read yesterday at home my favorite book.

• My mom always tells.

No subject, no verb!

Wrong order of complement!

Missing complement!

Compound Sentences

It is the type of sentence that joins two or more simple sentences:I love swimming. Tim loves running. I love swimming, and Tim loves running. ________________ ___________________

clause 1 clause 2Now, our sentences become clauses.

Sentences can be joined by using Coordinating Conjunctions.

Vocabulary: Coordinating conjunctions meaning

Punctuation: it stars with a capital letter ends with a period. It may include a comma before the coordinating conjunctions.

FANBOYS

For: becauseAnd: adding infoNor: two negative ideas togetherBut: opposite ideaOr: optional, if notYet: surprising opposition (but)So: Cause –effect, then

Examples: • I want to travel to Brazil, but I haven’t got my

pastport.• I need to save money, or I won’t be able to travel.• I want go to the World Cup, yet I have not planned

it.• There is a good touristic plan in June, so I will take

it.• I travel in June, for the weather is perfect in the

beach.• I went to Brazil, and my vacation was great.• I don’t have a big can to travel, nor do I want one.

Compound sentences can also be joined by a semicolon, but they must have the same topic. Examples:• Pop music is very popular in America; pop

artists are well known.• Playing football is an important hobby in

Colombia; people spend their freetime practicing it.

Punctuation: it starts with a capital letter; there is a semicolon between the two clauses, and it ends with a period.

Compound sentences can also be joined with a connector. It must be placed between the two sentences.

Examples:• Dogs and cats are common pets; however,

snakes and iguanas are less common. • Puppies need special food; moreover, they

require time and love. Punctuation: it starts with a capital letter; connectors must be placed between a semicolon and a comma, and it ends with a period.

Exercise:Complete the sentences correctly with words and marks in the box.

• I am a responsible student, I do all my homework.

• Some exercises are difficult; , I enjoy doing them.

• There is a bank near my office I always go there.• Peter works as an accountant, his wife is a

teacher.

however so ; and

however

so

;and

Complex Sentences

It is the sentence that joins two clauses: a dependent clause and an independent clause:Independent clauses have complete

meaning:• He often goes to the gym.• She doesn’t travel very often.Dependent clauses need another clause to

be understood. They start with a subordinating conjunction:

• When he is gaining weight.• As she doesn’t have time.

Dependent clauses start with subordinating conjunctions.

Vocabulary: subordinating conjunctions meaning• when: placing time• because: explaining reasons• after: organizing ideas (sequencing)• while: at the same time• where: locating• since: explaining reasons• if: establishing a condition• although: negative idea – opposite idea• as: explaining reasons

Punctuation: it starts with a capital letter and ends with a period. If the dependent clause is at the beginning, there is a comma between the clauses.Examples:

Independent clause + dependent clause.• She doesn’t travel very often as she doesn’t have

time.

Dependent clause + , + independent clause.• As she doesn’t have time, she doesn’t travel very

often.

Exercises: join the sentences and use the proper punctuation marks.

• When there is a party, I like dancing. • If Mike is busy, he organizes his time.• Colombians love typical food as its

ingredients are delicious.

as it is delicious.he organizes his timeI like dancing

when there is a partyif Mike is busyColombians love typical food

More Explanations, Examples and Exercises

Simple sentences• http://www.testden.com/toefl/english-grammar-for-students/The-Simple-Sentence-

exercises.html• https://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu/content/4_WritingSkills/writing_tuts/sentences_LL/

simple.html

Compound sentences• https://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu/content/4_WritingSkills/writing_tuts/sentences_LL/

compound.html• http://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-a-compound-sentence-examples-definition-

quiz.html

Complex sentences• http://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-a-complex-sentence-examples-lesson-quiz.html• http://www.learnamericanenglishonline.com/Orange%20Level/O4%20Complex

%20Sentences.html

References

• Bailey, S. (2003). Academic Writing. A handbook for international students. NY: MPG Bolls Ltd.

• Gower, R. (2008). Real Writing. UK: Cambridge University Press.

• Oshima, A. and Hogue, A. (2007). Introduction to Academic Writing. NY: Pearson Education.