I got this from my teacher. Hopefully can help you to improve your understanding about Sentences Based Writting's Subject.
SIMPLE SENTENCE
Definition : A simple sentence is one independent clause (IC)
Example :
I enjoy playing tennis with my friends every weekend
I enjoy playing tennis and look forward to it every weekend (compound predicates/verbs)
My friends and I play tennis and go bowling every weekend (compound subject and compound predicates/verbs)
COMPOUND SENTENCES
Definition : A compound sentences is two or more independent clauses joined together.
There are three ways to join the clauses, as follows :
| 1. With a coordinator | I enjoy tennis, but I hate golf |
| 2. With a conjunctive adverb | I enjoy tennis; however, I hate golf |
| 3. With a semicolon | I enjoy tennis; I hate golf |
Let’s study each type of compound sentence in more details JJJ
1. Compound Sentences with Coordinators
A compound sentence can be formed as follows:
| Independent clause, + coordinator + independent clause |
Notice that there is a comma after the first independent clause. The following sentences illustrate the meanings of the seven coordinators:
| for | Women live longer than men, for they better care of their health. (The 2nd sentence gives the reason for the 1st sentence) |
| and | Women follow more healthful diets, and they go to doctors more often. (The two clauses expresses equal, similar ideas) |
| nor | Women don’t smoke as much as men do, nor do they drink as much alcohol. (“Nor” means “and not”. It joins two negative independent clauses. Notice that question word order is used after ”nor”) |
| but | Men may exercise harder, but they may not exercise as regularly as women do (The two clauses express equal, contrasting ideas) |
| or | Both men and women should limit the amount of fat in their diets, or they risk getting heart disease. (The two clauses express alternative possibilities) |
| yet | Women used to be known as the “weaker sex”, yet in some ways, they are stronger than men. (The 2nd sentence clause is a surprising or unexpected contrast to the 1st clause) |
| so | Men are less cautious than women, so more men die in accidents. (The 2nd clause is the result of the 1st clause) |
2. Compound Sentences with Conjunctive Adverbs
A compound sentence can also be formed as follows:
| Independent clause; + conjunctive adverb, + independent clause |
Notice the punctuation: a semicolon follows the first independent clause, and comma follows the conjunctive adverb. Conjunctive adverbs express relationships between the clauses.
The following chart shows the coordinators and conjunctive adverbs that express similar meanings.
| COORDINATORS | CONJUNCTIVE ADVERBS | SENTENCE |
| and | besides furthermore moreover also | Community college offer preparation for many occupations; moreover, they prepare students to transfer to a four year college or university |
| but yet | however nevertheless nonetheless | Many community colleges do not have dormitories; however, they provide housing referral services |
| or | otherwise | Students must take final exams; otherwise, they will receive a grade of incomplete |
| so | accordingly consequently hence therefore thus | Native and nonnative English speakers have different needs; therefore, most schools provide separate English classes for each group |
3. Compound Sentences with Semicolons
A compound sentence can also be formed with a semicolon alone
| Independent clause; independent clause |
| My older brother studies law; my younger brother studies medicine. Poland was the first Eastern European country to turn away from communism; others soon followed |
COMPLEX SENTENCE
A complex sentence contains one independent clause and one (or more) dependent clause(s). There are three kinds of dependent clause, they are adverb, adjective, and noun.
| ADVERB CLAUSE |
| A dependent adverb clause begins with an adverbial subordinator such as when, while, because, although, if, so that, etc. 1. Although women in the United States could own property, they could not vote until 1920 2. In the United States, women could not vote until 1920 although they could own property Notice that there are two possible positions for an adverb clause: before or after the independent clause. If it comes before the independent clause, it is followed by a comma (sentence 1). If it comes after he independent clause, no comma is used (sentence 2) |
| ADJECTIVE CLAUSE |
| A dependent adjective (relative) clause begins with a relative pronoun such as who, whom, whose, or, that, or with a relative adverb such as where or when. An adjective clause functions as an adjective, that is, it modifies a noun or pronoun. 3. Men who are not married are called bachelors. 4. Last year we vacationed on the Red Sea, which features excellent scuba diving |
| NOUN CLAUSE |
| A dependent noun clause functions as a noun and begins with a wh-question word, that, whether, or sometimes if. A dependent noun clause can be either a subject (sentence 5)or an object (sentence 6). No commas are necessary. 5. That there is a hole in the ozone layer of the earth’s atmosphere is well known. 6. Scientists believe that excess chlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere are responsible for creating it. |
COMPOUND-COMPLEX SENTENCE
A compound-complex sentence is a combination of two more independent clauses and one (or more) dependent clauses. Many combinations are possible, and their punctuation requires careful attention.
Example :
1. I wanted to travel after I graduated from college; however, I had to go to work immediately.
2. After I graduated from college, I wanted to travel, but I had to go to work immediately.
3. I wanted to travel after I graduated from college, but I had to go to work immediately, because I had to support my family.
4. I couldn’t decide where I should work or what I should do, so I did nothing.
· Punctuate the compound part of a compound-complex sentence like a compound sentence; that is use a semicolon/comma combination (sentence 1), or put a comma before a coordinator joining two clauses (sentences 2,3, and 4)
· Punctuate the complex part like a complex sentence. With adverb clauses, put a comma after a dependent adverb clause (sentence 2) but not before them (sentence 3). With noun clauses, use no comma (sentence 4)
GOOD LUCK