Basic writing Skills
Unit One Writing Effective Sentence
1.1. Sentence kinds
1.1.1. Defining Sentence
What Is a Sentence? And what is sentence fragment?
e.g. When the judges announced the winner.
Does this word group have a subject and a verb? [yes; judges, announced]
Does this example express a complete thought? [no]
Is this is a sentence or a sentence fragment. (sentence fragment)
Since the subordinating conjunction when introduces this word group, it is a dependent clause
and cannot stand alone.
How can this sentence fragment be corrected? [When the judges announced the winner,
everyone applauded.)
This fragment can be corrected either by adding the independent clause everyone applauded to
complete the thought or by eliminating the subordinating conjunction When. The judges
announced the winner.]
Therefore, a sentence is a word group that contains a subject and a verb and that expresses a
complete thought.
A thought is complete when it makes sense by itself.
A sentence should begin with a capital letter. The punctuation mark that follows a sentence
depends on the purpose of the sentence.
Sentences consist of two basic parts: subjects and predicates. The subject is a word or word
group that tells whom or what the sentence is about. The predicate is a word or word group
that tells something about the subject.
e.g. Dogs are loyal pets. Everything you said is true.
1.1.2. Sentences Kinds
Depending on its purpose, a sentence can be classified as declarative, interrogative, imperative,
or exclamatory
1. A declarative sentence makes a statement and ends with a period.
Example:
The development of the microprocessor has revolutionized technology in many ways.
Reading makes people well informed.
John bought a nice car.
2. Interrogative sentences are those which we use them to ask question. These sentences
can be presented in the form of Yes/No questions or WH-questions.
Examples of such sentences are:
When did Mexico achieve independence from Spain?
Have you ever seen a dragon fly?
3. An imperative sentence gives a command or makes a request or suggestion. Most
imperative sentences end with a period. A strong command ends with an exclamation point.
Example:
Come here. [The understood subject is you.]
4) An exclamatory sentence shows excitement or expresses strong emotion and ends with
an exclamation point.
Example:
How happy you look!
What a surprise it is to see you here!
1.2. Sentence Types
Depending on its structure, a sentence can be classified as simple, compound, complex, or
compound-complex. Writers should strive to use all four types of sentences because doing so
provides greater interest and enjoyment for the reader.
1. A simple Sentence consists of one independent clause with one verb and subject.
e.g. Bicycles are a great way to travel short distances. [simple sentence with a single subject]
Anna and Selam will sing in the talent show. [simple sentence with a compound subject]
Anna and Selam will sing and dance in the talent show. [simple sentence with a compound
subject and compound verb)
2. A compound Sentence consists of two or more independent clauses joined together. The
independent clauses can be joined together in one of three ways.
a) with a coordinating conjunction b) with a conjunctive adverb c) with a semicolon
A. With a coordinating conjunction
Independent clause; + coordinator + independent clause
E.g. Phil thoroughly enjoys playing chess, but he detests checkers. Luxury cars are very
expensive, yet they can be just as unreliable as cheaper cars.
List of coordinating conjunctives and but or nor yet for SO
B. With a conjunctive adverb
Independent clause; + conjunctive adverb, + independent clause
E.g. Maureen can play the violin like a virtuoso; however, she can't stand classical music. A diet
high in cholesterol can be dangerous to your health; indeed, it can lead to high blood pressure.
List of conjunctive adverbs
accordingly besides consequently for example furthermore hence however in addition
nevertheless nonetheless otherwise therefore likewise in contrast thus meanwhile moreover
indeed instead on the other hand
C. With a semicolon
Independent clause; independent clause
E.g. My oldest sister is a teacher; my youngest is a lawyer.
Russia was the first country to put a man into space; the United States was second.
Exercise 1.
Write six compound sentences of your own- two each with a coordinating conjunction,
conjunctive adverb, and a semi-colon.
3. A complex Sentence consists of one independent clause and one or more dependent
clauses. The most important idea of the sentence is place in the independent clause and the
least important idea is placed in the dependent clause.
Examples:
Although winters in Colorado can be extremely cold, if you like to ski, it is the place to be.
Hawaii is a great place to vacation, because of its white sandy beaches and warm calm waters,
unless of course, one doesn't like tropical environs.
4. A compound-complex sentence consists of two or more independent clauses and one or
more dependent clauses. It is a combination of a compound sentence and complex sentence,
i.c. complex sentence joined to another sentence with a coordinating conjunction or
conjunctive adverb. Compound-complex sentences can be difficult and confusing to punctuate.
The compound-complex part of the sentence is punctuated like a compound sentence; with a
semi- colon and comma (sentence 1), or with a comma before a coordinator that connects two
clauses (sentence 2). The complex part of the sentence is punctuated like a complex sentence; a
comma follows a dependent adverb clause, but no commas are used with noun clauses.
Examples:
1. That computers are a wonderful invention is obvious; however, much of the software
available for them is so complicated; they require an enormous amount of time and energy to
master.
2. Allen always wanted to pursue a career in medicine, but because he lacked the financial
resources, he decided to become an engineer instead.
