SENTENCE TYPES
There are four types of sentences: simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex.
Each sentence is defined by the use of independent and dependent clauses, conjunctions, and subordinators.
A simple sentence is an independent clause with no conjunction or dependent clause.
Standard Word Order SVO
A sentence's standard word order is:
Subject [who/what] + Verb[doing/happening] + Object [to what/who] (SVO).
Remember, the subject is what a sentence is about; so, it comes first.
THE PASSIVE VOICE
Personal Passive simply means that the object of the active sentence becomes the subject in the passive sentence. So every verb that needs an object (transitive verb) can form a personal passive.
Example: They build houses. – Houses are built. [the original subject is now seen as less important than the original object]
How is a passive voice sentence written?
To form a passive sentence from an active sentence:
1. Move the receiver of the action from the direct object position of the sentence to the subject position of the sentence
2. Insert the verb BE in agreement in number [singular or pluaral] with the new subject and in the appropriate tense
3. Change the verb to its past participle form.
ACTIVE or PASSIVE VOICE
Most [but not all] sentences in English are built using one of these five patterns:
1. Subject–Verb.
2. Subject–Verb–Object [in passive voice the object becomes the subject and the original subject may even disappear!].
3. Subject–Verb–Adjective.
4. Subject–Verb–Adverb.
5. Subject–Verb–Noun.
Conjunctions
Conjunctions are very useful in the English language. They are words which are able to join two parts of a sentence together.
There are two main types of conjunction:
co-ordinating (or coordinating) and
subordinating.
And the parts of a sentence which they join together are called clauses.
What’s the Difference?
Coordinating conjunctions connect two main clauses.
Subordinating conjunctions connect a main clause with a subordinate clause. They emphasise the main clause more than the subordinate clause.
Coordinating Conjunctions
Conjunction
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Example Sentence
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and
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He was doing his homework and cooking dinner at the same time.
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or
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Would you like to come with us or would you rather stay at home?
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but
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I like pop music but I prefer classical music.
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both … and
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I travelled to Spain and visited both Barcelona and Madrid.
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either … or
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You could either wear a dress or a skirt.
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neither … nor
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Neither does he like Asian food nor sushi.
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not only … but also
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He not only studies three subjects but also has a job as a waiter.
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Subordinating Conjunctions
There are numerous different subordinating conjunctions.
They can be divided in groups referring to
time,
reason and
condition.
Some subordinating conjunctions do not fit into any of these groups, though - so these you just have to learn.
Subordinating Clauses of Time
Subordinating conjunctions (time)
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Example Sentences
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after
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He found his keys after he had been looking for them for hours.
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as
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I had just left the house as it suddenly started raining.
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as soon as
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I'll call you as soon as I know more about it.
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before
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You should better start studying before it is too late.
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since
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The children seem unhappy since their father has left the family.
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till/until
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I won't tell you until you promise you will keep it as a secret.
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not until
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It was not until he was standing directly in front of me that I recognized Tim.
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when
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We were in the middle of a discussion when without a warning Mr Smith left.
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whenever
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My mom buys chocolate for me whenever I come home.
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while
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Lara was already asleep while Jenny kept playing with her toys.
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Subordinating Conjunctions of Reason
- I do not want to come over for dinner because I really do not like sausages.
- Since almost everybody was late, the meeting had to start half an hour later.
- The match was not difficult for him as he was a really good chess player.
Subordinating Conjunctions of Condition
If you want to make a condition, you could use one of the following conjunctions.
- If you do not help me, we will not have a cake tonight.
- We will go on a bike tour tomorrow unless it is raining very hard.
- The children do not feel scared at night as long as their father reads them a story before going to sleep.
More Subordinating Conjunctions
- The team lost the game although it is supposed to be very good.
- We can only go as far as that.
- I won't change my mind even if you ask me a hundred times.
- The sun was really hot so [that] almost everybody got sunburned.
