101.11 11. SENTENCE VARIETY


Strong writing often incorporates a variety of sentence types.

11a. Simple Sentences

A simple sentence contains a single main clause. It may also include modifiers.

Cara (S) is studying (V) for a chemistry exam.

The main clause in a simple sentence can have a compound subject.

Cara and Raul (S) are studying (V) for a chemistry exam.

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It may also have a compound verb.

Raul (S) is studying (V) for a chemistry exam and listening (V) to music.

In addition, the main clause in a simple sentence can have an implied subject.

Don’t wait (V) until the last minute to study for the chemistry exam. [The implied — but unstated — subject of this sentence is you.]

11b. Compound Sentences

A compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses, each with its own subject and verb. The clauses in a compound sentence can be joined by a coordinating conjunction.

A new mushroom-shaped sea animal(S) has been discovered (V) near Australia, but scientists (S) have not been able (V) to classify it within existing categories of animal life.

The clauses of a compound sentence can also be joined by a semicolon, or by a semicolon followed by a conjunctive adverb such as however.

A new mushroom-shaped sea animal (S) has been discovered (V) near Australia; however, scientists( S) have not been able (V) to classify it within existing categories of animal life.

11c. Complex Sentences

A complex sentence contains one main clause and at least one subordinate clause.

Luis volunteers every week at an animal shelter [main clause] because he wants to become a veterinarian [subordinate clause].

In some complex sentences, the word that connects the subordinate clause to the main clause may be implied.

Musicians know [main clause] [that] hours of work are necessary to perfect their craft [subordinate clause].

11d. Compound-Complex Sentences

A compound-complex sentence contains two or more main clauses and at least one subordinate clause.

Although some students were nervous about learning computer programming [subordinate clause], most found the assignments interesting [main clause], and Rachel was inspired to learn more programming on her own [main clause].

11e. Normal Sentences

The normal sentence is the most common sentence structure in English. Although a normal sentence may include modifiers, it always places a subject before a verb at the beginning of its main clause.

The teacher assigned a new project on Monday.

11f. Inverted Sentences

An inverted sentence reverses the subject-verb order of a normal English sentence so that all or part of the verb appears before the subject.

Deep in the heart of the forest stands (V) an ancient tree (S).

11g. Cumulative Sentences

A cumulative sentence is composed of a main clause followed by a series of subordinate clauses or phrases that add information and detail.

They were best friends—always loyal, rarely apart, and absolutely inseparable.

11h. Periodic Sentences

A periodic sentence ends with the main clause and begins with modifying phrases or clauses. The meaning of a periodic sentence may not be clear to the reader until the very end of the sentence.

By triumphing over a series of dangerous obstacles, standing bravely in the face of fear, and working together as a team, the heroes of the story will save the day.