$1.$ Tutorial $1$: Sentence Structure

Simple Sentences

Use the following list of key terms to help you answer the questions that follow.

Term

Definition

Conjunctive Adverbs Words that indicate that the following clause is an independent clause; they also work as transitional devices, allowing the writer to indicate the relationship between ideas in independent clauses. Some conjunctive adverbs use more than one word: in fact, in contrast, as a result, that is

Coordinating Conjunction A word that joins words or word groups with the same grammatical structure

Dependent Clause A group of words that may contain a subject and a verb but does not contain a complete thought; a dependent clause is not a sentence

Independent Clause Consists of a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought

Predicate A verbal phrase that shows the action or indicates a state of being for the subject of the sentence

Subject A noun or pronoun that controls the verb in a sentence

Subordinating Conjunction Conjunctions used to introduce dependent clauses

A simple sentence is a single independent clause. An independent clause consists of a subject and a predicate and expresses a complete thought. Simple sentences are sometimes referred to as complete sentences.

Example $1$

The CFO felt certain that the merger would increase the company$$s share price.

Example $2$

Mr$.$ Green managed his firm with an iron grip.

A dependent clause may look like an independent clause because it contains a subject and a verb, but a dependent clause doesn$$t express a complete thought. A sentence fragment occurs when a dependent clause is punctuated as a simple sentence. To fix the fragment, you can remove the subordinating conjunction, or you can add a comma and an independent clause to form a complete thought.

Common subordinating conjunctions include after, although, as$,$ as if$,$ because, before, even if$,$ if$,$ in order to$,$ since, though, unless, until, whatever, when, whenever, whether, and while.

Checkpoint

Identify the complete sentence.

Until he improves his presentation skills.

The company$$s share price continued to increase.

When the merger between the large pharmaceutical giant and the biomedical engineering company was approved.

Compound Sentences

Most errors in sentence structure occur inside compound sentences. Compound sentences consist of two independent clauses joined to form a single sentence. The independent clauses in a compound sentence may be joined together in a number of ways: with a semicolon, with a coordinating conjunction, or with a conjunctive adverb.

Compound Sentence with a Semicolon:

This compound sentence pattern consists of two independent clauses joined by a semicolon. Use this pattern when both independent clauses are of equal emphasis or when the second clause restates the first.

Example $1$

Poor workplace communication practices have resulted in high turnover rates; we have replaced three administrative assistants in the last three months.

Example $2$

HR will be hiring a new administrative assistant; qualified applicants should submit their resumes by Friday, March $31.$

Compound Sentence with a Coordinating Conjunction:

This compound sentence pattern consists of an independent clause followed by a comma, a coordinating conjunction, and then another independent clause. There are seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or$,$ nor, so$,$ and yet. Use this pattern when both independent clauses are of equal importance and you want to indicate the relationship between the two clauses.

Example $1$

Salina wanted to join Toastmasters to improve her presentation skills, but the Toastmaster meetings were held at the same time as her company's executive briefings.

Example $2$

Jackson was looking forward to retirement, for he was planning a trip to India.

Compound Sentence with a Conjunctive Adverb:

This compound sentence pattern consists of two independent clauses joined by a semicolon and a conjunctive adverb followed by a comma. Examples of conjunctive adverbs are therefore, moreover, thus, consequently, however, and also. Use this pattern when you want to clarify or comment upon the relationship between the ideas in two independent clauses.

Example $1$

Alex began putting money in his $401($k$)$ in his early $20$s; consequently, he will have financial security when he retires.

Example $2$

Louise is the most qualified candidate for the position; therefore, we should hire her.

Checkpoint

Identify the correctly written compound sentences. Check all that apply.

A job applicant$$s professional credibility is influenced by the clarity and accuracy of the language in the applicant$$s cover letter; therefore, cover letters should be carefully crafted.

Every message an employee sends has the potential to impact the company$$s reputation, therefore it is important to communicate effectively at work.

Writing well will help you advance your career so proofread your documents carefully.

Poor grammar in written mess