replection paper

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Sentence Variety
There are four sentence types in the English language. A good writer incorporates all four types in their writing to add complexity and variety to it. On the other hand, writers who choose only one sentence type consistently, produce pieces that are rather choppy, monotonous, or plain boring. To understand the four sentence types well, it is important to grasp the concepts of
“independent” and “dependent” clauses.
An independent clause is a sentence that has full meaning and can stand on its own. Simple sentences are examples of independent clauses, and they must have at least a Subject and a Verb.
Here is an example of an independent clause:
Dr. Jones examined the patient last night.
A dependent clause (as the word suggests), “depends” on another clause not only to make complete sense, but also to make a complete sentence. Here is an example of a dependent clause: Because the patient was in pain.
Note: Dependent clauses written as stand-alone structures result in “fragments.”
Combining shorter sentences with longer ones within a paragraph is always an effective writing technique. Here are some examples of the four sentence types in English:


Simple sentence:
There was only one nurse in charge of the triage unit.



Compound sentence:
There was only one nurse in charge of the triage unit, and she had just been hired two months ago.

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Complex sentence:
The new nurse appeared flustered due to the overwhelming number of patients crowding the emergency room at once. Consequently, she felt very tired only two hours into her shift.



Compound/Complex sentence:
Dr. X showed much respect for her Interns, and she allowed them to approach her with their concerns regularly; therefore, most Interns held her in high esteem.

Let’s analyze each sentence type in-depth:

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The Simple Sentence
As stated previously, a simple sentence must have at the very least a Subject and a Verb.
However, some simple sentences may or may not have an Object. This depends on the type of
Verb included in the sentence. Verbs that require an object are called “Transitive” while verbs that do NOT require an object are “Intransitive.” Let’s analyze this sentence:
The doctor called the nurse.
Subject:
Verb:
Object:

the doctor called the nurse

Because the verb “to call” requires an Object as we always call “someone,” this verb is transitive. However, in the following sentence:
An accident occurred last night.
Subject:
Verb:
Object:

an accident occurred (NONE)

The verb “to occur” is intransitive because it does NOT require an object.
Please keep in mind that some verbs could be either transitive or intransitive depending on the context. Also, in imperative sentences, where normally a command is given, the subject of the sentence is omitted because it is implied:
(You) Open the door, please!
The Compound Sentence
A Compound sentence is formed by joining two or more independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction. Note that there are NO dependent clauses in a Compound sentence.
There are seven coordinating conjunctions in English, and they are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

For
And
Nor
But
Or
Yet
So

Remember to place a comma before each of these conjunctions. Also, it it not a good idea to start a sentence with any of these linking words.
A good mnemonic device to remember these coordinating conjunctions is the phrase “fan boys” formed by the first letters of these linking words.

Each coordinating conjunction carries a different contextual meaning. The following seven sentences provide examples of how each conjunction is used and its meaning.

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FOR: It is rarely used in spoken English. It is commonly used in literary writing. It introduces the reason for the introductory clause. In this example, it has the same meaning as the word “because.”
The doctor asked for the patient’s records, for he needed to review her medical history.
AND: Its most common use is to add more information to the introductory clause.
Maria took the final test last week, and she scored 85%.
NOR: This conjunction is rarely used in spoken English. It is commonly used in negative statements to express lack of alternatives or choices. Please pay attention to the word order in the second clause because the order of the verb form is placed BEFORE the subject the same way is done when forming questions in English.
The coordinators did not agree on the new policies, nor did they suggest any solutions.
BUT: It is commonly used to express contrast between the two clauses.
The new researcher investigated the drugs, but they were not able to draw convincing conclusions. OR: It is used to express alternatives or choices.
The students can work on a group project, or they can work individually.
YET: Although it has the same contrasting meaning of the word “but,” it is usually used to express unexpected results.
Anna studied very hard for her comprehensive exam, yet she did not pass it.
SO: It is commonly used to establish a “cause-effect” relationship between the two clauses.
Kim did not review the material, so she failed the test.
The Complex Sentence
A complex sentence has an independent clause joined by one of more dependent clauses. Words commonly used to join these two clauses are: because, if, when, although, since, after, and before. These words are called “subordinating conjunctions.”
When Ben joined the program, he forgot to sign two of the required forms.
-orBen forgot to sign two of the required forms when he joined the program.
Notice that both complex sentences above have exactly the same meaning. However in the first one, the dependent clause is introduced first, so it must be set off by a comma from the independent clause. In the second sentence, the independent clause introduces the sentence, so there is no need to place a comma before the subordinating conjunction “when.” The dependent clause is highlighted in yellow. Note that a dependent clause cannot stand alone, and that is why it “depends” on another complete idea in order to carry full meaning.

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The Complex-Compound Sentence
A Complex-Compound sentence comprises two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.
These sentences are usually longer than the other sentence types, and they require more attention due to their complexity.
Although the professor explained the theory during the lecture, I did not grasp its gist, and I had to spend three hours at the library to review it again.
Dependent clause:

Although the professor explained the theory during the lecture

Independent clause #1:

I did not grasp its gist

Independent clause #2:

I had to spend three hours at the library to review it again.