Sentence Structure

Sentence Structure and Avoiding Run-on Sentences Sentence Structure Depending on the number and type of clauses they contain, reprobates atomic number 18 classified as dim-witted, compound, complex, compound-complex. 1. Simple Sentences A simple sentence contains only one item-by-item clause. Without dancing, life would non be fun. A simple sentence can also contain compound elements (subject, verb, object). injustice enters like a needle and spreads like an oak. (compound verb) 2. Compound sentences A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses with no subordinate clauses.They ar joined with a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, so, for, yet) or with a semicolon. He wanted to join the group, but the other members wouldnt allow him. Most singers gain fame through hard work and dedication Evita, however, found another substance. 3. Complex sentences A complex sentence is composed of one independent clause with one or more subordinate cla uses. The fur that warms a monarch once warmed a bear. Home is the place where you slip in the tub and break your neck. Talent is what you possess. Dig a well before you ar thirsty.Whoever gossips to you will gossip about you. Juan can run faster than I can bicycle. When he adopts a creed, a scientist commits suicide. The receptionist knows that you are here. Subordinating Adverbs afterbeforerather thanthoughwherealthough even thoughsinceunlesswhetherasas if if howso thatuntilwhilethan whenwhybecausein order thatthatbecause although Relative Pronouns thatwhowhomwhosewhich Other words introducing subordinate clauses whoeverwhomeverwhateverwhicheverwheneverwherever The above is true in both Spanish and English (Hacker, 2009, 768-770).Run-On Sentences Run-on sentences are a serious problem because they indicate that the writer does not understand basic sentence structure either in Spanish or English. Run-ons are independent clauses (a word group that can stand alone as a fill in sent ence) that have not been joined counterbalancely. There are two types of run-on sentences. When a writer puts no punctuation and no coordinating conjunction amongst independent clauses, the sentence is said to be fused. EX Gestures are a means of conversation for everyone they are indispensable for the hearing paired.A more popular run-on sentence is the comma splicetwo independent clauses joined with a comma without a coordinating conjunction (and, so, but, for, yet, or, nor). EX Gestures are a means of communication for everyone, they are essential for the hearing impaired. In other comma splices, the comma is accompanied by a joining word that is not a coordinating conjunction. EX Gestures are a means of communication for everyone, however they are essential for the hearing impaired. There are four methods of stamping ground a run-on sentence 1.Use a comma and coordinating conjunction EX Gestures are a means of communication for everyone, but they are essential for the hear ing impaired. 2. Use a semi-colon (if the clauses are related) or a colon or a dash to separate the independent clauses. EX Gestures are a means of communication for everyone they are essential for the hearing impaired. Sometimes the semi-colon is accompanied by a transitional expression. EX Gestures are a means of communication for everyone however, they are essential for the hearing impaired. Other common transitions moreover, nevertheless, for example, in fact, etc. ). If appropriate you may also use a colon or a dash (less formal than the colon) EX Nuclear waste is hazardous This is an indisputable fact. 3. Make the clauses into separate sentences. EX Gestures are a means of communication for everyone. They are essential for the hearing impaired. 4. Restructure the sentence so that one of the clauses becomes subordinate. EX While gestures are a means of communication for everyone, they are essential for the hearing impaired (Hacker, 2009, 296-308).EXERCISE Revise any run-on sent ences using a technique that you find effective. If a sentence is correct write correct after it. 1. Carlos never drove the vintage cars his father left him, however, he wouldnt sell them. 2. The volunteers worked hard to clean up after the hurricane, in fact, umteen of them did not sleep for days. 3. The center of Monterrey is the Macroplaza, this plaza is one of the largest in the world. 4. I ran the three blocks as fast as I could I missed the bus. 5. We didnt trust her, she had lied before. 6.If you want to get good grades, consider this advice, dont wait until the end of the semester to start studying. 7. Juan is a top competitor he has been running for years. 8. The floor around the refreshment stand was sticky, I was lucky to make it away with both shoes on my feet. 9. The streets of Mexico City are dangerous, it is not safe to drive. 10. Are you able endure boredom, then this might be the right career for you. 11. We planned to spend our vacation at Padre Island, however, t he hurricane make us come home earlier than we had planned. 2. There was one major reason for his wealth, his grandfather had been a multi-millionaire. 13. President Fox was standing next to the podium, he was waiting for President Bush to introduce him to the press. 14. Mr. Romero is an excellent linguist, he speaks six languages. 15. Somedays I only have money for the bus, lunch is a luxury I cannot afford. 16. The building is being renovated we have no heat or water. 17. The next time an event is canceled because of rain, dont blame the weatherman, blame nature.