2. Writing
Writing can be divided into smaller parts in order to better understand
the various rules of grammar and punctuation.
• Words
• Phrases: groups of words that collectively perform a specific function in
a sentence (known as the part of speech) and do not have a subject (the
person, place, or thing that is the main focus of the sentence) or a
predicate (the action the subject of the sentence takes/a verb)
• Clauses: types of phrases that contain at least one subject and one
predicate
• Sentences: groups of clauses that include at least one independent
clause
• Paragraphs: groups of sentences unified around a single topic
3. Independent Clauses
An independent clause can stand alone as a complete
sentence. It contains at minimum a noun and a verb.
An independent clause conveys a complete thought by
itself.
• Example: Apple has a new music-streaming app.
• Example: The new Avengers movie is a blockbuster.
4. Dependent Clauses
A dependent clause cannot stand alone and does not
convey a complete thought. Dependent clauses are not
complete sentences, so they must be connected to
independent clauses in order to make sense.
Example: even though she was tired
Example: after she watched the concert
Example: because it was raining
5. Dependent Clauses cont.
Dependent clauses typically begin with subordinating
words. The following is a list of some common subordinating
words:
• Time: after, before, until, when, whenever, while
• Condition: even, whether, provided, unless, once
• Cause and Effect: as, because, inasmuch, now that, since
• Contrast: although, though, even though, while, whereas
6. Appositives Phrases
Like a dependent clause, an appositive cannot stand
alone. It must be connected to an independent clause.
An appositive rephrases the subject of the sentence in
a different way. Sometimes the appositive describes or
redefines the subject.
Here are a few examples of appositive phrases:
• With a bushy mustache and grey hair, the captain…
• Coming over the hill, the boys...
• As quickly as she could, the mother…
7. Prepositional Phrases
A prepositional phrase begins with a preposition and is
not a complete thought. Like a dependent clause and
an appositive, it cannot stand alone. It must be
connected to an independent clause.
• Example: after the movie
• Example: from the beginning
• Example: under the rug
8. Sentence Types
Knowing the different types of sentences can help you
create variety in your writing. Sentence variety can help
you express your ideas in a more thoughtful and
interesting way. Here are the main types of sentences:
• Simple
• Complex
• Compound
• Compound-complex
9. Simple Sentences
A simple sentence contains only one independent
clause. It does not contain a dependent clause.
However, a simple sentence might also contain an
appositive or prepositional phrase.
• Example: The boy met his mother at the bus stop.
• Example: The Incredibles 2 is excellent.
• Example: Gasping for breath, the boy ran quickly.
10. Simple Sentences cont.
A simple sentence contains only one independent
clause. It does not contain a dependent clause.
However, a simple sentence might also contain an
appositive or prepositional phrase.
• Example: The boy met his mother at the bus stop.
• Example: The Incredibles 2 is excellent.
• Example: Gasping for breath, the boy ran quickly.
Prepositional Phrase
Appositive Phrase
11. Complex Sentences
Complex sentences combine an independent clause
with a dependent clause. The dependent clause may
come before or after the independent clause. In the
examples below, the dependent clause is bolded.
Example: Because it was raining, she brought her
umbrella.
Example: She wore shorts, even though it was raining.
Example: They went out for dinner after watching the
movie.
12. Complex Sentences cont.
Complex sentences combine an independent clause
with a dependent clause. The dependent clause may
come before or after the independent clause. In the
examples below, the dependent clause is in purple.
Example: Because it was raining, she brought her
umbrella.
Example: She wore shorts, even though it was raining.
Example: They went out for dinner after watching the
movie.
For punctuating
complex sentences,
see the English Corner
handout “Commas and
Dependent Clauses.”
13. Compound Sentences
Compound sentences are formed by combining two
independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction
and a comma. The coordinating conjunctions are for,
and, nor, but, or, yet, so (FANBOYS is an acronym to
help you remember).
Example: I like cake, and I also like spinach as well.
Example: Suzie bought apples and bananas, but she
forgot to buy bread.
Example: The sun is shining, yet it is still raining out.
14. Compound-Complex Sentences
Compound-complex sentences are exactly as they
sound. They combine two independent clauses with a
coordinating conjunction (a FANBOYS) plus a
dependent clause. The dependent clauses are bolded.
Example: While washing the car, she lost the sponge,
but she found it after she finished.
Example: She was upset, even though she found the
sponge, yet she felt accomplished after washing the
car.
