The Writing Center
at
Empire State College
Genesee Valley Center
Rochester, NY

THE SENTENCE

I. TYPES OF SENTENCES

Sentences can be structured in various forms and lengths, but each structure seeks to accomplish something different. This variety helps not only to enrich the style of one's writing but also to improve its effectiveness of communication.

Simple Sentences

Simple sentences have one main idea expressed in one independent clause.

    1. I have built houses since I was a teenager.

NOTE: Writers occasionally retreat from simple sentences because they are worried that such sentences will sound too juvenile. Though it is true that a whole essay, page, or paragraph of short sentences would certainly be choppy and unsophisticated, it does not mean that clear, simple sentences are not effective. Write simple sentences whenever they are appropriate, but periodically incorporate more complex sentences if the situation seems appropriate.

Compound Sentences

Compound sentences have two independent clauses joined with a comma and a coordinate conjunction (and, but, or). The clauses can also be joined by a semicolon, or with a semicolon and conjunction (nonetheless, furthermore, however, etc.).

    2. I have built houses since I was teenager, and I wouldn't do anything else for a living.

    3. I have built houses since I was a teenager, but I can't wait to quit.

    4. I have built houses since I was a teenager; I plan to keep doing it.

    5. I have built houses since I was a teenager; nonetheless, I hope one day to explore new areas of employment.
NOTE: One can effectively join ideas with compound sentences, but try not to string ideas together with a series of "and" clauses. Split unneeded compounds into two simple sentences, use semicolons in place of "and," or revise the entire sentence.

Complex Sentences

Complex sentences have one independent clause and two or more dependent clauses, each beginning with a subordinate conjunction (because, even though, while, when, who, etc.).

Although we lived in Maine when I was a child we moved to Vermont because my father landed a better job there.

Dependent clauses tell: who or what under what circumstances
  how why
  where when
NOTE: Choosing the appropriate conjunction shows how language and thought combine on the page. Sometimes a writer elects to revise a simple or compound sentence into a complex sentence (or vice versa) to show that the subordinated idea is a condition, a cause, or a consequence of the main clause in the sentence.

Compound Complex Sentences

Compound complex sentences have two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.

    Although we lived in Maine when I was a small child we moved to Vermont because my father landed a better job there
    and he knew that meant a greater opportunity for the whole family.
    NOTE: Don't force too many thoughts into one sentence; it will confuse your readers and weaken your writing. Some of the worst sentences are long and clunky with 1) too many clauses, and 2) too many words between the subject and the verb of a clause.


    Example:

    My father, who loves us dearly and whom I've admired for my entire life, now lives, because he is elderly, in a small townhouse, where all of the amenities are on one floor, which makes his day-to-day activities, since he is somewhat feeble in his old age, and that puts my mind, as well as the minds of his friends, who are also elderly or who live far way, at ease.

II. ACTIVE AND PASSIVE VERBS IN SENTENCES

Verbs are the action words in a sentence. Characteristics of verbs include tense (time) and voice (who is doing the action).

      Active voice: Carl purchased a new fishing pole.
      Passive voice: A new fishing pole was purchased by Carl.
      Active voice: Carl caught a five-pound brook trout.
      Passive voice: A five-pound brook trout was caught by Carl.
      Active voice: The fish swallowed the hook.
      Passive voice: The hook was swallowed.

    1. The following underlined verbs are active. (Don't be fooled by helping words like have, had, was, and were, which can be part of the tense.)

      All the employees were discussing the situation. They had been going on about it for several days until at last they were told the truth. Several thousand dollars had disappeared from the office safe.

      Many people thought that the new secretary had taken the money, but no charges were filed against her. She quit, and her job was offered to a person from another department.

    2. The following writing sample illustrates the danger of using passive voice in business writing. Notice how difficult it is to identify clearly who is doing the action in the underlined verbs.

      As of December 31, the application support assignments have been changed and responsibilities were transferred to the DBAs which were listed. Appropriate DBA support should be utilized and notification must be given when assignments are shifted. Formal authorization will be required for all status changes which have not been approved previously.
    Types of Sentences Logical Operation Examples
    SIMPLE SENTENCES State one thought Turbo Mustangs have great speed.
    Seasoned drivers love cars with powerful engines.
    Muscle cars have multiple features.
    COMPOUND SENTENCES
    Connected with and, but, or    		 Connect equal ideas, add a thought, or take exception Turbo Mustangs are speedy,
    and     many drivers praise them for this.
    Turbo Mustangs are speedy,
    but not everyone appreciates
    this.
    Turbo Mustangs can be dangerous,
    or     they can be safe.
    Connected by ; Shows a relationship between two complete sentences Cats are carnivores; they eat meat.
    however, nonetheless, still Qualify, take exception, reverse direction Cats are carnivores;
    however , they will eat plants from time to time.
    Nonetheless, meat is their primary nutrition.
    Still, it wouldn't be unusual to see a cat munching on catnip.
    moreover, furthermore, also Emphasize, add Having a cat is a big responsibility;
    moreover some cats require extensive grooming.
    Furthermore, it is an added expense.
    Also    , cats can be finicky pets
    therefore, thus Show causation Cats can be finicky pets;
    therefore, be prepared to see them turn their noses up to certain foods. They have very sensitive stomachs;
    thus, you will need to be patient with their ever-changing taste.
    COMPLEX SENTENCES
    Combine main clauses
    with one or more
    dependent clauses    		    
    because Sets up a reason for the subsequent clause. Cats are finicky
    because  they have very sensitive stomachs.
    since Use when showing time.  Do not use since if you mean because. I've been raising tabby cats
    since I was 12 years old.
    although,
    even though         		Qualify a thought: despite what is stated in the dependent clause, the main clause remains true. Although cats are independent spirits, they still make wonderful pets. I will always own cats
    even though     they can sometimes be nasty.
    If...then Establishes a condition and explains what would happen as a result. If you abuse a cat,
    then     it will not offer you any affection.
    as if Introduces an idea that explains the main clause Treat your pet cat nicely,
    as if     it is a member of the family.
    so that, so Offer a reason for the action of the main clause Brush your cat's fur once a week
    so that     it doesn't develop clumps. Brush your cat's fur once a week,
    so     it doesn't develop clumps.