Sentence Structure in English Grammar

Sentence Structure

• There are four main types of sentences: simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex.
• A simple sentence contains one independent clause.
• A compound sentence has two independent clauses and a coordinating conjunction.
• A complex sentence contains one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses.
• A compound-complex sentence has two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.

Choosing a Sentence Structure

• When introducing a new concept, idea, or character, use a simple sentence.
• When elaborating on information, use a compound or complex sentence.
• When presenting multiple ideas, theories, or characters, use a compound-complex sentence.

The Importance of Improving Sentence Structure

• Improving sentence structure helps eliminate sentence fragments and run-on sentences.
• Sentence structure matters in English because of the use of modifiers.
• Proper sentence structure helps to avoid confusion and clarity.

How to Improve Sentence Structure

• Ensure clarity of information within the sentence.
• Use transitional words to connect ideas.
• Use care with subordinate clauses.
• Use active voice.
• Use active verbs.
• Follow traditional grammatical rules.

Mixed Sentence Structure Errors

• A mixed sentence structure error occurs when a sentence switches structures halfway through.
• These errors are common, but easy to fix.
• To catch mixed sentence structure errors, read your essay aloud or read it backward, one sentence at a time.

Active and Passive Voice

• In active voice, the subject performs the action of the verb.
• In passive voice, the subject receives the action of the verb.
• The main difference between active and passive voice is the role of the subject in the sentence.
• Active voice is generally preferred in writing for clarity and effectiveness.

When to Use Active and Passive Voice

• Use active voice for clear and effective writing.
• Use passive voice in certain fields, such as diplomacy and politics, to avoid mentioning the doer of the action.
• Use passive voice when the doer of the action is unknown.

How to Change a Sentence from Passive Voice to Active Voice

• Identify the subject, verb, and object of the sentence.

• Switch the subject and object.

• Remove the word "by".

• Remove the verb "be".

• Make sure the verb agrees with the new subject.### Identifying Voice in Sentences

• In passive voice, the subject is the receiver of the action, not the doer.

• In active voice, the subject is the doer of the action.

Changing Sentences from Active to Passive Voice

• Identify the subject, verb, and object of the sentence.
• Switch the subject and object.
• Cross out the new object or precede it with "by" at the end of the sentence.
• Identify the tense of the verb in the active sentence.
• Write the verb "be" in that tense, agreeing with the new subject, followed by the past participle of the verb.

Examples of Active and Passive Sentences

• Active: The neighborhood children painted this wall.

• Passive: This wall was painted by the neighborhood children.

• Active: Sam and Sue have written the schedule.

• Passive: The schedule has been written (by Sam and Sue).

Importance of Voice in Writing

• Active voice is clearer, less wordy, and easier to read and understand.
• Passive voice is better when the receiver of the action is more important or the doer is unknown.
• Writing in first-person active voice prevents vagueness, as the reader knows the writer is the doer of the action.

Sentence Structure

• There are four main types of sentences: simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex.
• A simple sentence contains one independent clause.
• A compound sentence has two independent clauses and a coordinating conjunction.
• A complex sentence contains one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses.
• A compound-complex sentence has two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.

Choosing a Sentence Structure

• When introducing a new concept, idea, or character, use a simple sentence.
• When elaborating on information, use a compound or complex sentence.
• When presenting multiple ideas, theories, or characters, use a compound-complex sentence.

The Importance of Improving Sentence Structure

• Improving sentence structure helps eliminate sentence fragments and run-on sentences.
• Sentence structure matters in English because of the use of modifiers.
• Proper sentence structure helps to avoid confusion and clarity.

How to Improve Sentence Structure

• Ensure clarity of information within the sentence.
• Use transitional words to connect ideas.
• Use care with subordinate clauses.
• Use active voice.
• Use active verbs.
• Follow traditional grammatical rules.

Mixed Sentence Structure Errors

• A mixed sentence structure error occurs when a sentence switches structures halfway through.
• These errors are common, but easy to fix.
• To catch mixed sentence structure errors, read your essay aloud or read it backward, one sentence at a time.

Active and Passive Voice

• In active voice, the subject performs the action of the verb.
• In passive voice, the subject receives the action of the verb.
• The main difference between active and passive voice is the role of the subject in the sentence.
• Active voice is generally preferred in writing for clarity and effectiveness.

When to Use Active and Passive Voice

• Use active voice for clear and effective writing.
• Use passive voice in certain fields, such as diplomacy and politics, to avoid mentioning the doer of the action.
• Use passive voice when the doer of the action is unknown.

How to Change a Sentence from Passive Voice to Active Voice

• Identify the subject, verb, and object of the sentence.

• Switch the subject and object.

• Remove the word "by".

• Remove the verb "be".

• Make sure the verb agrees with the new subject.### Identifying Voice in Sentences

• In passive voice, the subject is the receiver of the action, not the doer.

• In active voice, the subject is the doer of the action.

Changing Sentences from Active to Passive Voice

• Identify the subject, verb, and object of the sentence.
• Switch the subject and object.
• Cross out the new object or precede it with "by" at the end of the sentence.
• Identify the tense of the verb in the active sentence.
• Write the verb "be" in that tense, agreeing with the new subject, followed by the past participle of the verb.

Examples of Active and Passive Sentences

• Active: The neighborhood children painted this wall.

• Passive: This wall was painted by the neighborhood children.

• Active: Sam and Sue have written the schedule.

• Passive: The schedule has been written (by Sam and Sue).

Importance of Voice in Writing

• Active voice is clearer, less wordy, and easier to read and understand.
• Passive voice is better when the receiver of the action is more important or the doer is unknown.
• Writing in first-person active voice prevents vagueness, as the reader knows the writer is the doer of the action.

Test your understanding of sentence structure in English grammar, including simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences. Learn how to identify and construct effective sentences.