Lecture Notes on English Sentence Structure

Introduction

• Focus on constructing various types of sentences in English.
• Importance of understanding sentence structure from simple to complex.

Basics of Sentence Structure

Simple Sentences

• Definition: A complete thought; minimally requires a verb.
• Imperative Sentences: Examples include:
  • Run!
  • Leave!
  • Work!

Subject + Verb Structure

• Most sentences extend beyond one word with a subject (noun) and a verb.
• Examples:
  • He runs.
  • She left.
  • They’re working.

Enhancing Simple Sentences

• Adding Information: Use adverbs to expand basic sentences.
• Examples:
  • He runs around the park.
  • He runs every morning.
  • He runs slowly.
• Important limitations on what can follow a verb (in this context): a noun, verb, or adjective cannot follow directly.

Complements

• Definition: Complements add meaning and are necessary to complete a thought after verbs.
• Examples of Complements:
  • Noun: She likes strawberries.
  • Gerund: She likes swimming.
  • Gerund Phrase: She likes getting up before the sun rises.
  • Infinitive: She likes to listen to music.

Importance of Complements

• Complements are critical for clarity:
  • Incomplete Sentences:
    • She likes… (incomplete)
    • She likes getting up… (needs more).
• A complete sentence includes a subject, verb, and a complement.

Adding Detail with Adjectives and Adverbs

• Adjectives: Describe nouns.
  • Example: He wants to buy a new car.
• Adverbs: Describe verbs and can be flexible in position.
  • Example: He wants to buy a second-hand car next month.
• Key Point: Adjectives and adverbs enhance clarity but cannot complete an incomplete sentence.

Creating Complex Sentences

Definitions and Types

• Conjunctions: Words that link clauses (and, but, if, although, because).
• Complex Sentences: Consist of multiple clauses.
  • Independent Clause: Complete idea that can stand alone.
  • Dependent Clause: Provides additional information but cannot stand alone.

Examples of Complex Sentences

• Structure: Independent Clause + Conjunction + Independent Clause.
  • Example: “He runs around the park every morning, so he’s in pretty good shape.”
• Dependent Clause Examples:
  • If you’re late, I’ll leave without you.
  • Although she spends a lot of time at work, she doesn’t get much done.

Relative Clauses

• Use of relative pronouns (who, which, what) in complex sentences.
  • Example: That’s the guy who shouted at me.

Summary of Key Points

• Build simple sentences (Verb, Subject + Complement).
• Enhance sentences using adjectives and adverbs.
• Create complex sentences with conjunctions and clauses:
  • Independent + Independent.
  • Independent + Dependent.
• Importance of knowing what follows verbs for sentence clarity.

Conclusion

• Mastering sentence structure takes time; focus on conjunctions and complements.
• Practice using language in full contexts to improve communication skills.

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