To build sentences, you can use an independent clause by itself or combine it with a subordinating clause, another independent clause, or both. Subordinate clauses are almost always introduced by special linking words or phrases known as subordinating conjunctions : connectors like “while,” “because,” or “as long as,” plus certain prepositions like “before” and “after.” If you’d like, you can see our comprehensive list of subordinating conjunctions. In either case, subordinate clauses must be joined to an independent clause. Why not? Sometimes a subordinate clause is missing either a subject or a verb, or sometimes it has both but still isn’t grammatically independent. An independent clause can exist as a complete sentence on its own, whereas a subordinate or “dependent” clause can not. Sentence rules and structuresīefore we break down sentence structure, we have to discuss an element crucial to forming sentences: the clause.Ī clause is a group of words that contains a subject and verb (except for some imperative clauses) and can be either independent or subordinate. Declarative sentences use periods, interrogative sentences use question marks, exclamatory sentences use exclamation points, and imperative sentences can use either periods or exclamation points. Notice that the end punctuation changes for the sentence types. The subject is assumed, so you don’t need to include it. Imperative (command) : This is a sentence telling someone or something to do an action. Interrogative (question) : This is a sentence asking a question.Įxclamatory (exclamation ): This is a modified declarative sentence used to add emphasis or show emotion, urgency, or high volume.Įxample: I’ve tried everything, but that dog still won’t sit! Let’s start with the four main types of sentences:ĭeclarative (statement) : This is a standard sentence that points out a fact. There’s a lot of flexibility about what constitutes a sentence, but the central rule is that it must contain both a subject and a verb -and even that rule is bendable for imperative sentences, as you’ll see below. Grammarly helps you communicate confidently Write with Grammarly What is a sentence?Īt its core, a sentence is a string of words used to express a complete thought.
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