Writeability

A Simple Sentence

A sentence is a phrase that conveys a complete thought. The basic English language sentence is called a simple sentence and it requires a subject and a verb. An independent clause is the part of a sentence that contains a subject and a verb and constitutes a complete thought. Ordinarily additonal words are included to explain the subject.

• Example: I fell down (subject: I, verb: fell)

A Complex Sentence

A more elaborate way of constructing a sentence is a complex sentence. It contains an independent clause and a subordinate clause. The independent clause can function as a complete sentence on its own while the subordinate clause, which also contains a verb and a subject, cannot.

• Example: We enjoyed the view as the sun set over the harbour.
  (Independent clause: We enjoyed the view, Subordinate clause: as the sun set over the harbour)
  

A Compound Sentence

A compound sentence contains two independent clauses. The independent clauses may be joined by a comma, a conjection, colon or semicolon. There can be as many independent clauses and subordinate clauses written into a single sentence as your imagination will support. However, reader comprehension declines as complexity increases.

• Example: He eats hot dogs, but she prefers hamburgers.
• Example: At a traditional birthday celebration for a Korean baby girl, objects with symbolic associations are place before the child and might include: a doll to indicate the likelihood of her becoming a good mother or a needle and thread to forecast her future role as a talented seamstress.