Sentence Types Flashcards
All 13 cards in this deck
What is the difference between a main clause and a subordinate clause?
A main clause has a subject and verb and makes sense on its own (the dog barked). A subordinate clause adds information but can't stand alone (because it heard a noise).
What is a simple sentence, and what effect can it have?
One main clause: The door slammed. Simple sentences are clear and direct. After longer sentences, one can create impact, shock or tension, or make an important point stand out.
What is a compound sentence, and what effect can it have?
Two or more main clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, so): The rain stopped and the sun came out. They can show events happening in sequence, build up details, or set two ideas against each other with but.
What is a complex sentence, and what effect can it have?
A main clause plus at least one subordinate clause: Although she was exhausted, she kept running. They can explain causes, conditions or contrasts, and add layers of detail. Using them accurately shows the control AO6 rewards.
What is a minor sentence, and when should you use one?
A sentence without a main verb: Silence. / Not again. It creates emphasis, shock or a pause for thought. Use it deliberately and rarely, after a longer sentence, so the examiner can see it's a choice rather than a mistake.
What does a relative clause add to a sentence?
A relative clause starts with who, which, that or whose and gives extra detail about a noun: The man, who had not slept for days, stared at the screen. Embedding it mid-sentence packs in information and makes the sentence complex.
What are the four sentence functions?
Declarative: a statement (It is cold.). Interrogative: a question (Is it cold?). Imperative: a command (Shut the window.). Exclamative: an exclamation (How cold it is!).
What effect can imperatives have in Paper 2 writing?
They tell the reader to act (Imagine…, Think about…, Sign the petition today). That creates urgency and directness, and makes a strong call to action at the end of a speech or article.
What effect does a fronted subordinate clause have?
Starting with the subordinate clause delays the main action: Just as I reached the door, the lights went out. That builds suspense or sets the scene first, and it varies how your sentences open.
How do varied sentence forms earn AO6 credit?
The top AO6 level wants a full range of appropriate sentence forms for effect. Variety alone isn't enough. Choose each form for a reason, such as a short sentence after a long one at the moment of tension, or a question to draw the reader in.
Classify this sentence: The wind dropped and the sea went still.
Compound. Two main clauses (the wind dropped, the sea went still) are joined by the coordinating conjunction and. Each could stand alone.
Classify this sentence: Because the bridge had collapsed, the village was cut off for a week.
Complex. Because the bridge had collapsed is a subordinate clause; it can't stand alone. The village was cut off for a week is the main clause.
How should you write about sentence types in Paper 1 Q3 (structure)?
Don't just say a short sentence creates tension. Examiners criticise comments that could fit any extract. Explain why that sentence is placed there: what it follows, what it shifts the focus to, and what it makes the reader expect.