This week we dig deeper into the structure of writing: sentences.

Sentence - made up of one or more words that express a complete thought in a statement, question, request, command, or exclamation

Fragments - look like a complete sentence, but often does not complete a thought.  Often, these fragments are subordinate (or dependent ) clauses.
Fragment Example:  Because he was tired. This is a subordinate clause that is an incomplete thought.
Sentence: Because he was tired, the man took a nap. Subordinate clauses like "because he was tired" need independent clauses like "the man took a nap."

Sentences come in 4 flavors:

• Simple - Expresses one complete thought with one independent clause and no dependent clauses
  • The man took a nap.
• Compound - Has two independent clauses - joined by a conjunction or semicolon - and has no dependent clause
  • The man took a nap, and the cat jumped on his head.
• Complex - Has one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses
  • Because he was tired, the man took a nap.
• Compound-Complex - Has at least two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.
  • Because he was tired, the man took a nap, and the cat jumped on his head.

And that wraps another guide. 

• References:
  • Kern, Jara. (2020). The Infographic Guide to Grammar. Adams Media
  • Venolia, Jan. (2001). Write Right! (4th ed.). Ten Speed Press