Unit 1 Sentence Structures_2013

Unit 1: Sentence Structures

Are these sentences?Made in ChinaDo you like?Ready?How to cook Tom Yam Koong.Jane jogs every evening.

What is a sentence?A sentence contains at least one main clause (subject + verb) and a complete idea. For example:

I will not go to Hatyai this afternoon.

S V.

Exercise 1Made in Germany. This car was made in Germany.Crying in the rain.Sit down please.The train has arrived.A bottle of ink.You should listen first.

What is a clause?Clauses = Subject + verbMain clause expresses a complete idea.Subordinate clause does not express a complete idea. It begins with a subordinator (or subordinate conjunction).

ExampleRaymond is an excellent golfer

although he seldom plays. Main clause + subordinator + subordinate clause.

S1V1S2V2

ExampleAlthough he seldom plays, Raymond

is an excellent golfer.

Subordinator + subordinate clause, + main clause.

V1V2S1S2

Parts of Speech

Nouns Proper nouns: Thaksin University, Kanchanawanit Road, James BondCommon Nouns: a computer, a table, mother, a student, etc.Nouns can be used as a subject (in front of a verb) or an object (after a verb or a preposition).

PronounsPronouns can be used as a subject (in front of a verb) or as an object (after a verb or a preposition).There are many different kinds of pronouns. (details in books)

VerbsThere are 2 kinds of verbs:

Action verbs:Transitive verbs followed by a noun (object)

John made an apple pie for me. S V O

Intransitive verbs no objects

Hans ran all the way home after the game. S V

Linking verbs: followed by an adjective or a noun

Helen is a woman of integrity. S V N = complement

AdjectivesModify and describe a noun or a pronoun:

a small round tableAdj. may come after a linking verb or be placed in front of the noun.

A poisonous plant is dangerous.

AdverbsModify verbs, adjectives or adverbs

The president walked across the room quickly. Thelma almost always arrives on time for work.

PrepositionsLinks a noun or a pronoun to the rest of the sentence.Prepo. + Noun = prepositional phrase

Adj.The cat from next door caught a rat.

PrepositionsPrepo. + Noun = prepositional phrase

Adv.The burglar jumped from the window of our bedroom.

Adj.

ConjunctionsCo-ordinating conjunctions: and, but, or, so, yet, for, nor (FANBOYS)

The rain had fallen steadily all week long, so the river was close to overflowing.

Subordinating conjunctions:

When people know that they have the power to make their own decision, they are more creative and productive.

Basicsentence structures

1. Subject + verb. This shop closes at 7.30.

The train arrived 15 minutes late.

2. Subject + linking verb + subj complement. Wind speed seems to be highest during the middle of the day.

Frank is a clever architect.

3. Subject + verb + direct object. Silicon conducts electricity in an unusual way.

Arsenal beat Liverpool.

4. Subject + verb + indirect object + direct object. We are sending you the balance of the payment.The supervisor mailed the applicant a description of the job.

5. Subject + verb + direct object + object complement. The plant shutdown left the entirearea an economic disaster.

5. Subject + verb + direct object + TO + indirect object. He explained the situation to me.

He confessed his crime to the court.

Types of sentencesA simple sentence contains only one main clause (one subject + predicate).

Predicate ( = )action verb (+object) linking verb + complement (= adjective or noun)

ExamplesLearning English is fun.

Subject Predicate

Deaf people use their eyes very well.

Basic Sentence Patternsfor a Simple Sentence

Subject + verb (SV):

The plane flew over the stadium.

Over the stadium flew the plane.

Subject + subject + verb (SSV): The plane and the helicopter flew over the stadium.

Subject + verb + verb (SVV): The plane flew over the stadium and turned north.

Subject +subject + verb + verb (SSVV): The plane and the helicopter flew over the stadium and turned north.

Compound Sentences

Main ClauseCoordinating ConjunctionMain ClauseSubj. + V. (+ Obj.) and, but, or, so, yet, for, norSubj. + V. (+ Obj.)

Compound SentencesDeaf people use their eyes very well, so they do not need help driving.Most people use their ears for hearing the car motor, but deaf people feel vibrations.

Complex Sentences

MainClauseSubordinate ConjunctionSub. ClauseSubj. + V. (+ Obj.)when, because, although, etc.Subj. + V. (+ Obj.)

Complex SentencesI will meet you for lunch unless you call to cancel.

Complex SentencesMain clause + subordinator + subordinate clause.

Subordinator + subordinate clause, + main clause.

Adverb clausesClare ate a big breakfast because she had a busy day ahead of her.

Adjective clausesOn the top of the shelf was the trophy that Irma had won for her model of the Battle of Shiloh

AppositiveMy neighbour, who is insensitive, plays his trombone all night long.

My neighbour, an insensitive man, plays his trombone all night long.

Noun clausesArlene knew that it was nearly time

for James and his wife to leave.

Compound-complex sentencesOn the day-long bicycle trip, Ophelia ate the food that she packed, but Henry had forgotten to bring anything to eat.