Adverbial Clauses
An adverbial clause performs the function of an adverbial modifier. It can modify a verb, an adjective or an adverb in the principal clause. He stopped as Kravat came rushing out. (Heym) He was getting on better than he’d expected. (Lindsay) Frank... returned to the auction room as fast as his legs would carry him.(Dreiser) Adverbial clauses are joined to the principal clause by means of subordinating conjunctions; they are not joined to the principal clause asyndetically except sometimes adverbial clauses of condition. An adverbial clause may follow or precede the clause to which it is subordinated. In the first [...]
Compound Sentence
Compound sentences are a fundamental aspect of the English language, allowing us to express complex thoughts and ideas in a clear and concise manner. By combining two or more independent clauses, compound sentences provide a powerful tool for connecting and contrasting different ideas. In this article, we will delve deeper into the structure and usage of compound sentences, examining the different ways they can be formed and used in written and spoken communication. Whether you are a student, a professional, or simply someone who wants to improve their English language skills, this article will provide you with a comprehensive [...]
Classification of Sentence
A sentence is a unit of speech whose grammatical structure conforms to the laws of the language and which serves as the chief means of conveying a thought. A sentence is not only a means of communicating something about reality but also a means of showing the speaker’s attitude to it. There are 3 types of sentences: Simple Complex Compound General Classification by Purpose of Uttering According to the purpose of the utterance, we distinguish four kinds of sentences: Declarative Interrogative Imperative Exclamatory Classification of Simple Sentences The classification of simple sentences is based on [...]
Classification of Sentences by Purpose of Uttering
According to the purpose of the utterance, we distinguish four kinds of sentences: Declarative Interrogative Imperative Exclamatory Declarative Sentences A declarative sentence states a fact in the affirmative or negative form. In a declarative sentence the subject precedes the predicate. It is generally pronounced with a falling intonation. Charles Dickens was born at Landport, Portsmouth. (Laing) They don’t want anything from us — not even our respect. (Douglas) There is adifference between English and other languages in negative sentences. Whereas in English the predicate of a sentence can have only one negation, in other languages [...]
One and Two Member Simple Sentences
According to their structure, simple sentences are divided into: one-member and two-member sentences. One-Member Sentences A one-member sentence is a sentence having only one member which is neither the subject nor the predicate. This does not mean, however, that the other member is missing, for the one member makes the sense complete. One-member sentences are generally used in descriptions and in emotional speech. If the main part of a one-member sentence is expressed by a noun, the sentence is called nominal. The noun may be modified by attributes, Dusk — of a summer night. (Dreiser) [...]
Extended and Unextended Simple Sentences
Simple sentences, both two-member and one-member, can be divided into below categories based on their complexity: Unextended Extended Extended Simple Sentences A sentence consisting only of the primary or principal parts is called an unextended sentence. She is a student. Birds fly. Winter! Extended Simple Sentences An extended sentence is a sentence consisting of the subject, the predicate and one or more secondary parts (objects, attributes, or adverbial modifiers). The two native women stole furtive glances at Sarie. (Abrahams) The two white overseers... had gone into the hills with the natives to look for stray sheep. (Abrahams) [...]
Inverted order of words in the sentence
The order of words in which the subject is placed after the predicate is called inverted order or inversion.Haven’t you any family? (Du Maurier) Types of Sentences that require the Inverted order of words Certain types of sentences require the inverted order of words. These are:Interrogative SentencesSentences introduced by there.Compound sentences, their second part beginning with so or neither.Simple exclamatory sentences expressing wish.#1. Interrogative sentences. In most of them the inversion is partial as only part of the predicate is placed before the subject, viz. the auxiliary or modal verb.Where did they find her? (Du Maurier)Can I show you my library? (Greene)The whole predicate is placed before the subject when [...]
Detached (Loose) parts of the Sentence
Detached parts of the sentence are those secondary parts that assume a certain grammatical and semantic independence. This phenomenon is due to their loose connection with the words they modify. Loose connection may be due to the position of these words, the way they are expressed, their meaning, or the speaker’s desire to make them prominent. In spoken language detached parts of the sentence are marked by intonation, pauses, and special stress; in written language they are generally separated by commas or dashes. Adverbial modifiers, attributes, and prepositional indirect objects may stand in loose connection to the word they [...]
Independent elements of the Sentence
The independent elements of the sentence are words arid word groups which are not grammatically dependent on any part of the sentence. They are: Interjections Direct Address Parenthesis Interjections Interjections, such as ah, oh, hurrah, eh, hallo, goodness gracious, good heavens, Oh, if I only knew what a dreadful thing it is to be clean, I’d never come. ( Shaw) “Oh gracious me! that innocent Toots,” returned Susan hysterically. (Dickens) Direct Address Good morning, sweet child! (Douglas) Don’t be tiresome, Marcellus! (Douglas) Parenthesis A parenthesis either shows the speaker’s attitude towards the thought expressed in the sentence or connects a given sentence with another [...]