SENTENCE STRUCTURE AND
TENSES
• Understanding Grammar for Clear
Communication
INTRODUCTION
Why it matters:
• Clear sentence structure = easier to understand
ideas.
• Correct tenses = accurate expression of time.
• Objectives:
1. Identify different sentence structures.
2. Recognize and use the correct tenses.
3. Apply both in writing and speaking.
SENTENCE STRUCTURE
OVERVIEW
• Definition: The arrangement of words,
phrases, and clauses to create meaning.
Main types:
1. Simple Sentence
2. Compound Sentence
3. Complex Sentence
4. Compound-Complex Sentence
SIMPLE SENTENCE
• Definition: It contains a subject and a verb, and it may also
have an object and modifiers, but it has only one independent
clause (an independent clause contains a subject and verb and
expresses a complete thought), and NO dependent clause.
• Example: The students studied for the test.
1. Eduardo sings.
2. Fred passed his assignments.
3. Jeth organizes his things for an hour.
COMPOUND SENTENCE
• Definition: It contains two or more independent clauses. These two
independent clauses can be combined using a comma (,) and
coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so), or with a
semicolon (;).
Example:
1. I like to read books, and I like to write stories.
2. I wrote Jim a letter, but he did not reply.
3. Karl’s car broke down; he came last.
• Tip: Each part can stand alone as a sentence.
COMPLEX SENTENCE
• Definition: It contains at least one independent clause and at least one dependent
clause. The dependent clause is otherwise known as subordinate clause that is
connected by subordinating conjunctions such as although, since, because, when,
whenever, as, who, which, that, before, after, even if, so that, if, now that, unless,
until, while, etc.
• Dependent clauses can refer to the subject (who, which) the sequence/time (since,
while), or the causal elements (because, if) of the independent clause.
• If a sentence begins with a dependent clause, there is a comma after this clause. If,
on the other hand, the sentence begins with an independent clause, there is no
comma separating the two clauses (Pearson Education Inc., 2001)
Example:
• Because he worked hard, he won in the game.
Note: There is a comma (,) in this sentence because it begins with a dependent clause
or subordinate clause.
• It is quite hot today although it is raining.
Note: There is NO comma (,) in this sentence because it begins with an independent
clause.
• Tip: Look for subordinating conjunctions (because, when, although, etc.).
COMPOUND-COMPLEX
SENTENCE
• Definition: It contains at least two independent clauses and at
least one dependent clause.
Example: I wanted to go to the park, but it rained because the
storm arrived early.
1. Kris didn't come because she was sick, so Tina was sad.
2. The woman left in a hurry after she got a phone call, but she
came back
3. After getting home from work, my mother and I went to the mall
last night, while my father stayed home and watched television.
