Sentences that show a relationship
Introduced| English | Meaning |
|---|---|
| simple sentence/ˈsɪmpl ˈsentəns/ | A sentence containing one independent clause and no dependent clauses. |
| compound sentence/ˈkɒmpaʊnd ˈsentəns/ | A sentence containing at least two independent clauses joined appropriately, without a dependent clause. |
| complex sentence/ˈkɒmpleks ˈsentəns/ | A sentence containing one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. |
| subordination/ˌsʌbɔːdɪˈneɪʃn/ | Placing a dependent clause within a sentence so that it supports or qualifies a main clause. |
| connectives/kəˈnektɪvz/ | connectives |
| run-on sentence/rʌn ɒn ˈsentəns/ | A sentence that joins independent clauses without the punctuation or linking structure needed to separate them correctly. |
The connector must fit the facts
- The hall is unavailable because its floor is being repaired. Room 12 is an alternative; the repair does not establish that the chess club must stop.
- “The room has eight seats because ten students may come” invents a reason for the capacity. Use but or although to express the actual capacity concern.
Different sentence structures
- A simple sentence 简单句 has one independent clause. A compound sentence 并列句 combines independent clauses; a complex sentence 复合句 contains a main clause and at least one subordinate clause.
- “Because the hall is being repaired, it is unavailable” states a reason. The sentence’s grammatical form does not prove a causal claim is true; evidence still matters.
“Because the hall is being repaired, it is unavailable.” What kind of sentence is this?
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It contains a subordinate because clause and a main clause, so it is complex. Grammar expresses the reason; source evidence is still needed to establish the claim.
Focus without changing meaning
- Subordination 从属 places a clause within another sentence structure. In “Although it rained, the trip was a success”, the main clause presents the success as the main assertion.
- A subordinate clause is not automatically unimportant. Preserve its qualification, and do not infer the writer’s emotion or the strength of evidence from clause position alone.
Which sentence places the trip’s success in the main clause and rain in a subordinate concession?
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“Although it rained, the trip was a success” presents the success in the main clause. Clause position does not by itself prove the writer’s emotion.
Combine these into ONE complex sentence that emphasises the result: "The survey was small." "The result was clear."
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“Although the survey was small, the result was clear.” This preserves the concession and puts the result in the main clause without making a new causal claim.
Connect a paragraph clearly
- Connectives 连接词 such as however, therefore and for instance express contrast, a supported result or an example. Repeated key terms and clear pronouns also help readers follow the argument.
- The paragraph’s opening can state the main point, its middle explain the capacity concern and its ending give a conditional next step. Match these functions to the purpose, rather than forcing every paragraph into one pattern.
Check punctuation and register
- A run-on sentence 流水句 incorrectly joins independent clauses. A comma alone between independent clauses is a comma splice; a full stop, suitable semicolon or conjunction can repair it.
- Use direct friendly wording for a class notice and supported precise claims for an academic paragraph. Clear register does not permit an invented approval, attendance count or conclusion.
Choose sentence links and paragraph functions that preserve the source’s meaning and suit the reader.
"The survey was small, the result was clear, we repeated it." is correctly punctuated.
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Three independent clauses joined only by commas create comma splices. Use suitable full stops, semicolons or conjunctions.
Fill the gap with a contrast link: “The sample was small. ____, the result was consistent across all three sites.”
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However or nevertheless supplies the requested concession/contrast. This link does not remove the sample-size limitation.