The first and foremost thing is to understand the type of sentence structure (simple, compound and complex) and how they are written.
A simple sentence contains only one clause.
For example: The teacher scolded me in class.
This simple sentence has one independent clause which contains one subject, "the teacher", and one predicate "scolded me in class"
A compound sentence contains the two independent clauses
For example: Orange is a fruit; it is a rich source of vitamin C.
"Orange is a fruit" and "it is a rich source of vitamin C" are 2 independent clauses joined by a semicolon.
A complex sentence contains the one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
For example: I ate the apple that you bought.
"I ate the apple" is an independent clause while "that you bought" is a dependent clauses.
A complex-compound sentence contains at least two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.
For example: I know that you were saving the apple for later but I still went ahead to eat the apple that you just bought.
"I know that you were saving the apple for later" and "I still went ahead to eat the apple" are the independent clauses while "that you just bought" is the dependent clause.
After being able to identify the different type of sentences, the next thing is to learn how I can write these sentences. Since English has many connecting words and punctuations that can link ideas together, be it contradicting or similar, I am able to use them to construct a proper sentence
However, all this is useless if I do not put them into practice. As the saying goes, “Practice makes perfect”; practice allow me to get use of the correct form of writing. This is a tedious process as it means reading, writing and speaking more. Of course I will need to practice the correct thing, which means I will need someone to correct me. So this is where someone comes in and corrects me. Reading also helps in this area as books, newspaper and magazines are usually written by well trained writers and are also audit before they are publish. Reading correct form of writing will familiarize me with correct sentence structure.
Sound easy? So why not try some simple exercise:
In the backyard, the dog barked and howled at the cat.
Some voters want special consideration that accounts for their handicaps.
Gene thought that Finny wanted venerability, but Finny, who did not care, thought that he was just being a friend.
I ate dinner and left home.
2 comments:
I find that I'm also poor in writing proper sentences. After reading your entry, I have a clearer picture. I also think that the questions are very effective for readers to apply what they have learned from your entry. Good work!
Good use of colour codes in the examples. It is easier for readers to identify the various clauses. As you have said, practice makes perfect. Start off by constructing proper sentences in your daily conversations. Im sure your efforts will pay off!
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