Sentence Structure Part-1:

Welcome all, it is finally time to begin this wonderful blog of writing, freelancing, and online money making. I decided to make my first posts a two-part series, introducing sentence structure---one of the main weapons in any writer's arsenal.

Simple Sentence:

These are by far the easy to comprehend and use, but with that said, used in the wrong way, they can detract from your writing's appearance. Don't take this to mean never use them, for they are very handy to have, especially when mastered.

Now for an example: John plays. This is the simplest type of sentence, with only subject and predicate(verb). You can get a little fancy by adding another subject or predicate, but make sure to get the agreement right. See if you tell the difference: John and Bill plays. or John and Bill play. Also don't forget, you can use two predicates as well: John and Bill run and play. All of the above examples are simple sentences, though some may not look it.

Complex Sentence:

Now, to step it up a notch. Dependant clauses add more detail to the Independant clause, either verifying a time or describing an action. These will certainly add some spice to your work, showing the reader you know your stuff. Like before, the next step is examples.

First one: I'm going to use the first sentence from before, turning it into a complex. John plays. Simple. John plays, while at school. Complex Notice what makes it a dependant clause, the while throws off the sentence, because what's happening while at school. You don't know. Using these can definitely add some zest to your prose.

Compound Sentence:

Next, the well known Compound sentence is up to bat. The definition of a compound sentence is two complete stand-alone statements come together, being combined, with a conjuction. If you don't include the conjunction, it's known as a comma splice, and if you have neither conjuction or comma, it's a run on sentence.

You know what's next...examples. Well use the previous sentences once again, so there's no confusion. John plays, and Bill runs. Notice where the conjuction if located, and the comma before it. If your sentences don't sound right with "and", have no fear. A whole list is usable in that location: and, but, nor, for, or, so(or is also a conjuction, in school i had trouble with that).

Compound-Complex Sentence:

Now you're getting fancy. This is sure to show anyone your writing chops, when you break out the compound-complex sentences. Not only are you joining two ideas, but two very detailed ideas, which can elaborate far more than any other sentence. Though like everything, and these especially, moderation is key. If a work is nothing but compound-complex, it can grow boring and heavy.

But, you can never have too many examples, so here we go. Returning to the first sentence, once again. John plays, when at school, and Bill runs, while at home. In that one sentence, I described the action of two boys and when they did it. Combines the detail of all the above sentences, delivering it in one impressive blow. Remember, moderation is key.

In Conclusion:

I hope you enjoyed this post, as much as I enjoyed writing it. Come back for the last post of the series on Thursday, about the rythym of sentence structure, and how to make it work for you. Till next time.

C. A. Daniel