Lesson 6.2: Grammar for Academic Writing: Sentence Structure

Introduction

In this lesson, we will explore how to construct sentences effectively in academic writing. We will focus on building simple, compound, and complex sentences. Furthermore, we will look at how to use subordination and relative clauses to connect ideas and express relationships clearly.

Learning Objectives

• Build accurate simple, compound, and complex sentences.
• Use subordination and relative clauses effectively.
• Achieve sentence variety for increased readability and emphasis.
• Identify and correct common grammar errors in academic writing such as run-ons, fragments, and subject-verb agreement.
• Use proper punctuation to support complex sentences.

Simple Sentences

A simple sentence consists of a single independent clause. It contains a subject and a predicate. For example:

• Example 1: The cat sleeps.

In this example, “The cat” is the subject, and “sleeps” is the predicate.

Building Accurate Simple Sentences

• Example:

"The sun shines brightly."

Here, we have a clear subject ("the sun") and a predicate ("shines brightly").

Important Tip: Ensure that your simple sentence expresses a complete thought to avoid fragments.

Compound Sentences

Compound sentences combine two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).

• Example 2: I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.

This sentence successfully combines two independent ideas with "but."

Building Compound Sentences

• Example:

"The team won the game, and they celebrated in the locker room."

Here, "The team won the game" and "they celebrated in the locker room" are both independent clauses, joined by "and."

Important Tip: Use a comma before the coordinating conjunction to separate the two independent clauses.

Complex Sentences

Complex sentences include an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

• Example 3: Although it was raining, we decided to go hiking.

In this case, "Although it was raining" is dependent, while "we decided to go hiking" is independent.

Building Complex Sentences

• Example:

"Because she studied diligently, she passed the exam with flying colors."

"Because she studied diligently" is the dependent clause, and "she passed the exam with flying colors" is the independent clause.

Important Tip: Ensure that the dependent clause connects logically to the independent clause for clarity.

Using Subordination and Relative Clauses

Subordination allows you to express relationships between ideas, while relative clauses provide additional information about nouns.

• Example 4 (Subordination): When the sun sets, the sky changes colors.
• Example 5 (Relative Clause): The book that you lent me was fascinating.

In these examples, the subordination and relative clauses add depth to the sentences.

Applying Subordination and Relative Clauses

• Subordination Example:

"Since it was her birthday, she received many presents."

• Relative Clause Example:

"The student who submitted her paper early received extra credit."

Important Tip: Use relative clauses to avoid repeating information and to make your writing more concise.

Sentence Variety for Readability

Variety in sentence structure keeps your writing engaging. Mixing simple, compound, and complex sentences can enhance the flow of your paper.

• Example 6: I enjoy reading. I especially like mystery novels because they keep me guessing.

Here, we see a mix of sentence types that create interest and maintain reader engagement.

Common Grammar Errors in Academic Writing

In academic writing, avoiding common errors is crucial:

1. Run-on Sentences: These occur when two independent clauses are joined without proper punctuation or conjunction.

• Correction: Use a period or a semicolon to separate them, or add a conjunction.

1. Sentence Fragments: These are incomplete sentences that lack an independent clause.

• Correction: Ensure every sentence contains a subject and a predicate.

1. Subject-Verb Agreement: This occurs when subjects and verbs do not agree in number.

• Correction: Ensure a singular subject has a singular verb and a plural subject has a plural verb.

Punctuation for Complex Sentences

Proper punctuation enhances the clarity of complex sentences. Here are some tips:

• Use a comma to separate the dependent clause from the independent clause when the dependent clause comes first.
• Example: "If it rains, we will stay indoors."
• Do not use a comma if the independent clause comes first.
• Example: "We will stay indoors if it rains."

Conclusion

Understanding and applying different sentence structures is essential for effective academic writing. You now have the tools to build simple, compound, and complex sentences, use subordination and relative clauses, and avoid common grammar mistakes. By practicing these skills, you will improve your writing clarity and engage your reader more effectively.

Study Notes

• A simple sentence contains one independent clause (e.g., The dog barks).
• A compound sentence contains two independent clauses joined by a conjunction (e.g., I wanted to eat, but I was full).
• A complex sentence includes one independent clause and at least one dependent clause (e.g., Although I enjoy coffee, I prefer tea).
• Subordination adds clarity and expresses relationships between ideas (e.g., Because it was raining, they stayed inside).
• Use commas correctly to enhance sentence readability and avoid errors.