Short on time? This page is the recap. For explanations and worked examples, use the full study guide.
Recap
- A clause has a subject and a predicate. An independent clause can stand alone; a dependent clause cannot. Every sentence needs at least one independent clause.
- A phrase has no subject-and-verb pair of its own.
- Arrangement of clauses, phrases and words emphasises ideas. The end of a sentence is usually the most emphatic position; the beginning is next.
- Sentences are also arranged in paragraphs: a short sentence after a long one can spotlight an idea.
- The course asks you to read and analyse these structures. You are not required to write complex sentences in timed essays, but you must write clearly.
Key relationships
| Term | Description | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Simple | One independent clause | Direct, plain |
| Compound | Two or more independent clauses | Equal weight, or a sequence |
| Complex | Independent plus dependent clause(s) | Shows reasons, conditions, contrasts |
| Compound-complex | Two or more independent plus dependent | Dense, can hold nuance |
| Loose (cumulative) | Main clause first, then detail | Natural, conversational |
| Periodic | Main clause held back to the end | Suspense, weight on the last idea |
| Balanced | Two matching parts | Equality or contrast |
How to analyse a sentence
- Find the verbs and their subjects to mark the clauses.
- Spot the main clause: where is it, first or last?
- Identify the idea in the end position.
- Link to purpose: why does the writer want that idea emphasised?
- Write one sentence naming the structure, the emphasis and the effect.
Public-domain anchors
- The Declaration of Independence (1776) opens with a periodic sentence: its main clause (“a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires…”) comes last.
- Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address (1863) ends a sentence on “what they did here”, placing the soldiers’ actions in the strongest position.
Worked mini-example
Sentence (Marlbridge): “Although the report was clear, although the warnings were repeated, the board did nothing.”
- Clauses: two dependent “although” clauses and one independent clause (“the board did nothing”).
- Type: complex.
- Arrangement: periodic; the main clause is held back to the end.
- Emphasis: the board’s inaction, in the strongest position, after two conceded facts that make it harder to excuse.
- Model analysis sentence: “By delaying the main clause until after two concessions, the writer builds expectation and then ends on the board’s inaction, which makes the failure seem all the more inexcusable.”
Mistakes to avoid
- Labelling without explaining: “This is a complex sentence” is not analysis.
- Equating length with sophistication.
- Forgetting the end position when asked about emphasis.
- Mistaking a phrase for a clause: “after the vote” has no subject and verb.
- A comma splice: two independent clauses joined with only a comma.
- Rearranging without a purpose: always say which idea you want to stress.
Quick self-check
- Is “Because it rained, the match was cancelled” simple, compound, complex or compound-complex? (Complex: one dependent clause and one independent clause.)
- Which idea does the sentence “The vote was close, but the council had never been so united” put in the strongest position? (That the council was united.)
- What is the main effect of a periodic sentence? (It delays the main idea to the end, building suspense and weight.)
Next: practice questions.