Turn left out of my house, go down the street and cross it to get to the station. (imperative) But be careful. (imperative) It’s a very busy road. (statement) Really? (interrogative) I can’t see a single car! (exclamation)
Developing skills The three main sentence types are even more important to use and understand. The subject of a sentence is the person or thing that is doing the action or feeling the emotion. The verb is the act of doing, being or feeling something. Simple sentences are usually short and contain one clause made up of a subject and a verb. They are useful for clear explanations and instructions. They can also separate distinct ideas or give a sense of time slowing down or speeding up. I sat in the exam room. The clock ticked. I had failed.
A compound sentence is usually longer. It contains two or more clauses of equal weight linked by or, and or but. Our team played well and the players showed all their skills.
A complex sentence can add further information, provide contrast or alternatives, or show cause and effect. It contains a main clause and one or more subordinate clauses, often marked off by a comma or connective. Although it was the middle of the night, our dog barked loudly.
3 With a partner, discuss which sentence types and functions are used in this paragraph.
Key y term ms
The River Nile was incredibly wide, and we saw crocodiles basking in the midday sun. They seemed to be smiling! Even though we were travelling light, we were dripping with sweat.
subordinate clause: a clause that does not make sense on its own; not a complete sentence
Applying skills 4 Write one simple sentence, one compound sentence and one complex sentence following the guidance above. Try to link them together in one paragraph on the same topic, perhaps continuing the account of the Nile trip.
Excellent progress
Sound progress ●
You use simple and compound sentences effectively and some complex sentences.
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You use a full range and variety of sentence types and functions. Chapter 2 Key technical skills
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