3.1.

1 English Sentence Structure

This material is adapted from English Solutions for Engineering Research Writing http://www.hanyangowl.org

In simple terms, a sentence is a complete thought containing a subject and a verb between the
capital letter (Y) and a final period (.), question mark (?), or exclamation mark (!).

Noticing

What is the sentence structure problem with the following sentence?

The new manufacturing method introduced improved results, however, the added costs made it
impossible to implement.

Review this handout to see if you can determine the answer.

TIP
If you see any basic grammar terms like noun or phrase that you have forgotten since high
school, have a look at this page: http://www.chompchomp.com/terms.htm and the glossary
of grammar terms in the appendix.

Understanding these basic grammar terms is essential for you to be able to follow this guide
to improving your writing. Knowing these terms will also help you to study for TOEFL,
TOEIC, IELTS, GMAT, or GRE tests in the future.

There are four basic types of sentences:

1. Declarative (common) statements: I am going to the lab.

2. Questions: Are you hungry?
3. Orders (imperative): Finish the experiment today.
4. Interjections: Oh, no! (Someone forgot to go to the bank).

In this writing guide, we will only be concerned about statements (declarative) or common
sentences. The other types of sentences are rarely used in science writing.

TIP
Dont use imperative forms in the methods section of your paper. It makes it seem like a
cooking recipe. Generally, use the passive.

EXAMPLE
X: Add the compound to the mix.
O: The compound was added to the mix.

The exception is when explaining equations or giving instructions in computer programming

such as pseudo code.
One essential tool to improving your writing style is understanding clauses (). Clauses are the
basic building blocks of sentences. Unfortunately, many Korean high school textbooks only
explain simple sentences. Understand clauses and you will be able to improve your writing style,
find mistakes more easily, and write more clearly.

3.1.2 What is a clause ()?

A clause is a group of words that contains (at least) a subject and a verb.
A clause = a subject () + a verb ()

EXAMPLE
1. Although the method improved accuracy, it caused a significant increase in computation time.
(subject) (verb) (subject) (verb)

3.1.3 What is the difference between a main clause () and a

subordinate clause ()?

There are two types of clause: main clause (also called an independent clause; ) and
subordinate clause (also called a dependent clause; ).

1) Main (Independent) clause

A main clause contains a subject and a verb that has a tense that expresses a complete
thought. It can make sense as a sentence by itself as the underlined clause shows below.

A main clause is formed with subject + verb.

EXAMPLE
Although the method improved accuracy, it caused a significant increase in computation time.

2) Subordinate (Dependent) clauses

A subordinate clause begins with a subordinator such as when, although, if, that, or who. A
dependent clause does not express a complete thought and does not make sense as a
complete sentence by itself. It supports the main idea in the main clause.

A subordinate clause is formed with subordinator + subject + verb.

main clause
subordinate clause
subordinator subject verb subject verb
improved caused a significant increase in
Although the method it
accuracy, computation time.

If you were talking about research and another member of your lab said, Although the method
improved accuracy and then stopped speaking, you wouldnt know how to answer them. You
would be waiting for the main point. The sentence does not make sense by itself, so it is not
really a sentence but only a subordinate clause. We call this kind of sentence structure mistake
in English a fragment. This is because it needs more information to be a proper sentence and
make sense. The most common fragment problem in writing is using Because only with one
subordinate clause.

EXAMPLE
X: The proposed method was rejected. Because it was not cost-effective.
X: The proposed method was rejected because it was not cost-effective.

If you were talking about your research and a classmate said, There was a significant increase
in computation time, you might respond by saying, That is too bad. Try another method. The
sentence makes sense by itself, so it is a main clause. It could also be used as a complete
sentence.

TIP

How can I remember the difference?

Sub means under like in the word Subway. Just as a general gives orders to his subordinate
soldiers, a subordinate clause supports the main clause. In some grammar books, the
subordinate clause is also called the dependent clause because it depends on the main clause
to have meaning.

What is the difference between a clause and a sentence?

A main clause makes sense as a complete sentence. A subordinate clause lacks some information
to make it a complete sentence. We could compare it to a train (sentence), which can pull one or
more cars (clauses). It doesnt matter how many; it is still a train.
More detailed reading on types of clauses
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/clauses.htm

We learned earlier that there are four basic types of sentences. However, the type of sentence
that is commonly used in research writing is the declarative sentence, which makes a statement.
There are four kinds of declarative sentences in English. Along with understanding clauses in
English, understanding these four types of declarative sentences is essential in improving your
writing.

3.2. Four types of sentences

3.2.1 Simple sentence ()

A simple sentence has one independent clause.

EXAMPLE
The membrane blocks electrons.

3.2.2 Compound sentence ()

A compound sentence has two main (independent) clauses joined by a

1. coordinator
2. conjunctive adverb or a
 3. semicolon.

EXAMPLES
1) Coordinator
main clause , coordinator main clause
A battery stores chemicals inside , and converts them into electricity.

2) Conjunctive adverb
; conjunctive
main clause main clause
adverb,
The proposed method is cost-effective ; however, there is some loss in quality.

3) Semicolon
main clause ; main clause
The hybrid method is not acceptable ; the loss of power is too great.

3.2.3 Complex sentence ()

A complex sentence has one independent and one (or more) dependent clauses. There are
three kinds of subordinate clauses:

0. adverb clause
1. adjective clause and
2. noun clause

In an adverb clause, the subordinate clause can be either in the beginning or end of the
sentence. The punctuation depends on the placing of the dependent clause(s).

EXAMPLES
1) Adverb clause

main clause
subordinate clause (adverb clause),
Because it offers a means of making power the technology is extremely promising.
more efficiently with less pollution,

main clause
subordinate clause (adverb clause)
The technology is extremely promising because it offers a means of making power more
efficiently with less pollution.

2) Adjective (relative) clause

main clause
 subordinate clause (adjective clause)
The proposed method greatly reduces delay jitter, which makes communication very difficult.

3) Noun clause

main clause
dependent clause (noun clause)
The researchers do not agree that the method is accurate.

3.2.4 Compound-complex sentence ()

A compound-complex sentence is a combination structure that has two independent
clauses and one (or more) dependent clauses.

EXAMPLE

main clause coordinator main clause

subordinate clause,
When the compound is accurate proportions are , so instructions must be
mixed, essential followed exactly.

Links

Take this quiz to make sure you understand what a (main) independent clause is.
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/quizzes/indep_clause_quiz.htm

If you need to review clauses, you can consult this site.

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/clauses.htm

3.3. What is a phrase ()?

It is also important that you understand phrases. A phrase is simply a group of words without a
subject and verb but functioning as a grammatical unit in a sentence.

1) Verb phrase ()
A verb phrase acts as the verb.

EXAMPLE
Most of the conference participants will be arriving early in the morning.

2) Prepositional phrase ()
A prepositional phrase can be an adjective modifier giving more information about the noun
itself or an adverbial modifier giving more information about the time, place or circumstances.

EXAMPLE
Most of the conference participants will be arriving early in the morning.
(adjective modifier)
 Most of the conference participants will be arriving early in the morning.
(adverbial modifier)
3) Noun phrase ()

EXAMPLE
Most of the conference participants will be arriving early in the morning.

4) Gerund phrase ()
A gerund phrase can function as a subject or as a direct object.

EXAMPLES
Seeing is believing.
(subject)

She tried bungee jumping.

(direct object)

5) Participial phrase ()
A participial phrase can modify a subject or a direct object.

EXAMPLE
Trusting her instincts, Jin-ah tried a new approach to the experiment.
(subject modifier)

I am reading an article discussing human synthetic muscle.

(direct object modifier)

6) Infinitive phrase ()
An infinitive phrase can function as a direct object (noun); as a subject (noun); as an adjective;
or as an adverb.

EXAMPLE
This research group wants to improve fuel efficiency.
(direct object)

To improve the accuracy of the results may be very difficult.

(subject)

The governments plan to increase spending on research is vital for the economy.
(adjective)

They arranged the agenda to concentrate on the problems in the organization.

(adverb)

3.3.1 What is the difference between a clause and a phrase?

A clause has a subject and an active verb whereas a phrase does not have a subject and a
verb. A phrase is a groups of words that is a unit of grammar, but never a complete thought.
EXAMPLE
Although the new manufacturing process creates less pollution, it is more expensive to operate.
(subject) (verb)

(CLAUSE)

She is going to start a masters in chemical engineering in the spring.

(prepositional phrase) (prepositional phrase)

(PHRASES)

Noticing Answer

What is the sentence structure problem with the following sentence?

The new manufacturing method introduced improved results, however, the added costs made it
impossible to implement.

ANSWER

There are two clauses in the sentence so the clauses cannot be joined by commas. See 3.2.2.

This material is adapted from English Solutions for Engineering Research Writing http://www.hanyangowl.org

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/kr/
2008 Adam Turner and HYU CTL http://ctl.hanyang.ac.kr/writing