ELA11, CSS, Cizeron

Syntax is the arrangement of words in a sentence.  These are the rules for stylistic effect that influence interpretation, mood and tone in writing and speaking.

Let's review and practice some of the basic rules. 

Basic rules:

1. A simple sentence has at least one subject and one verb/predicate.  This basic unit can also be called an independent clause, which means it can stand alone.
   • Superman flies. This short, simple sentence meets the criteria of 1 subject and 1 verb.
2. A compound sentence has two or more independent clauses joined together by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, and yet).
   • Superman flies, but Spiderman climbs.
3. A complex sentence has an independent clause and at least one subordinate clause.
   • Superman flies, while Spiderman just hangs around
   • A subordinate clause is similar to an independent clause and has a subject and a verb; however, it cannot stand alone because it begins with a subordinating conjunction (while, although, where, because, though, and how) or by a relative pronoun (whomever, whose, whatever, which, and whom)
4. A compound complex sentence has two or more independent clauses and at least one subordinate clause.
   • Even though Spiderman gets into some sticky situations, there are many examples of Superman being less than super, where Lois Lane had to save him when he was in trouble.

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