30. The Sentence

The first two facts to fix in mind about the sentence are these :

1. A sentence is the expression in words of a complete thought - whether a statement, command, question, or exclamation.

2. Every sentence should have a subject and a predicate. This is another way of saying that (1) the sentence, like the composition or the paragraph, should be a unit; (2) its expression should be grammatically complete. A later chapter contains a thorough review of grammar, but at this point we shall recall enough to allow us to study sentences and their punctuation as an aid in the expression of written thoughts.

31. Three Forms Of Sentences

We should keep in mind what we have learned from the grammars about the three forms of sentences:

1. A simple sentence contains but one subject and one predicate.

The boy caught the ball.

A distinguished visitor is in our country.

Note i. The subject of a sentence may be compound.

John and Mary came early. Note 2. The predicate may be compound.

The boy has caught the ball and is throwing it. Note 3. Both subject and predicate may be compound.

Harvard and Yale are rivals, but have respect for each other.

2. A compound sentence consists of two or more main clauses. These clauses are said to be coordinate, that is, of equal rank. (It will be remembered that a clause is a group of words which contains a subject and a predicate. A main, or independent, clause is defined on pp. 174- I75).

Mary came early, but she did not stay long.

A wise son maketh a glad father, but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.

3. A complex sentence consists of a main clause and one or more subordinate clauses.1

If you go, I shall go.

Since he is here, you may ask him.

He came because he thought he could see you.

Note 1. Parts of a compound sentence may be complex.

He is here, but he is so busy that he cannot see you. (One part simple).

You cannot have what you like, but you can like what you have. (Both parts complex.) Note 2. The subordinate clause of a complex sentence may be compound.

His employers recommend him because they know his worth and because they will be glad to see him promoted.

Exercises

93. Copy from other chapters of this book three complex sentences; add to these three complex sentences which you have thought out.

94. Write (1) a compound sentence in which one part is complex; (2) a compound sentence in which two parts are complex; (3) a complex sentence in which the subordinate clause is compound.

1 For a more detailed study of the parts of sentences see Chapter IX (The Correct Sentence: A Review Of Grammar).

95. Be ready to talk on "The Sentence," noting the general definition (see sect. 30) and the particular definitions (see sect. 31) of (1) simple, (2) compound, and (3) complex sentences. Illustrate your talk by the use of original examples.