Sentence Structures
1. Simple Sentence
• Definition: Contains only one independent clause (a complete
thought).
• Structure: Subject + Verb (e.g., “I read.”)
• Trick: Simple sentences are straightforward, expressing a single
idea.
2. Compound Sentence
• Definition: Contains two or more independent clauses joined by
a coordinating conjunction (like and, but, or).
• Structure: Independent Clause + , + Conjunction + Independent
Clause (e.g., “I read, and I write.”)
• Trick: Compound sentences combine two ideas with equal
importance. Look for FANBOYS (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So).
3. Complex Sentence
• Definition: Contains one independent clause and at least one
dependent clause, introduced by a subordinating conjunction.
• Structure: Independent Clause + Subordinating Conjunction +
Dependent Clause (e.g., “I read because I love learning.”)
• Common Subordinating Conjunctions:
• Cause/Reason: because, since, as, so that
• Time: when, while, after, before, until, as soon as, once,
whenever
• Condition: if, unless, provided that, as long as, in case
• Contrast/Concession: although, even though, though,
whereas, while
• Purpose: so that, in order that
• Place: where, wherever
• Result: so…that, such…that
• Trick: Complex sentences add “complexity” by connecting a
dependent clause that can’t stand alone.
4. Compound-Complex Sentence
• Definition: Contains at least two independent clauses and one or
more dependent clauses.
• Structure: Independent Clause + Conjunction + Independent
Clause + Dependent Clause (e.g., “I read, and I write because I
enjoy it.”)
• Trick: This sentence type combines both the compound and
complex structures. Look for FANBOYS and subordinating
conjunctions like because or although.
Verb Tense Formulas
1. Present Simple
• Positive: Subject + Base Form (e.g., “I eat.”)
2. Past Simple
• Positive: Subject + Past Form (e.g., “I ate.”)
3. Future Simple
• Positive: Subject + Will + Base Form (e.g., “I will eat.”)
4. Present Continuous
• Positive: Subject + Am/Is/Are + Verb(-ing) (e.g., “I am eating.”)
5. Past Continuous
• Positive: Subject + Was/Were + Verb(-ing) (e.g., “I was eating.”)
6. Future Continuous
• Positive: Subject + Will Be + Verb(-ing) (e.g., “I will be eating.”)
7. Present Perfect
• Positive: Subject + Has/Have + Past Participle (e.g., “I have
eaten.”)
8. Past Perfect
• Positive: Subject + Had + Past Participle (e.g., “I had eaten.”)
9. Future Perfect
• Positive: Subject + Will Have + Past Participle (e.g., “I will have
eaten.”)
10. Present Perfect Continuous
• Positive: Subject + Has/Have Been + Verb(-ing) (e.g., “I have been
eating.”)
11. Past Perfect Continuous
• Positive: Subject + Had Been + Verb(-ing) (e.g., “I had been
eating.”)
12. Future Perfect Continuous
• Positive: Subject + Will Have Been + Verb(-ing) (e.g., “I will have
been eating.”)
Here’s a step-by-step guide to writing an informal letter:
Steps to Write an Informal Letter
1. Write the Date
• Start by writing the date in the top left corner.
• Example: October 29, 2024
2. Add a Greeting/Salutation
• Begin with a friendly greeting using the person’s first name or a
casual greeting like “Hi” or “Dear.”
• Example: Dear Alex, or Hi Emma,
3. Write the Opening Paragraph
• Start with a friendly opening. Ask how they are or mention
something recent if you haven’t written in a while.
• Example: I hope you’re doing well! It’s been too long since we last
talked.
4. Write the Main Body
• This is where you share the main message of your letter. Keep it
personal and conversational.
• Tips:
• Use multiple paragraphs to organize different ideas or
topics.
• You can include recent events, plans, or anything you want
to tell the recipient.
5. Write the Closing Paragraph
• End on a warm note, letting them know you look forward to
hearing from them or mentioning a specific hope for the future.
• Example: Looking forward to catching up soon! Let me know when
you’re free for a call.
6. Add a Closing Phrase
• Sign off with a friendly closing like Best wishes, Take care, Love,
or Your friend, followed by a comma.
• Example: Take care,
7. Sign Your Name
• Write your name under the closing phrase. You can use just your
first name if you’re close to the person.
• Example:
Take care,
Fuad
Additional Tips:
• Keep the Tone Casual: Use relaxed language, contractions, and
phrases you’d use in conversation.
• Be Yourself: Write as if you’re speaking directly to the person.
• Ask Questions: If you want a response, ask questions to keep the
conversation going.
