African Methodist Episcopal
University
Sentence Structure and Meaning
Daniel T. Gongar
.
Overview of today topic:
In this lesson, we will explore sentence
structure and how it contributes to meaning.
Understanding sentence construction will help
improve clarity, coherence, and effectiveness
in writing and communication.
The topics covered include sentence elements,
types of sentences, sentence errors, and the
relationship between structure and meaning.
Sentence Elements:
Key Concepts:
Subjects and Predicates
The subject is the main noun or pronoun that
the sentence is about.
The predicate contains the verb and provides
information about the subject.
Objects and Complements
Direct Object: Receives the action of the
verb.
Indirect Object: Indicates to whom or for Object Complement:
whom the action is done.
Renames or describes the object
Subject Complement: Renames or
describes the subject (e.g., She is a
(e.g., They made her captain.)
teacher.)
Types of Sentences by Structure
Simple Sentences - Contain one independent clause.
Example: She reads every day.
Compound Sentences - Contain two independent clauses joined by a
coordinating conjunction.
Example: She reads every day, and she writes in her journal.
Complex Sentences - Contain one independent clause and one
or more dependent clauses.
Example: Although she was tired, she finished her homework.
Compound-Complex Sentences - Contain at least two independent clauses
and one or more dependent clauses.
Example: Although she was tired, she finished her homework, and she went to
bed early.
Sentence Types by Function
Declarative Sentences - Make a statement (e.g., The
sun is shining.)
Interrogative Sentences - Ask a question (e.g., Is the
sun shining?)
Imperative Sentences - Give a command or request
(e.g., Close the door.)
Exclamatory Sentences - Express strong emotion
(e.g., What a beautiful day!)
Sentence Errors and Clarity
Fragments - Incomplete sentences missing a subject or
predicate.
Example: Although she was happy. (Correction:
Although she was happy, she felt nervous.)
Run-on Sentences - Two or more independent clauses
joined incorrectly.
Example: She loves reading she reads every night.
(Correction: She loves reading, and she reads every
night.)
Comma Splices - Incorrectly joining two independent
clauses with a comma.
Example: I was tired, I went to bed early. (Correction: I
was tired, so I went to bed early.)
Sentence Structure and Meaning
Word order and emphasis (e.g.,
active vs. passive voice).
Active: The teacher praised the
student.
Passive: The student was
How sentence structure affects
praised by the teacher.
meaning and clarity?
Parallelism and coherence.
Example: She likes running,
swimming, and to hike.
(Correction: She likes running,
swimming, and hiking.)
Importance of Sentence Structure
Understanding sentence structure is crucial for
clear and effective communication.
Students can become more proficient writers
and speakers by mastering different sentence
forms, avoiding errors, and using structure to
enhance meaning.
Practice Work:
Write a short paragraph using at least one
simple, compound, complex, and
compound-complex sentence. Find a
friend and exchange for peer review.
(Please write the name and ID number of
your peer)
Note: Work should be send in Google
Classroom as Comment before 11:59 PM
Thanks!
