Basic Sentence Structure and Punctuation

Patterns -by David Beach

To punctuate a sentence, you can use and combine some of these patterns.

Pattern One: Simple Sentence

This pattern is an example of a

simple sentence (Subject-Verb-anyObjects-anyAdditionalPhrases) :

Independent clause [ . ]

Example: Doctors are concerned about the rising death rate from asthma.
Example: I like choripan.
Example: Messi scores.

Pattern Two: Simple Sentence with Transition

This pattern is
an example of a simple sentence with a transition (also known as an independent
marker, which include both sequencers and time and place phrases):

Transition [ , ] Independent clause [ . ]

OR
first part of Independent clause [ , ] Transition [ , ] last part of Independent
clause [ . ]
OR
Independent clause [ , ] Transition [ . ]

note: When the word is at the end of the sentence, the comma before it if it is an
adverb modifyng the verb before it and not really a transition, for example: Messi
scores naturally. Here, is the way he scores, and not the fact that Messi scores, that
is being modified; so, naturally is not used as a transition here (it only modifies the
verb). Transitions modify the meaning of the whole clause.

Examples of Transitions are: therefore, moreover, thus, consequently, however,

then, after that, later, finally, on the other hand, also.

Example: In addition, doctors are concerned about the rising death rate
from asthma.
Example: I, however, like choripan.
Example: Naturally, Messi scores.
Example: Messi, naturally, scores.
Example: Messi scores, naturally.

Pattern Three : Compound Sentence with a Coordinate

Conjunction This pattern is an example of a compound sentence with a
coordinating conjunction:

Independent clause [ , ] coordinate conjunction independent clause [ . ]

There are seven coordinate conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet.

Example: Doctors are concerned about the rising death rate from
asthma, but they don't know the reasons for it.

Example: I eat choripan, so I often eat it.

Example: Messi scores, and the crowd cheers.

Pattern Four: Compound Sentence with a Semicolon

This pattern is an example of a compound sentence with a semicolon (sometimes a

hyphen {-} could be used instead of a semi-colon if it is more of a side-comment or an
example).

Independent clause [ ; ] independent clause [ . ]

Example: Doctors are concerned about the rising death rate from
asthma; they are unsure of its cause.

Example: I like choripan; it has become an obsession.

Example: Messi scores; he makes it look so easy.

Pattern Five: Compound Sentence with a Semicolon and

a Transition This pattern is an example of a compound sentence with a
transition (also known as an independent marker, or known as a sequencer, which
includes time and place phrases):

Independent clause [ ; ] Transition [ , ] independent clause [ . ]

Examples of Transitions are: therefore, moreover, thus, consequently, however,

then, after that, later, finally, on the other hand, also.

Example: Doctors are concerned about the rising death rate from
asthma; therefore, they have called for more research into its causes.

Example: I like choripan; consequently, I eat it every day.

Example: Messi scores; finally, his team is now winning.

Pattern Six: Complex Sentence Starting with a

Subordinate Clause This pattern is an example of a complex sentence with a
subordinate conjunction (also known as a dependent marker):

Subordinate conjunction dependent clause [ , ] Independent clause [ . ]

Examples of subordinate conjunctions are: because, since, , although, if, until, as,
as if.

Example: Because doctors are concerned about the rising death rate from
asthma, they have called for more research into its causes.

Example: Until I find it is not good for me, I like choripan.

Example: Because the defenders were fooled, Messi scores.

Pattern Seven: Complex Sentence Ending with a

Subordinate Clause This pattern is an example of a complex sentence with
subordinate conjunction (also known as a dependent marker):

Independent clause subordinate conjunction dependent clause [ . ]

Examples of subordinate conjunctions are: because, since, although, if, until, as,
as if.

Example: Doctors are concerned about the rising death rate from
asthma because it is a treatable illness.

Example: I like choripan even if I am not hungry.

Example: Messi scores although the defenders closely marked him.

Pattern Eight:

This pattern includes an independent clause with an embedded

non-essential clause or phrase (or known as a Modifier), such as a non-defining
adjective clause or phrase (sometimes known as non-defining relative clauses or
phrases):

First part of an independent clause [ , ] non-essential clause or

phrase [ , ] rest of the independent clause [ . ]

OR

First part of an independent clause rest of the independent clause [ , ] nonessential clause or phrase [ . ]
A non-essential clause or phrase is one that can be removed without changing the
meaning of the sentence or making it ungrammatical. In other words, the nonessential clause or phrase gives extra information, but the sentence can be logically
written alone without it.

Example: Many doctors, including both pediatricians and family practice

physicians, are concerned about the rising death rate from asthma.

Example: I like choripan, which can be found in most Argentinean

supermarkets.

Example: Messi, who wears the number 10, scores.

Pattern Nine

This pattern includes an independent clause with an embedded

essential clause or phrase (or known as a Modifier), such as a defining adjective clause
or phrase (sometimes known as defining relative clauses or phrases):

First part of an independent clause essential clause or phrase rest of the

independent clause [ . ]

OR

First part of an independent clause rest of the independent clause essential

clause or phrase [ . ]

An essential clause or phrase is one that cannot be removed without changing the
overall meaning of the sentence.

Example: Many doctors who are concerned about the rising death rate from
asthma have called for more research into its causes. (using a defining
adjective clause)

Example: Many doctors concerned about the rising death rate from
asthma have called for more research into its causes. (using a defining
adjective phrase)

Example: I only like choripan which is spicy. (using a defining adjective

clause)

Example: The player with the number 10 scores. (using a defining

adjective phrase)