Abstract :

Sentence structure in English involves understanding subject-verb agreement (where the verb matches the subject in number), verb tenses (indicating when an action occurred), and other grammatical elements for clear and correct communication.

1. Subject-Verb Agreement:

Definition:
The verb in a sentence must agree with the subject in number (singular or plural).
Examples:
Singular Subject, Singular Verb: The cat * is sleeping.
Plural Subject, Plural Verb: The cats are sleeping.*
Rules and Considerations:
Compound Subjects: If two subjects are joined by "and," the verb is usually plural unless the subjects describe one thing.
"Of" Phrases: The noun before "of" determines whether the verb is singular or plural.
"Each," "Every": Followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.
"Each of," "Every one of": Followed by a plural noun and a singular verb.
Indefinite Pronouns: Some indefinite pronouns (e.g., "each", "every") are treated as singular, while others (e.g., "many", "several") are treated as plural.

2. Verb Tenses:

Definition:
Verb tenses indicate when an action or event occurred (past, present, future).
Examples:
Past Tense: I went to the store.
Present Tense: I go to the store.
Future Tense: I will go to the store.
Common Verb Tenses:
Present Simple, Present Continuous, Present Perfect, Present Perfect Continuous
Past Simple, Past Continuous, Past Perfect, Past Perfect Continuous
Future Simple, Future Continuous, Future Perfect, Future Perfect Continuous

3. Other Grammatical Elements:

Adjectives and Adverbs:
These words modify nouns and verbs, respectively, providing additional information about the sentence.
Prepositions and Prepositional Phrases:
Prepositions (e.g., "on," "in," "at") connect nouns to other words in a sentence, forming prepositional phrases.
Clauses:
A clause is a group of words containing a subject and verb that functions as a unit within a sentence
Independent Clause: Can stand alone as a sentence.

Dependent Clause: Cannot stand alone as a sentence and requires an independent clause to complete its meaning.
Sentence Types:
Sentences can be simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex, depending on the number and types of clauses they contain.

Introduction

Sentence structure is the foundation of effective communication. Understanding how sentences are built helps in expressing thoughts clearly and grammatically. A well-structured sentence follows rules related to subject-verb agreement, verb tenses, sentence types, clauses, phrases, and punctuation. This chapter explores these elements in detail to improve writing and speaking accuracy.

1. Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject-verb agreement means that a verb must match its subject in number (singular or plural).

1.1. Basic Rules

A singular subject takes a singular verb.
- Example: The cat runs across the yard.
A plural subject takes a plural verb.
- Example: The cats run across the yard.

1.2. Special Cases

a) Subjects Separated by Phrases

Ignore phrases between the subject and verb.

Example: The boy, along with his friends, is playing outside.

b) Collective Nouns

Treat collective nouns as singular when referring to the group as one unit.

Example: The team is practicing for the final.
Treat them as plural when referring to individual members.
Example: The team are wearing their jerseys.

c) Indefinite Pronouns

Singular: Everyone, each, somebody → takes a singular verb
- Example: Everyone loves a good story.
Plural: Both, many, few → takes a plural verb
- Example: Many enjoy outdoor activities.

d) Subjects Joined by "And" or "Or"

"And" makes the subject plural.
- Example: John and Mary are coming.
"Or" makes the verb agree with the closest subject.
- Example: Either the students or the teacher is responsible.

2. Verb Tenses and Their Usage

Verb tenses indicate when an action happens—past, present, or future.

2.1. Present Tense

Describes current actions or general truths.

Simple Present: Expresses habitual actions.
- Example: She writes emails daily.
Present Continuous: Ongoing actions.
- Example: He is writing an email now.
Present Perfect: Completed actions with relevance to the present.
- Example: She has written three emails today.

2.2. Past Tense

Describes completed actions.

Simple Past: A specific event in the past.
- Example: They visited the museum yesterday.
Past Continuous: Actions happening at a past moment.
- Example: She was studying when the phone rang.
Past Perfect: An action completed before another past action.
- Example: He had left before I arrived.

2.3. Future Tense

Describes upcoming actions.

Simple Future:
- Example: I will visit my grandmother tomorrow.
Future Continuous:
- Example: She will be traveling at this time next week.
Future Perfect:
- Example: By next year, they will have completed the project.

3. Sentence Types

Sentences can be classified based on structure and purpose.

3.1. By Structure

a) Simple Sentence

Has one independent clause.

Example: She loves music.

b) Compound Sentence

Has two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).

Example: She loves music, but he prefers movies.

c) Complex Sentence

Has one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses.

Example: Although she loves music, she rarely listens to it.

d) Compound-Complex Sentence

Has two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.

Example: She loves music, but since she is busy, she rarely listens to it.

3.2. By Purpose

Declarative: Makes a statement. (Example: The sun is shining.)
Interrogative: Asks a question. (Example: Where are you going?)
Imperative: Gives a command. (Example: Close the door.)
Exclamatory: Expresses strong emotion. (Example: What a beautiful day!)

4. Clauses and Phrases

4.1. Clauses

A clause contains a subject and a verb.

a) Independent Clause

Can stand alone as a sentence.

Example: She runs every morning.

b) Dependent Clause

Cannot stand alone and needs an independent clause.

Example: Because she enjoys staying fit.

4.2. Phrases

A phrase is a group of words without a subject-verb pair.

a) Noun Phrase

Acts as a noun.

Example: The bright red car is fast.

b) Verb Phrase

Includes a main verb and its auxiliaries.

Example: She has been working hard.

c) Prepositional Phrase

Begins with a preposition.

Example: The book is on the table.

5. Common Errors and How to Avoid Them

5.1. Sentence Fragments

A sentence must have a subject and a verb.

Incorrect: Because she was late.
Correct: She was late because she missed the bus.

5.2. Run-on Sentences

Two independent clauses must be separated properly.

Incorrect: I love music I listen to it daily.
Correct: I love music, and I listen to it daily.

5.3. Misplaced Modifiers

Modifiers must be placed next to what they describe.

Incorrect: She nearly drove her car for five hours.
Correct: She drove her car for nearly five hours.

6. Punctuation in Sentence Structure

6.1. Commas (,)

Separate items in a list. (Example: I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.)
Separate clauses in compound sentences. (Example: I was tired, so I went to bed early.)

6.2. Apostrophes (’)

Show possession. (Example: John’s book.)
Form contractions. (Example: Don’t = do not.)

6.3. Periods (.)

End declarative sentences. (Example: She loves coffee.)

6.4. Question Marks (?)

End interrogative sentences. (Example: Are you coming?)

6.5. Exclamation Marks (!)

Express strong emotion. (Example: What a surprise!)

Conclusion

Understanding sentence structure, subject-verb agreement, verb tenses, clauses, phrases, and punctuation is essential for clear and effective communication. By following grammatical rules, one can avoid common mistakes and construct sentences that are grammatically correct and easy to understand. Mastering these elements enhances both writing and speaking skills, leading to better academic and professional success.

Chapter 11: Sentence Structure (Subject-Verb Agreement, Verb Tenses & Others)