Proper Sentence Important is Structuring (how confusing?)

Proper sentence structuring is essential when writing. Of course, not everyone will understand that you're using a Simple, Compound, Complex, or Compound-Complex sentence. But laying out proper sentences helps your writing flow, be relatable, and be understood.

The Four Types of Sentences

1. Simple: It's pretty... simple. Commas are unnecessary in a simple sentence, as there should be no compound elements(clauses) to separate. An example of a simple sentence is: I love my new puppy. If you notice, the sentence has one statement without elaboration.

2. Compound: A compound sentence has at least two independent clauses. An independent clause can be a sentence all by itself. Therefore, a compound sentence is two sentences spliced together into one.

For example, "I read books, but Jill likes magazines."

'I read books' is a sentence all on its own, and 'Jill likes magazines' can also be a standalone sentence. However, when you add a comma with a coordinating conjunction (for, and, but, or, yet, so) and merge the two standalone sentences, the result is a compound sentence.

3. Complex: A complex sentence is similar to a compound sentence, but only one part can stand alone. Complex sentences always have at least one dependent clause, sometimes more. You can use a complex sentence to persuade that one idea prevails over another. The main idea sticks out more, but the dependent clauses hang out in the background. Remember that a comma is only used in a complex sentence when separating two clauses. For example: Because my mom doesn't like roses, I ordered her lilies.

4. Compound-Complex: A compound-complex sentence is a complex sentence with two or more independent clauses. Therefore, a compound-complex sentence has two or more independent clauses and at least one dependent clause. An example of a compound-complex sentence is: Although Kaya prefers reading fantasy stories, she checked out a sci-fi book and liked it.

Now that we have established the basics of the four types of sentences, do you have a favorite? Which do you use the most in your writing? I would love to see some feedback.

Comma Drama

Punctuation can be a funny thing; being that it can translate emotion through writing. Commas may not seem as exciting as an exclamation mark, but a pause can speak a thousand words. With a perfectly placed comma, your sentence can have more clarity and be easier to interpret.

What is a Comma?

A comma is a punctuation that separates two words in a sentence, where a pause should be while reading aloud. When you read a sentence out loud, it is essential to be able to take a break/rest/breathe before continuing. Commas are also crucial for separating items in a list, splitting clauses in a sentence, and setting off introductory phrases or clauses. One comma could change the whole tone of your writing.

For example:

"Let's eat Tony" just doesn't sound right, but "Let's eat, Tony" tells your reader that you're speaking to Tony, not about him.

What's the Drama?

The biggest drama with commas that I have noticed is using a comma before coordinating conjunctions such as: and, but, for, nor, or, so, or yet. Putting a comma before those conjunctions joins two independent clauses that form a compound sentence.

There are four types of commas:

1. The Listing Comma

2. The Joining Comma

3. The Gapping Comma

4. The Bracketing Comma
   

The listing comma is used in place of "and" or "or." Listing commas are used to make your meaning clear and should only be used when necessary. A sentence list of three or more items needs a comma to separate the items in the list.

The joining comma is used to bring two complete sentences together, to form one. When using a joining comma, be sure to use a connecting word (or coordinating conjunction) like and, but, for, nor, or, while, and yet.

The gapping comma is used to omit redundant words in a sentence. Gapping commas are not always necessary and should be used sparingly.

The bracketing comma is used to segregate a weak interruption in a sentence. Bracketing commas are most often used in pairs, but not if they are needed at the beginning or end of a sentence.

When to use a comma:

• Between adjectives that explain the same noun: The small, round ice cube was melting.

• After a dependent clause at the beginning of a sentence: When he talked to me, I got butterflies.

• When directly addressing someone: Let's eat, Tony.

• To separate the absence of words in a sentence: The younger kids wanted to play hide and seek; the older, football.

• To offset additional information: Corsair, the type of keyboard I have, has a constantly blinking light.

• To separate items: He ate lasagna, salad, and garlic bread for dinner.

• After introductory words: Finally, I bought some flowers.

• Before or after quotes: Zoe said, "Take a look at this book." or "Take a look at this book," said Zoe.

• When the sentence begins with yes or no: Yes, you can take out the trash.

• Before every sequence of three numbers: 750,000

• When writing out a date: Wednesday, April 10, 2023, was a beautiful day.

• Between city and state: Denver, Colorado
  

How do commas help you in your writing? As a writer, commas help me relay my tone to my readers. Commas are just as important a punctuation as a period or question mark. Punctuation itself can bring life to your writing, and commas are a key part of proper punctuation and grammar.

Two Peas in a Sentence Pod

Did you know the subject and verb should be kept close together? When structuring sentences, the subject and verb help to make the sentence clear and easier to understand. However, there are times when it may be necessary to separate the subject and verb for stylistic or rhetorical reasons. Ultimately, it depends on the context and the effect you are trying to achieve with your writing.

What is a subject? The subject is the who or what is portrayed in the sentence, usually a noun or pronoun. (A noun is a person, place, or thing.) What is a verb? The verb relays the message about the subject of the sentence. A verb is, more specifically, an expression of an action (action word), an occurrence, or a state of existence.

As Mark Twain once said, "The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter—'tis the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning."* In this case, the subject and verb are 'the lightning,' and keeping them close together can help to make the sentence more powerful and effective. By doing so, the reader can quickly and easily understand the main point of the sentence without getting lost in unnecessary details or confusing phrasing.

Sometimes it can be fun to mix up the order of words to create a playful and unexpected effect. Other times, it's essential to follow the rules of grammar to ensure that your message is clear and easy to understand. As for me, I like to play with language and experiment with different ways of expressing myself. So go ahead and try something new! You never know what kind of magic you might create.

*Mark Twain: “The Art of Composition”

Life As I Find It, p. 228