Sentence Structure

(1)    A clause always has a subject (S) and a verb (V).  RULE

For example: (S) John (V) runs to the store – this is an independent clause. It is called an independent clause because it is a complete thought. An independent clause is a sentence.

(2)    There are four (4) types of sentences in the English language and they all can be used in the written tasks on the PTE exam.

1. Simple sentences
2. Compound Sentences
3. Complex Sentences
4. Compound-Complex sentence

Simple Sentences:

A simple sentence may be complete in any of the following 4 forms:

1. One Subject and one Verb; John runs to the store. (S + V + complement)
2. One Subject and two Verbs; John walks and runs to the store. (S+ VV + complement) [***used specifically in the 3^rd sentence of the introductory paragraph – see Write Essay].
3. Two Subjects and one Verb; John and Rajeev walk to the store. (SS+V + complement)
4. Two or more Subjects and two Verbs; John and Rajeev walk and run to the store.                   (SS +VV + complement)

Compound Sentences

A Compound Sentence joins at least two independent clauses joined as a single sentence.

These are independent clauses or complete sentences that are joined together; hence, they are made ‘compound’. These can be used throughout the written parts of the exam but especially in Summarize Written Text where you usually summarize cause and effect essays.

You can join independent clauses in 3 ways:

1. Coordinating conjunctions (the most common)
2. Conjunctive Adverbs (useful to know when rewriting the Write Essay prompt)
3. A semicolon (the two independent clauses must be related across the semicolon)

Coordinating Conjunctions: (the first and most commonly used way to form a sentence)

These are typically called ‘FANBOYS’ as this is an acronym for the coordinating conjunctions: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, and So. Each word has a specific function as a conjunction (see the chart below)

Coordinating Conjunctions	Function (*note the comma placement after the first independent clause)
For	introduces a reason:   I like math, for I like numbers.
And	introduces an equal idea:   I like football, and I enjoy cricket.
Nor *Note: the question form after ‘, nor do I enjoy…’	introduces two negatives: I don’t like swimming, nor do I enjoy bungee jumping.
But	introduces an opposing idea: I like watching films, but I don’t like going to the theatre.
Or	offers a choice: We can out to dinner, or we can visit your sister.
Yet	used like ‘but’, however, offers a surprise: I like pizza, yet I do not like cheese.
So	introduces a result: I passed the test, so I feel good.

 

Conjunctive Adverbs: (the 2^nd way to join independent clauses to form a sentence)

Conjunctive adverbs offer a similar function, just as the coordinating conjunctions do above, but are considered more formal (see the revised Chart below)

Coordinating Conjunctions and their corresponding Conjunctive Adverbs	Function (*note the different use of punctuation involving conjunctive adverbs – a semicolon and a comma)
For (note: ‘for’ is not commonly used anymore; nowadays, people use ‘because’ in a dependent clause more often)	introduces a reason:   I like math because I like numbers. ·         See dependent clauses
And Adverbs: in addition, furthermore, besides, also, moreover	introduces an equal idea:   I like football; in addition, I enjoy cricket.
Nor	introduces two negatives: I don’t like swimming, nor do I enjoy bungee jumping.
But   Adverbs: in contrast, on the other hand, on the contrary	introduces opposing ideas: I like watching films; on the other hand, I don’t like going to the theatre.
Or Adverb: otherwise, instead, alternatively	offers a choice: We can out to dinner; otherwise, we can visit your sister.
Yet Adverbs: however, nevertheless, still, nonetheless	used like ‘but’, however, offers a surprise: I like pizza; nevertheless, I do not like cheese.
So Adverbs: as a result, consequently, therefore, hence, thus,	introduces a result: I passed the test; therefore, I feel good.
** ‘for example’ and ‘for instance’ are often used as conjunctive adverbs.	Many people must score higher than 79 on the PTE; for example, you will get extra points toward your immigration status in Australia if you do so.
To add an explanation: in other words, that is	Classical music is pleasing; in other words, this type of music is enjoyable.
To make a strong statement: indeed, in fact	Quantum computer technology may be revolutionary; indeed, research is ongoing around the world.

 

Semicolons: (the 3^rd way to independent clauses to form a sentence)

If two independent clauses are related, then a semicolon can be used to join them.

For example:

I like math; I like numbers.

I like watching films; I don’t like going to the theatre.

I like pizza; I do not like cheese.

We can out to dinner; we can visit your sister.

• Note: in each sentence above the two independent clauses are related, so a semicolon can be used to join them. Coordinating Conjunctions and Conjunctive Adverbs work to give the reader a ‘function’ or a way of understanding the relationship between independent clauses. A semicolon, on the other hand, assumes the reader understands the relationship presented in each independent clause.

Complex Sentences:

Complex sentences must have an independent clause and at least one (or more) dependent clause. RULE A dependent clause is written with subordinate conjunction (see list below).

In the following examples, the dependent clauses are underlined:

1. I like music because I like to dance.
2. Although some people like to dance, other people do not like dancing.
3. Although some people like to dance, other people do like dancing because it involves moving to a beat.
4. Although some people like to dance because it involves moving to the beat, other people do not like dancing.
5. Some people do not like dancing although other people like to dance, because it involves moving to a beat.

In (1), the independent clause is ‘I like music’, and this is joined to the dependent clause with the subordinate conjunction ‘because’. Please note that ‘Because I like to dance’ is NOT an independent clause simply since a subordinate conjunction precedes the clause ‘I like to dance’. The subordinate conjunction is the only ‘word’ that distinguishes an independent clause (IC) from a dependent clause (DC).

In (2), the dependent clause (DC) ‘Although some people like to dance’ precedes the independent clause (IC) with itself and a comma. As a rule, a dependent clause may precede or follow an independent clause. There is no punctuation needed between clauses if the independent clause is written first: [IC DC]. However, when the dependent clause is written first, there must be a comma before the independent clause [DC, IC].

In (3), the dependent clause (DC) ‘Although some people like to dance’ precedes the independent clause with itself and a comma, and another dependent clause ‘because it involves moving to a beat’. As a rule, you form these types of complex sentences in any form: [DC IC DC – as in (3)], [DC, DC, IC – as in (4)], or [IC DC, DC]

Top 51 Subordinate conjunctions

1. after 2. although 3. as 4. as far as 5. as if 6. as long as 7. as soon as 8. as though 9. because 10. before 11. even 12. even if 13 ever though 14. even when 15. if 16. if only 17. if when

18. if then 19. just once 20. lest 21. now 22. now since 23. now that 24. now when 25. once 26. provided 27. provided that 28. rather than 29. since 30. so that 31. supposing 32. than 33. that 34. though

35. till 36. unless 37. until 38. when 39. whenever 40. where 41. whereas 42. where if 43. wherever 44. whereas 45. whether 46. which 47. while 48. who 49. whether or not 50. whoever 51. why

 

 

Types of Dependent Clauses:

1. Adverbial clause: This type of clause is important when writing a ‘concession’ statement in Write Essay.
2. Adjective clause: This type of clause is especially useful in Summarize Written Text but can also be used in Write Essay and Summarize Spoken Text.
3. Noun Clause: This type of clause is especially useful with Summarise Spoken Text and is critical in the 3rd sentence (opinion) of the introduction in Write Essay.

*Note: these clauses will be explained when used in the above contexts or in their usages in the PTE writing part of the exam.

 

Compound-Complex Sentences:

A Compound-Complex must have at least two independent clauses and one dependent clause. RULE

This type of sentence is critical to understand for Summarize Written Text as most answers must be at least thirty words and usually involve a cause & effect essay summary. Having said that, try to remember the longest sentence in the English language is presently at *13,955 words in Jonathan Coe’s novel The Rotter’s Club. The following are different forms of Compound complex sentences (note the different positions of the independent and dependent clauses):

1. The men worked hard in the afternoon; it was a payday where they were to receive their bonus for the year. [ IC; IC DC]

 

2. Although the women worked in the rain, the work wasn’t difficult; moreover, they could talk while they worked. [DC, IC; moreover, IC DC]

 

3. Dogs often pant when they are hot, and this helps them cool down. [IC DC, IC]

 

Note: the above sentences are shorter than the requirement for Summarize Spoken Text (30 or more words). However, a Compound-Complex sentence can be created in many different forms. For the PTE, we will explain the Compound Sentence and the easiest way to add a dependent clause to it, which will help achieve the most desire length (30 to 40 words).

*Jones, R. (2014, October 3). Longest Sentence. Retrieved January 17, 2019, from