Sentence Structure & Phrases - Concept Map
Sentence Structure refers to the grammatical arrangement of words, phrases, and clauses to form complete, coherent thoughts that convey meaning effectively in written and spoken communication.
Related concepts
Sentence Types by Structure
Sub concepts
- Simple Sentences - contain one independent clause with subject and predicate
- Compound Sentences - contain two or more independent clauses joined by coordinating conjunctions
- Complex Sentences - contain one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses
- Compound-Complex Sentences - contain multiple independent clauses and at least one dependent clause
Relationship to central
Fundamental classification system that categorizes sentences based on the number and types of clauses they contain
Clauses and Their Functions
Sub concepts
- Independent Clauses - express complete thoughts and can stand alone
- Dependent Clauses - incomplete thoughts requiring main clauses for meaning
- Noun Clauses - function as subjects, objects, or complements
- Adjective Clauses - modify nouns and pronouns using relative pronouns
- Adverbial Clauses - modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs
Relationship to central
Building blocks of sentence structure that determine grammatical completeness and meaning
Phrases and Their Types
Sub concepts
- Noun Phrases - groups centered around nouns serving various grammatical functions
- Verb Phrases - main verbs with auxiliaries, modals, and complements
- Prepositional Phrases - preposition plus object functioning as adjectives or adverbs
- Participial Phrases - present or past participles with modifiers acting as adjectives
- Gerund Phrases - -ing forms functioning as nouns
- Infinitive Phrases - to + base verb form serving various grammatical roles
Relationship to central
Groups of related words that function as single parts of speech within sentences but lack subject-predicate combinations
Sentence Errors and Corrections
Sub concepts
- Run-on Sentences - incorrectly joined independent clauses requiring proper punctuation or conjunctions
- Fragment Sentences - incomplete thoughts lacking essential grammatical elements
- Subject-Verb Agreement - ensuring singular/plural consistency between subjects and verbs
- Parallel Structure - maintaining consistent grammatical forms in series and lists
- Dangling Modifiers - incorrectly placed descriptive elements creating ambiguous meaning
Relationship to central
Common structural problems that impair sentence clarity and grammatical correctness in professional communication
Punctuation in Sentence Structure
Sub concepts
- Coordinating Conjunctions with Commas - FANBOYS connecting independent clauses
- Semicolons - linking related independent clauses without conjunctions
- Subordinating Conjunctions - introducing dependent clauses in complex sentences
- Restrictive vs Non-restrictive Clauses - comma usage determining essential vs additional information
Relationship to central
Mechanical elements that clarify relationships between sentence components and enhance readability
Concept connections
- Independent ClausesRun-on SentencesIncorrectly joined independent clauses create run-on sentence errors
- Dependent ClausesFragment SentencesIsolated dependent clauses result in sentence fragments
- Coordinating ConjunctionsCompound SentencesFANBOYS conjunctions properly connect independent clauses in compounds
- Subordinating ConjunctionsComplex SentencesSubordinating words introduce dependent clauses in complex structures
- Participial PhrasesDangling ModifiersMisplaced participial phrases create dangling modifier errors
- Parallel StructureProfessional WritingConsistent grammatical forms enhance clarity in formal communication
- Noun PhrasesSubject-Verb AgreementComplex noun phrase subjects can complicate verb agreement
- Prepositional PhrasesSentence ClarityStrategic placement of prepositional phrases improves meaning precision
Diagrams
Complete Sentence Structure & Phrases Concept Map
Comprehensive overview showing the hierarchical relationships between all major concepts in sentence structure and phrases, from basic sentence types to advanced error correction techniques.
Sentence Error Identification and Correction Process
Step-by-step flowchart for identifying common sentence structure errors and applying appropriate correction methods, essential for Civil Service Examination preparation.
Phrase Identification and Classification System
Systematic approach to distinguishing between clauses and phrases, then correctly classifying phrase types based on their head words and grammatical functions.
Sentence Construction Development Process
Sequential workflow showing how professional writers develop well-structured sentences from initial ideas through grammatical verification to final polished output.