Teaching the Three Sentence Patterns Jeff Anderson M

Teaching the Three Sentence Patterns Jeff Anderson, M. Ed.

In this lesson you will n n n Define Independence and Dependence Review Independent Clauses Discover the three basic patterns that make up complex sentences.

Independent clause Subject Verb

An independent clause

An independent clause n n n Is a sentence Stands on its own Is perfectly fine as it is.

But sometimes we want more n n Pictures or images Information Specifics Description

But how do we add information to our sentences without making run-on or incorrect sentences?

We can write complex sentences. Not all of our sentences have to be short; We need long and short sentences.

There are three basic patterns n n n Add information at the beginning of a sentence Add information in the middle of a sentence Add information at the end of a sentence

The three basic patterns… Beginning , , interrupting , , closing.

What you add to the sentence n n Can’t be a whole new sentence Can’t stand on its own— it must be…

If independence means to stand on your own, what does dependence mean?

Dependent

Dependent: Flapping its wings n n n This has a noun and a verb Does it stand on its own? Does it express a complete thought?

must lean on an Independent clause (sentence)

Where should we add the dependent? n n n Beginning Middle End

Let’s try it out n n n Which one sounds the best? Do you already have other sentences like this in your paper? Does it add detail to the sentence?

, Flapping its wings the duck flew. The duck , flapping its wings, flew. , The duck flew flapping its wings.

Which do you like better? n n n Go back one slide and vote Everyone liked something different You are the artist you get to decide which is best.

Beginning Dependent n Flapping , its wings the duck flew.

Interrupting Dependent n The duck , flapping its wings , flew.

Closing Dependent n The , duck flew flapping its wings.

Dependents can be many things, but they will always n n begin Interrupt Close Or add detail to an independent clause

Remember must lean on an Independent clause (sentence)

Complex sentences will follow these three patterns Beginning , , interrupting , , closing.