Sentence Types and Clause Configurations
Diagramming Sentences
COMPOUND SENTENCE
Boggs hit the ball well, but he ran to the wrong base.
Another Example:
Forecasting technologies are more sophisticated and today's forecasters are better trained, but weather predictions are still not very reliable.
COMPLEX SENTENCES
1. Adjective clause introduced by an adverb
We slowly entered the theater where Lincoln was shot.
OPTIONAL METHOD:
We slowly entered the theater where Lincoln was shot.
2. Adjective clause introduced by a relative pronoun acting as subject
That woman who just left the room will probably be the next president.
Another Example:
People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
Yet Another Example:
I want to meet a man who I know will treat me right.
3. Adjective clause introduced by a relative pronoun as direct object.
The bill, which the house narrowly passed, was defeated by the senate.
Another Example:
A man whom the grand jury indicted in December was arrested in Baltimore.
4. Adjective clause modifying a direct object
Charlene gave Dilbert all the trouble that he could handle.
5. Adjective clause modifying the object of a preposition
Dogsbreath gave a million bucks to the nurse who saved his life.
6. Adjective clause modifying the sentence subject
The car that Georgina bought was more expensive than mine.
7. Adverb clause modifying the verb
We will go to the restaurant when this movie is finished.
OPTIONAL METHOD:
It looks bad when you entirely miss the ball. (clause modifies "looks")
8. Adverb clause modifying an adjective
Playing billiards is more fun when you are good at it.
9. Adverb clause modifying an adverb
Josh walked quickly through the cemetery as if he were really frightened.
10. Noun clause acting as subject
What Ramon knew about cooking could fill a whole library.
OPTIONAL METHOD:
How we will pay for this car is a mystery to me.
11. Noun clause acting as the the object of a preposition
The couple had a huge argument about where they would live.
12. Noun clause acting as a predicate noun
What really matters is what you know.
Another example:
Our biggest worry is that students won't read the signs.
13. Noun clause acting as the object of the sentence
The New Yorker quickly rejected whatever Sarah submitted.
Another example:
We can only hope [that] it is not too late. (where the word "that" is omitted)
COMPOUND-COMPLEX SENTENCE
When the train goes through, the windows rattle noisily and the whole house shakes.
Guide to Grammar and Writing