Transcript Business English, 9e

Chapter 3
Sentences:
Elements,
Patterns,
Types, Faults
10th Edition, © 2011, Cengage Learning
A sentence is a group of words that
includes a subject and a predicate and
expresses a complete thought.
SUBJECT
• A simple subject is a noun or a
pronoun that tells who or what the
sentence is about.
• A complete subject includes all
modifiers.
Chapter 3, Guffey-Seefer, Business English, 10e, Copyright 2011 Cengage Learning, All Rights Reserved
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PREDICATE
• A simple predicate is a verb or verb
phrase that tells or asks what the subject
is doing or what is being done to the
subject.
• A complete predicate includes
modifiers, objects, and complements.
COMPLETENESS
In addition to having subjects and predicates,
sentences must be complete.
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A set of guidelines was
developed.
(This sentence has a subject and a
predicate and is complete.)
To be used in ordering
computer supplies.
(This fragment, broken off from another
sentence, is incomplete and doesn’t make
sense.)
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Locating Subjects
To
locate a sentence subject, ask Who or
what is being discussed?
◦ The manager hires all new employees.
Who is being discussed?
◦ Training programs educate new
employees.
What is being discussed?
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
Ignore prepositional phrases.
◦ The manager of the program for all
new hires in our division called a
meeting.
Who is being discussed?

Sentences may have multiple subjects.
◦ The manager, sales director, and
vice president gave their approval.
Who is being discussed?
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
Reword inverted sentences to locate the
subject.
◦ Sitting in the front row is Rachel.
Reword: Rachel is sitting in the
front row.
◦ Did any other candidates qualify?
Reword: Other candidates qualify.
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Phrases and Clauses
Complete
Sentences

Phrases
Clauses
A phrase is a group of related words
WITHOUT a subject and a verb.
 Kim came to the interview in the morning.
She had been told to arrive at 10 a.m.
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Phrases and Clauses
Complete
Sentences



Phrases
Clauses
A clause is a group of related words WITH
a subject and a verb.
Independent clauses can stand alone.
Dependent clauses rely on independent clauses for their
meaning.
 When she arrived, she introduced herself.
If she was afraid, she didn’t show it.
Chapter 3, Guffey-Seefer, Business English, 10e, Copyright 2011 Cengage Learning, All Rights Reserved
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Four Sentence Varieties


Simple sentences have one
independent clause―that is, one clause
that can stand alone.
Compound sentences have two or
more independent clauses.
 Each interviewee sent a résumé.
 Kim spent many hours preparing her
résumé, and she practiced her answers to
typical interview questions.
Chapter 3, Guffey-Seefer, Business English, 10e, Copyright 2011 Cengage Learning, All Rights Reserved
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Four Sentence Varieties

Complex sentences have one
independent clause and one dependent clause.
 When Kim arrived for the interview, she
introduced herself to the receptionist.

Compound-complex sentences have
two or more independent clauses and one
dependent clause.
 Because she had prepared well, Kim felt
confident; she answered all questions fully
and enthusiastically.
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Four Sentence Patterns
Pattern No. 1: Subject—Verb. The most basic
sentence pattern is one in which the subject
is followed by its verb.
◦ Courtney called.
◦ She is working.
◦ All employees work.
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Four Sentence Patterns

Pattern No. 2: Subject—Action Verb—Object.
In this pattern the subject is followed by
an action verb and its direct object. The
object usually answers the questions
What? and Whom?
ComStar created a Web site.
A law office hired her.
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Four Sentence Patterns

Pattern No. 3: Subject—Linking Verb—
Complement. In this pattern the subject is
followed by a linking verb and its
complement.
Complement: Noun, pronoun, or adjective
that renames or describes the subject.
Completes the meaning of the subject.
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Complement Examples
Our receptionist is Patricia. (Noun
complement)
 The winner of the award is he. (Pronoun
complement)
 Their Web site is attractive. (Adjective
complement)

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Four Sentence Patterns
Pattern No. 4: Inverted Order. Verbs may
occasionally precede subjects.
◦ Chairing the committee is Renee Cornell.
◦ Have you read your e-mail?
◦ Here are the materials.
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Punctuating Four Sentence Types

Statements make assertions and end
with periods.
E-mail is an essential communication channel.

Questions are concluded by question
marks.
Can you avoid e-mail while on vacation?
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Punctuating Four Sentence Types
 Commands end with periods or,
occasionally, with exclamation
points.
Check your e-mail at least twice a day.
(The subject is understood to be you.)
 Exclamations show surprise,
disbelief, or strong feelings.
Oh, no! I made a huge mistake!
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Sentence Faults

Fragments
• A fragment is an incomplete
sentence and should not be
punctuated as if it were complete.
• It may be broken off from a
preceding or following sentence.
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 Comma Splice
When two complete sentences are
incorrectly joined with a comma, a
comma splice results.
 Run-on Sentence
When two complete thoughts are
run together, a run-on (fused)
sentence results.
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FRAGMENT
 Because we have all come to
depend on e-mail. That’s why we
must find a solution.
REMEDY
 Because we have all come to
depend on e-mail, we must find a
solution.
Chapter 3, Guffey-Seefer, Business English, 10e, Copyright 2011 Cengage Learning, All Rights Reserved
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COMMA SPLICE
Instant messaging is popular, it’s even used in
offices.
REMEDIES
• Instant messaging is popular. It’s even used in
offices.
• Instant messaging is popular; it’s even used in
offices.
• Instant messaging is popular, and it’s even used
in offices.
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RUN-ON
Instant messaging was once used by teenagers
now it’s also used by business professionals.
REMEDIES
• Instant messaging was once used by teenagers;
now it’s also used by business professionals.
 Instant messaging was once used by teenagers.
Now it’s also used by business professionals.
 Instant messaging was once used by teenagers,
but now it’s also used by business professionals.
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