Marshalling the Sentence (2 of 8)

The Mighty Word's Guide to Good Writing

Part Two - Getting to grips with clauses

Some sentences consist of a single clause – a ‘simple sentence’ – while others contain any number of clauses joined together.

There are two types of clauses:

Main clause: this can stand by itself as a separate sentence, having all the elements necessary: ‘I want you’ – Subject (‘I’) – verb (‘want’) – object (‘you’);

Subordinate clause: this cannot stand by itself. It will usually contain a verb but is dependent on a main clause to complete its meaning: ‘I want you but only if you brush your teeth first'.

Sentences made up of more than one main clause are very common – they are known as ‘compound sentences’. Sentences that have one main clause followed by subordinate clauses are known as ‘complex sentences’.

This is worth knowing because it can have an influence on the length and complexity of your sentences. It gives you the power to choose a short, pithy sentence that jumps off the page (or screen) and punches its way into the reader’s world. Or it allows you the option of a longer, reflective, observational or discursive sentence. Depending on what you are writing – fiction, promotional copy, song-writing, dissertation – good coordination and division of clauses is crucial for writing that works.

I will explore these points more in the sections to come. Good, deliberate use of clauses that aren’t hamstrung by muddled, broken or confusing technique will make sure that your message is understood and – dare we hope? – enjoyed.

Coming next – Part Three: Simplicity