Word Order
Types of sentences
Word order depends on the type of sentences:
Simple
Compound
Complex
Compound-complex
Simple sentence
In general, it has 1 independent clause (subject+predicate) that explains 1 central idea.
In most cases, the role of completer plays a prepositional phrase (but not only it) that can be placed in the beginning, middle, or end of the sentence:
Completer | Subject | Completer | Verb | Completer |
| The level of unemployment |
| increased. |
|
| The RMA |
| was passed | in 1991. |
| The course |
| includes | practical report writing. |
| The report, | commissioned by the Ministry of Education | identified | four areas for improvement. |
In the late 1980s, | the value of the NZ housing market |
| declined | by 10%. |
However, simple sentences can also include complex elements (which often make a pair):
Compound element | Example |
Subject | Marshal and Allie play basketball. |
Verb | The players dribbled and shot the basketball. |
Direct object | The team won the game and the tournament. |
Predicate adjective | They left happy and elated. |
Object of the preposition | The team ate at Dairy Queen and McDonalds. |
Compound Sentence
You can remember coordinating conjunctions as acronym FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.
If you didn't used coordinating conjunction or semicolon, and wrote 2 clauses using a comma - it would be a comma slice mistake! |
Complex Sentence
This type of sentence includes 2 parts: 1 subordinate clause + 1 independent clause. The first one cannot exist separately, even though it has both subject and verb.
Pay attention to the punctuation: if you start with a dependent clause, you need a comma; if you start with an independent clause, no comma is needed!
To link two parts of the sentence, use subordinate conjunctions such as after, before, because, if, since, (al)though, when, while, unless, etc.
If a subordinate clause exists by itself, it is a sentence fragment mistake! |
Compound-Complex Sentence
Since this type of sentence combines compound and complex sentences, it should have at least 2 independent clauses and 1 subordinate clause.
The latter can be:
Adjective clause:
I would have purchased the cheese that you like, but it was too expensive.
I would have purchased the cheese = independent clause
that you like = dependent adjective clause modifying cheese
it was too expensive = independent clause
Noun clause:
Rachel Ray explained how cookies are made, and we practiced her techniques at home.
Rachel Ray explained (how cookies are made) = independent clause
how cookies are made = dependent noun clause
we practiced her techniques at home = independent clause
Adverb clause:
We had a party because we had a lot of cookies, and our guests are the yummy treats.
We had a party = independent clause
because we had a lot of cookies = dependent noun clause
our guests are the yummy treats= independent clause
Specific Order Rules
1. Adjective order;
2. Indirect object position;
3. Adverbs place.
Adjective Order
When there are several adjectives before a noun, and they present different categories, we should follow the main order principles.
Therefore, follow the ABC trajectory and you will never be wrong!
Indirect Object Position
In cases when we have both direct and indirect objects, answer two questions: first, "Who?" and then "What?"
However, be attentive in sentences with the preposition "to" since it can make things different.
The second example is better for academic papers.
Adverbs Place
We use an adverb:
at the beginning of the sentence, before the subject, if it shows the frequency of action, but not always:
usually, normally, often, frequently, sometimes, occasionally
NOT: always, ever, rarely, seldom, never | Usually we see him at church.
Last night we went dancing. |
at the end of the sentence, if it shows time, frequency, or mode of action:
usually, normally, often, frequently, sometimes, occasionally NOT: always, ever, rarely, seldom, never
adverbs of time: today, every week, finally, already, soon
adverbs of manner (how something is done): slowly, suddenly, badly, quietly
| We've performed there occasionally. Where did you eat yesterday? All the bedrooms are upstairs. Have you taken the TOEFL yet? Have you eaten dinner already?
She sang that aria very well. He drives competently.
|
in the middle of the sentence, if it is used after the verb "to be," auxiliary verbs, or other verbs:
adverbs of certainty: certainly, definitely, clearly, obviously, probably | They are definitely suited for each other. They'll probably arrive late. He has apparently passed the class. They obviously forgot to read the directions.
|
adverbs of frequency: never, rarely, sometimes, often, usually, always, ever | He is rarely morose. We have never eaten Moroccan food. He always takes flowers to his girlfriend. They almost never go to the theater. |
focusing adverbs: even, only, also, mainly, just
adverbs of time: already, still, yet, finally, eventually, soon, last, just | He is only five years old. We don't even know his name.
We've already eaten dinner. He also rents chainsaws. |
adverbs of manner (how something is done): slowly, suddenly, badly, quietly | She is slowly finishing her PhD. He has carefully gathered the evidence. |
Articles
We use articles to modify and identify nouns. In general, we use definite article with different nouns (countable/uncountable (abstract), singular/plural), while indefinite articles can be used with singular countable nouns. However, you should know more details to be sure you will never make a mistake!
A/An
A/an are indefinite articles. We use a when the word starts with consonants, sounds Y and W, while we utilize an if the noun begins with vocals or silent H.
Indefinite articles are used with singular countable nouns:
a book, a system, a horse
a user, a one-armor scissor, a euro
an e-book, an oak, an arc
an hour, an honest person, an x-ray technician
We need an indefinite article when talking about non-specific or non-particular nouns.
For this assignment, students should watch a documentary. - any documentary they find or like.
We can change articles a/an to any: any documentary.
The
The is a definite article which is used with nouns that we know from the context, specific or particular. We understand what or who we are talking about.
This article is used with singular and plural nouns, countable and uncountable nouns.
For this assignment, students should watch the documentary. - not any documentary, or the one that students like but a specific one.
No Articles
Nationalities and languages in general: English, Spanish, German.
BUT if we are talking about particular national groups or populations, use the:
The American musicians gain popularity in Europe rapidly.
The Chinese [people] treat their elders with much respect.
Names of sports, sports games, and activities: basketball, swimming, hiking, tag.
Names of disciplines and fields of activity: computer science, marketing, psychology.
Plural, abstract nouns, and geographic names also do not need articles.
Singular and Plural Nouns
Singular nouns can have both definite and indefinite articles:
a story, an orange
the story, the orange
Plural nouns can be used:
without an article when we are talking about a group of nouns in general:
I heard many stories in my childhood.
with a definite article when talking about a specific item in a group:
Today, my friend told me the story of their grandmother.
Countable and Uncountable Nouns
Countable nouns are used with both definite and indefinite articles.
Uncountable nouns are used:
without an article: water, sugar
with an article, if we are talking about specific uncountable nouns:
She spilled the water in the kitchen. - Here, the speaker means the water they know was in the glass in the kitchen.
If an uncountable is used in a countable form, we choose definite/indefinite articles: a glass of water - we can count the number of glasses; the spoon of sugar - we also can count the number of cutlery. |
Specific Cases
Uncountable Abstract Nouns
A general rule says that we don't use articles with such nouns (e.g. music, influence, space, science, energy, generosity).
DO NOT use articles
with nouns that define a process, activity, or action:
news, information, permission, progress, assistance, concern, research, approval, etc.
with abstract nouns with attributes that identify the group of nouns.
Attributes
- stage and level: great disappointment, immense gladness.
- authenticity: true love, false expectation.
- durability and frequency: continuous downfall, constant fear.
- place and time: inner vision, modern art.
- genre: detective prose, cloud rap.
- sociality and spirituality: racial segregation, religious morals.
- manners and behavior: formal behavior, nervous attitude.
However, there are exceptions.
Use the definite article to identify an abstract concept in a specific situation (making the concept definite) or to restrict with some conditions (restricting article):
Use the when utilizing substantivized adjectives that mean abstract concepts. Namely, adjectives that play the role of an abstract noun (the supernatural, the ordinary, etc.) need a definite article:
If we use the words past, present, and future without an article + abstract, it's an adjective. However, when we use the, an abstract noun is a time period.
When highlighting a shade of an abstract noun with an adjective, use an indefinite article:
Additionally, some nouns that identify a process, activity, or action can be used with the, if we are talking about specific actions, processes, or activities.
He was anxiously waiting for permission to begin his experiment. The permission was given on the next day.
If the sentence starts with it and an abstract noun (pity, shame, disgrace, pleasure, relief, comfort, disappointment) is the base of the sentence (is a predicate of the main clause), we use an indefinite article:
Geographical and Civil Use of The
USE
Rivers, oceans, seas: | the Nile, the Pacific (Ocean), the Black Sea |
Well-known locations: | the Equator, the North Pole, the Grand Canyon |
Geographical locations: | the Middle East, the West, the Southwest Asia |
Deserts, gulfs, forests, and peninsulas: | the Sahara, the Persian Gulf, the Black Forest, the Iberian Peninsula |
Kingdoms, counties that are islands, full names of countries: | The Netherlands, the Philippines, the Republic of Ireland |
Schools, colleges, universities: | the Harvard School of Business, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Organizations, political parties, parliaments, committees, clubs, governments, etc.: | the United Nations, the Democratic Party (the Democrats), the British Parliament, the Finance Committee, the Houston Rockets (the Rockets), the Obama Administration (BUT Obama's Administration), the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the National Basketball Association, the World Wildlife Fund |
Museums, galleries, monuments, memorials: | the Louvre Museum, the Statue of Liberty, the Taj Mahal |
Halls, famous buildings, towers, theaters, libraries, bridges: | the Royal Albert Hall, teh Empire State Building, the Eiffel Tower, the Apollo Theater, the Sydney Opera House, the New York Publick Library, the Brooklyn Bridge |
Newspapers: | the Guardian, the Los Angeles Times (BUT The New York Times - an article is a part of the name) |
Prizes, awards, medals: | the Nobel Prize in Literature (the Nobel Prize for Peace), the Grammy Award, the Medal of Honor BUT Oliver Stone received the Academy Award for Best Screenplay in 1978. - If we have a specific date of the award, we use the.
Oliver Stone won an Academy Award for best screenplay. - If there is a type of award that was given to many other people as well, use a/an. |
DO NOT USE articles with:
Countries, territories (mostly): | Italy, Ireland |
Cities, towns, states: | Seoul, Manitoba, Florida |
Streets: | Washington Blvd., Main St. |
Lakes and bays: | Lake Titicaca (BUT a system of lakes - the Great Lakes), San Francisco Bay (BUT the San Francisco Bay Area and the Bay of Bengal) |
Mountain massif: | Mount Everest, Mount Fuji (BUT mountain range - the Andes, the Carpathians) |
Continents: | Asia, Europe |
Islands: | Easter Island, Maui (BUT archipelago - the Canary Islands) |
Schools, colleges, universities: | Ford High School, Boston College, Sorbonne University (BUT the Sorbonne) |
Companies, corporations, firms: | Apple Inc., General Motors, Ford (BUT the Ford Motor Company - when we have the full name, the article is not necessary) |
Cathedrals, palaces, monuments: | Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Stonehenge (BUT the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris - a full name) |
Centers, concert venues: | Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden (BUT the Garden and when a name is full - the Kennedy Center of the Performing Arts) |
Parks, gardens, squares: | Central Park, Disneyland, Times Square |
Holidays: | Christmas Eve, Independence Day |
Airports: | Heathrow Airport (BUT the John F. Kennedy International Airport) |
Magazines: | National Geographic, Vogue, Sports Illustrated |
Since there is no universal rule, you should better remember the following patterns:
You mostly DON'T need an article with a single geographic object, BUT if there is a group of objects - we use it. |
You will need to use the with a full name or a part of a social, cultural, or political object, BUT if the name is short - we DON'T use the. |
Punctuation
Punctuation is a key part of assignment writing as it demonstrates attention to detail and increases readability.
It refers to all the marks and symbols used to structure your sentences appropriately, such as commas, semicolons and quotation marks. Correct punctuation is crucial in conveying the precise meaning of your words and preventing misinterpretation and confusion.
Important considerations of punctuation in academic style include using:
Commas to indicate pauses within sentences.
Parentheses (like dashes and brackets) to offset additional information.
Semicolons to join simple sentences that are related.
Colons to introduce a list, series, quote, or expanded information.
Apostrophes to indicate possession or contractions (note: academic style does not allow contractions).
Quotation marks, also known as speech marks, are used when using the exact words from another source.