Tree Diagrams: Compound sentences (Part 1) in English

Summary

In this video, the speaker teaches viewers how to diagram compound sentences in English. They explain the structure of compound sentences, focusing on how independent clauses are joined by coordinators (FANBOYS), conjunctive adverbs, or semicolons. Using an example sentence, the speaker breaks down the sentence into its elements: noun phrases, verbs, and conjunctions. The difference between diagramming simple and compound sentences is also highlighted, with compound sentences requiring a more detailed diagram due to the presence of two independent clauses. Viewers are encouraged to ask questions for further clarification.

Takeaways

• 😀 Compound sentences consist of two independent clauses (ICs) connected by a conjunction, conjunctive adverb, or semicolon.
• 😀 The three main ways to join independent clauses are through coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS), conjunctive adverbs, or semicolons.
• 😀 FANBOYS stands for For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So, and is used to connect clauses in compound sentences.
• 😀 A compound sentence can be diagrammed by analyzing each element, including the subject, verb, and object of both clauses.
• 😀 In compound sentences, there are two independent clauses, which makes the diagram longer compared to simple sentences.
• 😀 Simple sentences contain only one independent clause and are diagrammed with subject → verb → object.
• 😀 A compound sentence requires a conjunction to connect the two independent clauses, such as 'but' in the example 'My older sister studies law, but my younger sister studies medicine.'
• 😀 The structure of a compound sentence includes two noun phrases (subject) and two verb phrases (predicate) connected by a conjunction.
• 😀 When diagramming compound sentences, each clause is treated separately, but they are joined by a conjunction or other linking word.
• 😀 In compound sentences, each independent clause is analyzed and diagrammed on its own before being connected by a conjunction or semicolon.

Q & A

What are the three ways to join independent clauses in compound sentences?

The three ways to join independent clauses in compound sentences are: 1) using coordinators (Fanboys), 2) using conjunctive adverbs, and 3) using semicolons.

What does 'IC' stand for in the context of compound sentences?

'IC' stands for Independent Clause, which is a part of a compound sentence that can stand alone as a complete sentence.

What is an example of a compound sentence using a coordinator?

An example is: 'My older sister studies law, but my younger sister studies medicine.' Here, the coordinator 'but' joins the two independent clauses.

How is the sentence 'My older sister studies law, but my younger sister studies medicine' broken down in terms of sentence diagramming?

In this sentence, 'My older sister studies law' and 'My younger sister studies medicine' are the two independent clauses (ICs), joined by the coordinator 'but'. The elements such as noun phrases, verbs, and determiners are analyzed within each clause.

What is the role of a coordinator in a compound sentence?

A coordinator is a word used to connect two independent clauses in a compound sentence. In the script, the term 'Fanboys' is used to refer to the common coordinators: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.

What is the difference between the diagram of a simple sentence and the diagram of a compound sentence?

In the diagram of a simple sentence, there is only one independent clause, while in the diagram of a compound sentence, there are at least two independent clauses connected by a coordinator, conjunctive adverb, or semicolon.

What does 'noun phrase' refer to in the sentence analysis?

A 'noun phrase' is a group of words that includes a noun and any modifiers. In the sentence, 'my older sister' and 'my younger sister' are noun phrases.

Why is the article 'the' sometimes omitted in the script, such as in 'study law'?

The article 'the' is omitted in some cases, which is referred to as a 'zero article'. This can happen when referring to general concepts or uncountable nouns like 'law' in this case.

What are 'conjunctive adverbs' and how do they function in compound sentences?

Conjunctive adverbs are words that connect two independent clauses and show relationships like contrast, cause, or effect. Examples include 'however', 'therefore', and 'thus'.

How can semicolons be used to join independent clauses in compound sentences?

Semicolons can be used to join two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction. For example: 'I went to the store; I bought some milk.' This connects the two clauses while maintaining their independence.