Chapter 2
IN THIS LESSON
English Language Essentials
Not all sentences are created equal! Some are short and snappy, while others stretch out like a long summer break. You will pick up marks in GCSE English Language and Functional Skills English by using a range of sentence types. Sentence variety makes things more interesting to read. Maybe even fun.
Minor Sentences: These short sentences are missing the usual parts of a sentence, such as verbs (actions) or people (subjects)
Example: No way! (Said when you realize your snack is gone.)
Coordinate Clauses: Two equal clauses linked with "and," "but," or "or." Both can stand alone, but they work better together—like chips and ketchup.
Example: The team scored a goal, and the crowd went wild.
Subordinate Clauses: One clause depends on the other, just like your favourite show depends on cliffhangers to keep you hooked.
Example: Because the popcorn was burning, we had to pause the movie.
Further Details
Single-Clause Sentences (Simple Sentences): One subject, one verb, one idea. Quick and to the point!
Example: The pizza vanished. (Probably my fault.)
Multi-Clause Sentences: More than one clause, more than one verb—a sentence with more than one part.
Example: After we finished the match, we celebrated with burgers.
English Language Activity
What types of sentences are these? (Hint: Think about verbs and clauses!)
Ten burgers.
They trained hard and won the match.
She is a fantastic chef.
If you eat all the snacks, there will be trouble.
Bonus Activity
Want a quick trick? If a sentence is super short, it’s likely simple. If it feels like it could be a novel, it’s probably multi-clause!
Knowledge Check/Review
Remember:
Simple sentences = short and sweet.
Multi-clause sentences = more details, more action.
Minor sentences = missing parts but still making an impact.
Coordinate clauses = equal teammates.
Subordinate clauses = the sidekick that needs the main hero.