Language Structures

Sentence structures, clauses, tenses, concord

Sentence Structures

English sentences can be simple, compound or complex. • Simple: one independent clause — 'The learner studies.' • Compound: two independent clauses joined by a conjunction — 'The learner studies and she passes.' • Complex: an independent clause + a dependent clause — 'Because she studies, the learner passes.'

Tenses and Concord

Tenses show when an action happens: past, present or future. Subject-verb concord (agreement) means the verb must match the subject in number. • Correct: 'The dogs bark loudly.' (plural subject + plural verb) • Incorrect: 'The dogs barks loudly.'

Example

Active and Passive Voice

Active voice: the subject performs the action. 'The teacher explained the lesson.' Passive voice: the subject receives the action. 'The lesson was explained by the teacher.' Rule: Active → Object becomes subject + 'to be' + past participle + 'by' + agent.

Note

Exam Focus

Language structure questions are worth significant marks in Paper 1. Practise converting between direct and indirect speech, active and passive voice, and positive and negative forms. Know your conjunctions: and, but, because, although, however.

Key Vocabulary

ClauseA group of words containing a subject and a verb

ConjunctionA word that joins clauses or sentences (and, but, because)

ConcordAgreement between the subject and verb in a sentence

Active voiceThe subject performs the action of the verb

Passive voiceThe subject receives the action of the verb

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