Grammar for Everyone - Barbara Dykes 2007
27 Clause analysis - Format 1 - clause analysis chart
Introduction
Part II The parts of speech
Analysing sentences is an exercise that was often made tedious by overload. Students were given hours of laborious work analysing highly complicated sentences concerning the most boring subject matter.
It is important for students to practise some analysis in order to reinforce and demonstrate their understanding of sentence components and structure. It develops an awareness of syntax variations and is also an exercise in logical thinking. It may be presented as a form of puzzle.
There are several ways to format the analysis of sentences. The simplest way is that shown for various kinds of clauses (see pages 162-3, 165, 168-173). Other methods include the mapping of flowcharts and the diagram of a tree.
Students learn and memorise in different ways, so after you have demonstrated all three ways, they may prefer to choose their own method for analysis.
Analysis formats are shown on pages 178-183. Students can draw up their own charts or be supplied with printed blanks. Both beginner and advanced examples are shown.
It is always helpful to locate the finite verbs first, then mark off the components of the sentence, using brackets, round and square and underlining, before filling in the charts.
Time and space will be saved at this stage by using abbreviations (see page 96).
Format 1 - clause analysis chart
Analysis of a compound sentence
George checked his protective clothing and set out towards the summit.
Finite verbs: checked, set out
Main clause 1: George checked his protective clothing
Conjunction: and
Main clause 2: (George) set out towards the summit
Compound sentence
Analysis of a complex sentence
George checked his protective clothing before he set out towards the summit.
Finite verbs: checked, set out
Main clause: George checked his protective clothing
Conjunction: before
Subordinate clause: he set out towards the summit
Adverbial clause of time modifying the verb ’checked’ in the main clause
Complex sentence
Analysis of a compound-complex sentence
George, who was an experienced mountaineer, checked his protective clothing and counted his supplies before he set out towards the summit.
Finite verbs: was, checked, counted, set out
Main clause 1: George checked his protective clothing
Conjunction: and
Main clause 2: (George) counted his supplies
Relative pronoun: who
Subordinate clause 1: who was an experienced mountaineer
Adjectival clause qualifying the noun George in main clause 1
Conjunction: before
Subordinate clause 2: he set out towards the summit
Adverbial clause modifying the verbs ’checked’ in main clause 1 and ’counted’ in main clause 2
Compound-complex sentence