English for Academic Skills Independence [EASI]

Transcription

1 English for Academic Skills Independence [EASI] Session 6 Grammar

2 Quiz Quick question from Session 5 If a simple sentence has one independent clause, and if a compound sentence has two independent clauses, then how do you define a complex sentence?

3 Three sentence types: Simple, compound and complex Simple sentence = one independent clause Compound sentence = two (or more) independent clauses Complex sentence = two (or more) clauses: o independent clause + o dependent clause The dependent clause can begin with a subordinating conjunction

4 Subordinating conjunctions: By meaning Cause as because in order to since so so that Contrast & comparison although as as though though whereas while Condition Place Time even if if in case unless provided that however where wherever after as soon as before once still til now that when

5 By the end of this session you will be able to identify relative pronouns explain the difference between defining and nondefining clauses in sentences

6 Complex sentence: Linking clauses Clauses can be linked by relative pronouns: that which who whom whose

7 Complex sentence: Linking clauses Look at these two simple sentences: It is a problem. It is related to technology. We can combine them into one sentence by using the relative pronoun which : It is a problem which is related to technology.

8 Complex sentence: Relative pronouns Linking clauses with relative pronouns Independent clause dependent clause It is a problem which is related to technology. relative pronoun

9 Complex sentence: Linking clauses Look at these two simple sentences: These are the lecturers. They use Facebook regularly. We can combine them into one sentence by using the relative pronoun who : These are the lecturers who use Facebook regularly.

10 Complex sentence: Relative pronouns Linking clauses with relative pronouns Independent clause Dependent clause These are the lecturers who use Facebook regularly. relative pronoun

11 Embedded clauses Look at these two simple sentences: Some lecturers use Facebook regularly. These lecturers understand their students better. We can combine them into one sentence by using the relative pronoun who in an embedded adjective clause : Lecturers who use Facebook regularly understand their students better.

12 Embedded clauses Note that the embedded clause is a relative clause. It qualifies the noun lecturers : embedded relative clause Lecturers who use Facebook regularly understand their students better. relative pronoun

13 Relative pronouns We noted earlier that clauses can be linked by relative pronouns: that, which, who, whom, whose Use who, whom, whose for people Use which for things Use that for things [and sometimes people]

14 Relative pronouns: Using who Use who for people: The lecturers who are most in touch regularly use Facebook. In this example the relative pronoun introduces an embedded relative clause.

15 Relative pronouns: Using who Use who for people Embedded relative clause The lecturers who are most in touch regularly use Facebook. relative pronoun

16 Relative pronouns: Using whom When you are reading, you will sometimes see whom used as the object of a verb this usage is considered more formal:... some authors whom lecturers might consider experts these theorists whom the author has referenced

17 Relative pronouns: Using whom We sometimes use whom as the object of a preposition again, this usage is considered more formal: some students for whom leadership comes naturally these theorists from whom we have learned so much

18 Relative pronouns: Using whose We sometimes use whose in order to express ideas more efficiently: Smith s book was published last year. Smith is an expert in social media. If we use the possessive relative pronoun we can express these ideas in just one sentence : Smith, whose book was published last year, is an expert in social media.

19 Complex sentence: Embedded relative clauses There are two types of embedded relative clause: defining relative clause non-defining relative clause A defining relative clause has a special meaning.

20 Complex sentence: Defining relative clauses Activity 1 Explain the difference between these two sentences: My uncle, who lives in the USA, is coming to visit. My uncle who lives in the USA is coming to visit.

21 Complex sentence: Defining relative clauses Here is the second example: My uncle who lives in the USA is coming to visit. This is called a defining relative clause. In this case the relative clause is essential to the sentence.

22 Complex sentence: Defining relative clauses In order to understand this, we may consider a situation in which you have two uncles: one in China and one in the USA My uncle who lives in the USA is coming to visit.

23 Complex sentence: Non-defining relative clauses Now consider the first example what happens if we change the punctuation? My uncle, who lives in the USA, is coming to visit. This is a non-defining relative clause. Note that it provides extra information about the uncle, but this information is not essential to our understanding of the sentence.

24 Complex sentence: Non-defining relative clauses The non-defining relative clause provides extra information about your uncle, but this information can easily be changed: My uncle, who recently retired, is coming to visit. My uncle, who loves travelling, is coming to visit. Any of this information can easily be omitted: My uncle is coming to visit.

25 Should I use which or that? Activity 2 When should you use which and when should you use that? Explain the difference between these two sentences: The computer, which she bought last week, keeps crashing. The computer that she bought last week keeps crashing.

26 Should I use which or that? Activity 2 When should you use which and when should you use that? Explain the difference between these two sentences: The computer, which she bought last week, keeps crashing. The computer that she bought last week keeps crashing.

27 Complex sentence: Defining relative clauses Here is the second example, using that : The computer that she bought last week keeps crashing. This is called a defining relative clause. In this case the relative clause is essential to the sentence. We needed to know which computer.

28 Complex sentence: Defining relative clauses Consider a situation in which you have two computers. One of the computers is unreliable. In order to distinguish between the two, you identify the new one as the one that keeps crashing. The computer that she bought last week keeps crashing.

29 Complex sentence: Non-defining relative clauses Now consider the first example what happens if we change the punctuation? The computer, which she bought last week, keeps crashing. This is a non-defining relative clause. Note that it provides extra information about the computer, but this information is not essential to our understanding of the sentence.

30 Complex sentence: Non-defining relative clauses The non-defining relative clause provides optional, extra information about the computer: The computer, which is loaded with programs, keeps crashing. The computer, which was recently updated, keeps crashing. Any of this information can easily be omitted: The computer keeps crashing.

31 Relative pronouns after reporting verbs In academic writing, a relative pronoun is often used to introduce a dependent noun clause, typically after a reporting verb: Independent clause Dependent clause Smith (2008) claims that public transport is more cost effective. relative pronoun

32 Activity Smith (2008) claims that public transport is more cost effective. What tense is this reporting verb? Present simple Why do we use this tense with reporting verbs?

33 Use of present simple This tense is used to make generalisations and to express general truths. Academic writers often use this tense strategically to indicate that earlier findings are now accepted by the academic community as confirmed and factually correct.

34 Activity What are some other reporting verbs? List them with a partner.

35 Reporting verbs acknowledge add admit allege agree affirm argue claim consider conclude demonstrate indicate note observe point out report show suggest

36 Activity Use appropriate reporting verbs Try making some sentences using this pattern: Smith (2008) argues that Smith (2008) acknowledges that Smith (2008) suggests that

37 Reporting verbs What is wrong with this sentence? Smith (2008) acknowledged. The verb acknowledge is transitive this means that it must take an object: Smith (2008) acknowledged the error.

38 Summary: Relative pronouns Subject Object Object of preposition Possessive Person who/that whom/that whom whose Thing which/that which/that which of which

39 To summarise You will communicate more effectively if you become sensitised to the structure of complex sentences. Remember: clauses are linked in two ways: subordinating conjunctions because, since, after, although, etc relative pronouns: that, which, who, whom, whose

40 Homework activity Useful sentence starters For a long list of examples, visit the Manchester Phrasebank: