GCSE · Chapter 10
Grammar: sentence types, clauses, tense and mood
By the end of this chapter you will be able to
- I can name the word class of a word in its sentence.
- I can name a sentence as simple, compound, complex or minor, and say why.
- I can find a main clause and a subordinate or relative clause.
- I can make the verb agree with its subject and keep the tense consistent.
- I can name the mood and voice of a sentence, and change a sentence between active and passive.
- I can explain how sentence type, tense and voice affect the reader.
You should already know
- Sentences, clauses and conjunctions (Chapter 6)
- Writing sentences for effect (Chapter 6)
Where this leads
- Punctuation for effect, Standard English and spelling (Chapter 11)
- Mock exam Paper 1 (Chapter 12)
GCSE English Language. Content follows the GCSE (9-1) subject content for England (Edexcel and AQA). Content references: Identify word classes at GCSE depth: noun, verb, adjective, adverb, pronoun, preposition, conjunction, determiner, Identify simple, compound, complex and minor sentences; main, subordinate and relative clauses, Use subject-verb agreement correctly; identify and use tense and aspect (past, present, future, progressive, perfect), Identify mood (indicative, imperative, subjunctive in simple use) and active and passive voice; change between them, Explain the effect of sentence type, tense and voice on a reader.
Exercise P Do you remember?
1
FWhat is a conjunction? Write one word that is a conjunction.
and
Method. A conjunction joins words or clauses.
- Think about the job. Conjunctions such as and, but and because join.joins
- Give a word. And is a conjunction.and
- Write the answer. and
Check. And joins two things. ✓
2
FWhat is a clause? Write the answer in one short phrase.
a group of words with a subject and a verb
Method. A clause has a subject and a verb.
- Think about the parts. A clause has a subject and a verb.subject and verb
- Write it as a phrase. A group of words with a subject and a verb is a clause.a group of words with a subject and a verb
- Write the answer. a group of words with a subject and a verb
Check. The cat sat has a subject and verb. ✓
3
FWhat is the plural of child? Write one word.
children
Method. Child has an irregular plural.
- Think about the word. Child changes to children.children
- Write it. The plural is children.children
- Write the answer. children
Check. Children is irregular. ✓
4
FWhich word is a pronoun in "She opened it"? Write one word.
she
Method. A pronoun stands in for a noun.
- Think about replacement. She stands in for a name.stands in
- Choose. She is a pronoun.she
- Write the answer. she
Check. She is a pronoun. ✓
5
FWhat is the past tense of "write"? Write one word.
wrote
Method. Write is an irregular verb.
- Think about the verb. Write has an irregular past form.irregular
- Give the form. The past tense of write is wrote.wrote
- Write the answer. wrote
Check. Wrote is the past. ✓
10.1
Word classes in context
Video lesson: Word classes in contextComing soon
Context. A word's class depends on its job in the sentence, not only on its spelling. Read the model passage, and decide the class of each word by asking what it does: names something (noun), shows an action (verb), describes (adjective or adverb), replaces a noun (pronoun), or joins (conjunction).
Model passage: The letter (original, three paragraphs)
1The letter arrived on a Tuesday. Lena had been waiting for it since March, and she had almost stopped hoping. She opened it carefully at the kitchen table. The company had offered her a place on the training scheme, and it would begin in September. It was the first offer she had received in a year.
2She read the letter twice, then a third time. Her hands were shaking. Outside, a van was reversing down the lane. For a moment she did not move at all. The training would last two years, and she would be paid while she learned. Her brother had promised to celebrate with her, and she could already hear him laughing in the hall.
3"Tell me it is true," she whispered to the empty kitchen. Nobody answered, but the kettle clicked off, as if the house itself had heard. Lena smiled at the sound, feeling foolish and happy at once.
Key ideas
- Noun: a naming word (letter, Tuesday, Lena).
- Verb: an action or state (arrived, was shaking).
- Adjective describes a noun (kitchen table is a noun phrase; empty kitchen uses an adjective).
- Adverb describes a verb, adjective or adverb, often ending in -ly (carefully, twice).
- Determiner comes before a noun (the, a, her).
Worked example 10.1.1
What word class is "carefully" in "She opened it carefully"? Write one word.
Method. Ask what the word describes.
- Find what it describes. Carefully describes how she opened it, which is a verb.opened
- Name the class. A word that describes a verb is an adverb.adverb
- Write the answer. adverb
Check. Carefully describes the verb opened. ✓
Worked example 10.1.2
Which word class is "the" in "the kitchen table"? Choose one: determiner, adjective or pronoun.
Method. Test each choice against the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. The comes before a noun and introduces it.determiner fits
- Reject the other choices. The is not describing the noun, and it does not replace a noun.adjective and pronoun do not fit
- Write the answer. determiner
Check. The choice fits the text. ✓
Worked example 10.1.3
What word class is "and" in "Lena had been waiting, and she had almost stopped hoping"? Write one word.
Method. Look at what the word joins.
- Find what it joins. And joins two clauses.and she had almost stopped hoping
- Name the class. A word that joins clauses is a conjunction.conjunction
- Write the answer. conjunction
Check. And is a conjunction. ✓
Exercise 10A Practice: word classes
1
FWhat word class is "twice" in "She read the letter twice"? Write one word.
adverb
Method. Ask what it describes.
- Find what it describes. Twice describes how many times she read the letter.read the letter twice
- Name the class. It describes a verb, so it is an adverb.adverb
- Write the answer. adverb
Check. Twice is an adverb. ✓
2
FWhat word class is "letter" in "The letter arrived"? Write one word.
noun
Method. Ask what the word names.
- Find what it names. Letter names the thing that arrived.The letter arrived
- Name the class. A naming word is a noun.noun
- Write the answer. noun
Check. Letter is a noun. ✓
3
FWhat word class is "at" in "at the kitchen table"? Write one word.
preposition
Method. Ask what the word shows.
- Find the position. At shows where, the position of the table.where
- Name the class. A word that shows position is a preposition.preposition
- Write the answer. preposition
Check. At shows position. ✓
4
FWhat word class is "she" in "she had almost stopped hoping"? Write one word.
pronoun
Method. Ask what it replaces.
- Find what it replaces. She replaces the name Lena.Lena
- Name the class. A word that replaces a noun is a pronoun.pronoun
- Write the answer. pronoun
Check. She is a pronoun. ✓
5
PSWhat word class is "empty" in "the empty kitchen"? Write one word.
adjective
Method. Ask what it describes.
- Find what it describes. Empty describes the kitchen.empty kitchen
- Name the class. A word that describes a noun is an adjective.adjective
- Write the answer. adjective
Check. Empty describes the noun. ✓
6
PSWhat word class is "shaking" in "Her hands were shaking"? Write one word: verb or adjective.
verb
Method. Look at the form.
- Look at the form. Were shaking is a progressive verb form.were shaking
- Name the class. The word is part of the verb.verb
- Write the answer. verb
Check. Shaking is part of the verb. ✓
7
PSWhat word class is "but" in "The company had offered her a place, but nothing was decided"? Write one word.
conjunction
Method. Look at what it joins.
- Find what it joins. But joins two clauses.but
- Name the class. It is a conjunction.conjunction
- Write the answer. conjunction
Check. But is a conjunction. ✓
8
RWhat word class is "soon" in "The letter would soon arrive"? Write one word.
adverb
Method. Ask what it describes.
- Find what it describes. Soon describes when the letter arrives.when
- Name the class. An adverb describes a verb.adverb
- Write the answer. adverb
Check. Soon is an adverb. ✓
9
RWhich word class is "her" in "her hands" if it comes before a noun? Write one word: determiner or pronoun.
determiner
Method. Look at its position.
- Look at the position. Her comes before the noun hands.her hands
- Name the class. A word before a noun is a determiner.determiner
- Write the answer. determiner
Check. Her comes before the noun. ✓
10
RWhat word class is "beeping" in "a van was reversing, beeping as it went"? Write one word: verb or noun.
verb
Method. Ask what it shows.
- Find the action. Beeping is an action the van does.beeping
- Name the class. A word for an action is a verb.verb
- Write the answer. verb
Check. Beeping is an action. ✓
11
FWrite one sentence that uses an adverb ending in -ly and an adjective. Give the sentence.
Accept any answer that uses an adverb and an adjective correctly in one sentence. For example: The letter arrived quietly, and the kitchen felt strangely calm.
Method. Choose an adverb for the verb and an adjective for the noun.
- Adverb. Quietly describes how the letter arrived.quietly
- Adjective. Calm describes the kitchen.calm
- Write the answer. The letter arrived quietly, and the kitchen felt strangely calm.
Check. Both word classes are used. ✓
10.2
Sentence types: simple, compound, complex and minor
Video lesson: Sentence types: simple, compound, complex and minorComing soon
Context. A simple sentence has one main clause. A compound sentence joins two main clauses with a conjunction such as and, but or so. A complex sentence has one main clause and at least one subordinate clause, which cannot stand alone. A minor sentence has no verb.
Key ideas
- Simple: one main clause.
- Compound: two main clauses joined by and, but or so.
- Complex: a main clause and a subordinate clause (after when, although, because, as if).
- Relative clause: a subordinate clause that begins with who, which, that or whose.
Worked example 10.2.1
Which sentence type is "The letter arrived on a Tuesday"? Choose one: simple, compound or complex.
Method. Test each choice against the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. It has one main clause and no conjunction joining two clauses.simple fits
- Reject the other choices. It has no and or but, and no subordinate clause beginning with a joining word.compound and complex do not fit
- Write the answer. simple
Check. The choice fits the text. ✓
Worked example 10.2.2
Is "She opened it carefully at the kitchen table" simple or compound? Write one word.
Method. Count the main clauses.
- Find the verbs. The sentence has one main verb, opened.opened
- Count the clauses. There is one main clause and no joining conjunction.one main clause
- Name the type. One main clause makes a simple sentence.simple
- Write the answer. simple
Check. One main clause. ✓
Worked example 10.2.3
Name the subordinate clause in "The kettle clicked off, as if the house itself had heard."
Method. Find the clause that cannot stand alone.
- Find the joining word. As if begins a subordinate clause.as if
- Check it stands alone. As if the house itself had heard does not make sense alone.does not make sense alone
- Name it. The subordinate clause is as if the house itself had heard.as if the house itself had heard
- Write the answer. as if the house itself had heard
Check. The subordinate clause depends on the main clause. ✓
Exercise 10B Practice: sentence types
1
FIs "Lena had been waiting for it since March, and she had almost stopped hoping" simple, compound or complex? Write one word.
compound
Method. Count the main clauses and the joining word.
- Find the joining word. And joins two main clauses.and
- Name the type. Two main clauses joined by and make a compound sentence.compound
- Write the answer. compound
Check. Two main clauses joined by and. ✓
2
PSIs "The company had offered her a place on the training scheme, and it would begin in September" compound or complex? Write one word.
compound
Method. Look for the conjunction and the two clauses.
- Find the clauses. The company had offered her a place, and it would begin in September.and it would begin
- Name the type. Two main clauses joined by and make a compound sentence.compound
- Write the answer. compound
Check. Compound. ✓
3
PSIs "Nobody answered, but the kettle clicked off" compound or complex? Write one word.
compound
Method. Look for the conjunction.
- Find the conjunction. But joins two main clauses.but
- Name the type. Two main clauses joined by but make a compound sentence.compound
- Write the answer. compound
Check. Compound with but. ✓
4
PSIs "When the letter arrived, she was happy" simple, compound or complex? Write one word.
complex
Method. Find the subordinate clause.
- Find the subordinate. When the letter arrived cannot stand alone.when
- Name the type. A main clause with a subordinate clause is complex.complex
- Write the answer. complex
Check. The subordinate clause makes it complex. ✓
5
FIs "The letter arrived on a Tuesday" simple or complex? Write one word.
simple
Method. Count the clauses.
- Count. There is one clause.one clause
- Name the type. One main clause is simple.simple
- Write the answer. simple
Check. One clause. ✓
6
RIn "The letter that she opened was from the company", which word begins the relative clause? Write one word.
that
Method. Find the relative clause.
- Find the clause. That she opened begins a clause describing the letter.that she opened
- Name the word. That begins the relative clause.that
- Write the answer. that
Check. That begins the relative clause. ✓
7
RWhich word begins a relative clause in "Lena, who had waited for months, was relieved"? Write one word.
who
Method. Look for the word that refers back to a noun.
- Find the noun. Who refers back to Lena.Lena
- Name the word. Who begins the relative clause.who
- Write the answer. who
Check. Who refers back to the person. ✓
8
RWhich sentence is minor (has no verb)? Write A or B. A: "Silence." B: "The room was silent."
A
Method. Look for a verb.
- Check A. Silence has no verb, so it is minor.no verb
- Check B. The room was silent has a verb.was
- Write the answer. A
Check. A is minor. ✓
9
RIs "Tell me it is true" a simple, compound or complex sentence? Write one word.
simple
Method. Count the clauses.
- Count the clauses. Tell me it is true has one main clause.Tell me it is true
- Name the type. It is simple.simple
- Write the answer. simple
Check. One main clause. ✓
10
PSWrite a complex sentence about a train that was late. Use because.
Accept any answer that uses because to join a main clause and a subordinate clause, with correct structure. For example: The train was late because the signal had failed.
Method. Write a main clause, then add a subordinate clause with because.
- Main clause. The train was late.The train was late
- Subordinate clause. Because the signal had failed explains why.because the signal had failed
- Write the answer. The train was late because the signal had failed.
Check. The complex sentence is correct. ✓
11
RWhich conjunction is typical of a subordinate clause of time? Write one word: and, when or but.
when
Method. Think about time.
- Think about time. When introduces a clause of time.time
- Choose. When is the time conjunction.when
- Write the answer. when
Check. When marks time. ✓
12
RWhich word class does a relative pronoun belong to? Write one word: pronoun or verb.
pronoun
Method. Think about what it replaces.
- Think about the job. A relative pronoun refers back to a noun.refers back
- Name the class. It is a pronoun.pronoun
- Write the answer. pronoun
Check. A relative pronoun is a pronoun. ✓
10.3
Tense, aspect and subject-verb agreement
Video lesson: Tense, aspect and subject-verb agreementComing soon
Context. Tense shows when an action happens. Aspect shows how it happens: simple, progressive (was waiting) or perfect (had waited). The verb must agree with its subject: one subject takes a singular verb; two or more take a plural verb.
| Tense | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Present simple | verb (+s) | She opens the letter. |
| Past simple | verb (-ed or irregular) | She opened the letter. |
| Present progressive | am/is/are + -ing | She is opening the letter. |
| Past progressive | was/were + -ing | She was opening the letter. |
| Present perfect | have/has + past participle | She has opened the letter. |
| Past perfect | had + past participle | She had opened the letter. |
| Future | will + verb | She will open the letter. |
Key ideas
- Past simple: she opened. Past progressive: she was opening. Past perfect: she had opened.
- Agreement: the letter was (singular); the letters were (plural).
- Each, every, either and neither take a singular verb.
- With neither ... nor, the verb agrees with the nearer subject.
Worked example 10.3.1
What tense is "Her hands were shaking"? Write the tense name.
Method. Look at the auxiliary and the -ing form.
- Find the auxiliary. Were is the past of be.were
- Find the -ing form. Shaking shows the action in progress.shaking
- Name the tense. Past plus -ing is the past progressive.past progressive
- Write the answer. past progressive
Check. Were plus -ing is past progressive. ✓
Worked example 10.3.2
Which verb completes "Neither the pupils nor the teacher ___ ready"? Choose one: was, were or be.
Method. Test each choice against the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. With neither ... nor, the verb agrees with the nearer subject, the teacher.was fits
- Reject the other choices. Were would agree with the pupils, but the nearer subject is the teacher.were and be do not fit
- Write the answer. was
Check. The choice fits the text. ✓
Worked example 10.3.3
Choose the correct form: "Each of the letters ___ important." Write is or are.
Method. Each takes a singular verb.
- Find the key word. Each is the subject word that controls the verb.Each
- Check the rule. Each takes a singular verb.singular
- Choose. The correct form is is.is
- Write the answer. is
Check. Each takes singular. ✓
Exercise 10C Practice: tense and agreement
1
RWhat tense is "Lena had been waiting"? Write the tense name: past perfect progressive or present simple.
past perfect progressive
Method. Look at the auxiliary and the -ing form.
- Find the auxiliary. Had been is the past perfect of be.had been
- Name the tense. Had been with -ing is the past perfect progressive.past perfect progressive
- Write the answer. past perfect progressive
Check. Had been waiting is past perfect progressive. ✓
2
FWhat tense is "she read"? Write the tense name: past simple or present perfect.
past simple
Method. Look at the verb form.
- Look at the verb. Read is the simple past form.read
- Name the tense. A simple past verb is past simple.past simple
- Write the answer. past simple
Check. Read is past simple. ✓
3
FComplete with the correct form: "The letter ___ on the table." Write was or were.
was
Method. Match the verb to the subject.
- Find the subject. The letter is singular.The letter
- Choose. A singular subject takes was.was
- Write the answer. was
Check. Singular takes was. ✓
4
FComplete with the correct form: "The lights ___ on." Write was or were.
were
Method. Match the verb to the subject.
- Find the subject. Lights is plural.lights
- Choose. A plural subject takes were.were
- Write the answer. were
Check. Plural takes were. ✓
5
PSWhich tense is "it will begin in September"? Write the tense name.
future
Method. Look for will.
- Look for will. Will plus a verb shows the future.will begin
- Name the tense. It is the future tense.future
- Write the answer. future
Check. Will plus verb is future. ✓
6
RComplete the sentence with the correct verb: "Neither the lamp nor the candles ___ bright." Write was or were.
were
Method. Use the nearer subject.
- Find the nearer subject. The nearer subject is candles, which is plural.candles
- Choose. A plural nearer subject takes were.were
- Write the answer. were
Check. The nearer subject is plural. ✓
7
PSWrite the present perfect of "open" with has or have: "She ___ opened the letter." Write has or have.
has
Method. Match the auxiliary to the subject.
- Find the subject. She is third person singular.She
- Choose. Has goes with she.has
- Write the answer. has
Check. Has goes with she. ✓
8
RWhich form is the past perfect: "had opened" or "opened"? Write the form.
had opened
Method. Look for had with the past participle.
- Look for had. Had plus a past participle is past perfect.had
- Choose. Had opened is the past perfect.had opened
- Write the answer. had opened
Check. Had opened is past perfect. ✓
9
PSChoose the correct tense: "Tomorrow, she ___ the results." Write will receive or received.
will receive
Method. Look for a time word.
- Find the time. Tomorrow shows the future.Tomorrow
- Choose. The future form is will receive.will receive
- Write the answer. will receive
Check. Tomorrow needs the future. ✓
10
PSCorrect the agreement: "The children is ready." Write the corrected verb.
are
Method. Match the verb to the plural subject.
- Find the subject. Children is plural.children
- Correct. The plural verb is are.are
- Write the answer. are
Check. Children takes are. ✓
11
RWhich tense is "She is opening the letter"? Write the tense name.
present progressive
Method. Look at the auxiliary and -ing.
- Look at the auxiliary. Is is the present of be.is
- Name the tense. Present with -ing is present progressive.present progressive
- Write the answer. present progressive
Check. Is opening is present progressive. ✓
12
PSCorrect the tense error: "Yesterday she walks to the station." Write the corrected sentence.
Accept any answer that changes walks to walked to match the past time word yesterday. For example: Yesterday she walked to the station.
Method. Match the verb tense to the time word.
- Time word. Yesterday signals the past.Yesterday
- Change the verb. The past simple of walk is walked.walked
- Write the answer. Yesterday she walked to the station.
Check. The tense now matches the time. ✓
10.4
Mood and voice
Video lesson: Mood and voiceComing soon
Context. Mood is the attitude of a verb. Most sentences are indicative (they state or ask). Imperatives give orders. The subjunctive appears in simple forms such as if I were you. Voice shows whether the subject does the action (active) or has it done to them (passive).
| Mood | What it does | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Indicative | states facts or asks questions | The letter arrived. |
| Imperative | gives an order or request | Open the letter. |
| Subjunctive (simple use) | expresses a wish, or a condition contrary to fact | If I were you, I would wait. |
Key ideas
- Indicative: states facts or asks questions.
- Imperative: gives an order or request, often without a subject: Tell me.
- Subjunctive (simple use): If I were you; it is vital that he be there.
- Active: Lena opened the letter. Passive: The letter was opened by Lena.
Worked example 10.4.1
What is the mood of "Tell me it is true"? Write one word.
Method. Look for a verb that gives an order.
- Find the verb. Tell is the first word, and it gives an order.Tell me
- Check the subject. There is no stated subject; the speaker is ordering.no subject
- Name the mood. An order is in the imperative mood.imperative
- Write the answer. imperative
Check. Tell me is an order. ✓
Worked example 10.4.2
Which sentence is in the passive voice? Choose one: Lena opened the letter., The letter was opened by Lena. or Open the letter..
Method. Test each choice against the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. The subject, the letter, receives the action, with was opened.The letter was opened by Lena. fits
- Reject the other choices. Lena opened the letter has Lena as the doer, and open the letter is an order.Lena opened the letter. and Open the letter. do not fit
- Write the answer. The letter was opened by Lena.
Check. The choice fits the text. ✓
Worked example 10.4.3
Change "The company offered her a place" into the passive. Write the sentence.
Method. Move the object to the front and use was with a past participle.
- Find the object. The object is a place.a place
- Form the passive. Was offered is the passive form.was offered
- Write it. A place was offered to her by the company.A place was offered to her by the company.
- Write the answer. A place was offered to her by the company.
Check. The object becomes the subject. ✓
Exercise 10D Practice: mood and voice
1
FWhat is the mood of "Open the letter"? Write one word.
imperative
Method. Look for an order.
- Look for the order. Open is a command to the reader.Open
- Name the mood. A command is imperative.imperative
- Write the answer. imperative
Check. Open is an order. ✓
2
FWhat is the mood of "She opened the letter"? Write one word: indicative or imperative.
indicative
Method. Think about what it does.
- Think about the job. It states what happened.states
- Name the mood. A statement is indicative.indicative
- Write the answer. indicative
Check. A statement is indicative. ✓
3
RWhich sentence is in the subjunctive in simple use? Write A or B. A: "If I were you, I would wait." B: "If I am you, I will wait."
A
Method. Look for the form were after if, for an imagined situation.
- Check A. Were is the subjunctive form used with I after if.were
- Check B. Am is the indicative and not the subjunctive.indicative
- Write the answer. A
Check. A uses the subjunctive. ✓
4
FIs "The letter was opened by Lena" active or passive? Write one word.
passive
Method. Find the doer and the receiver.
- Find the doer. Lena is the doer after by.by Lena
- Name the voice. The subject receives the action, so it is passive.passive
- Write the answer. passive
Check. Was opened by is passive. ✓
5
FIs "Lena opened the letter" active or passive? Write one word.
active
Method. Find the subject and the doer.
- Find the doer. Lena is the subject and does the action.Lena opened
- Name the voice. The subject does the action, which is active.active
- Write the answer. active
Check. The subject does the action. ✓
6
PSChange "Lena opened the letter" into the passive. Write the sentence.
The letter was opened by Lena.
Method. Move the object to the front.
- Move the object. The letter becomes the subject.The letter
- Form the passive. Was opened by Lena is the passive.was opened by Lena
- Write the answer. The letter was opened by Lena.
Check. The passive is correct. ✓
7
PSWhich mood is "Please wait here"? Write one word: indicative or imperative.
imperative
Method. Look for a request or order.
- Look for the request. Please wait here asks the reader to act.asks the reader
- Name the mood. A request or order is imperative.imperative
- Write the answer. imperative
Check. A request is imperative. ✓
8
RWhich verb is the subjunctive in "It is vital that she be told"? Write one word.
be
Method. Look for the base form after that.
- Look after that. The base form be follows a demand or necessity.be told
- Name the word. Be is the subjunctive form.be
- Write the answer. be
Check. Be is the subjunctive in simple use. ✓
9
RWrite the passive form of "The teacher marked the papers".
The papers were marked by the teacher
Method. Move the object to the front.
- Move the object. The papers become the subject.The papers
- Form the passive. Were marked by the teacher.were marked by the teacher
- Write the answer. The papers were marked by the teacher
Check. The passive is correct. ✓
10
PSIs "A decision will be made soon" active or passive? Write one word.
passive
Method. Look for be plus a past participle.
- Look for the form. Will be made is be plus a past participle.will be made
- Name the voice. The form is passive.passive
- Write the answer. passive
Check. Will be made is passive. ✓
11
RWhat is the modal verb in "She might stay"? Write one word.
might
Method. Look for the modal.
- Look for the modal. Might shows possibility.possibility
- Name the word. Might is the modal verb.might
- Write the answer. might
Check. Might is the modal verb. ✓
12
FWrite one imperative sentence that gives a practical instruction for a letter. Give the sentence.
Accept any answer that gives an imperative sentence that begins with a verb or a command. For example: Read the letter twice before you reply.
Method. Start with the verb.
- Verb first. Read is the first word.Read
- Instruction. It gives a clear order.clear order
- Write the answer. Read the letter twice before you reply.
Check. The imperative is correct. ✓
10.5
The effect of sentence type, tense and voice
Video lesson: The effect of sentence type, tense and voiceComing soon
Context. Grammar choices create effects. A short sentence creates a pause. A present tense makes an event feel immediate. A passive voice can hide the doer. Ask: what does this choice do to the reader, and why did the writer choose it?
Key ideas
- A short sentence creates a pause or tension.
- Present tense creates immediacy; past tense creates distance or reflection.
- Passive voice can hide or delay the doer, and can suggest that the action matters more than the doer.
- Explain the effect in a full sentence: the choice + what it does + the effect on the reader.
Worked example 10.5.1
What effect does the short sentence "For a moment she did not move at all." create? Give one effect.
Method. Look at its length and what it describes.
- Look at the length. The sentence is short after longer ones.For a moment she did not move at all
- Explain the effect. The short sentence slows the pace.slows the pace
- Give the effect. It creates a pause and tension.a pause and tension
- Write the answer. a pause and tension
Check. Short sentences create pauses. ✓
Worked example 10.5.2
Which effect does the present tense in "Outside, a van is reversing" create? Choose one: immediacy, as if it is happening now, distance, as if it happened long ago or humour.
Method. Test each choice against the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. The present tense places the reader in the moment.immediacy, as if it is happening now fits
- Reject the other choices. Distance would come from the past tense, and humour is not created by this tense.distance, as if it happened long ago and humour do not fit
- Write the answer. immediacy, as if it is happening now
Check. The choice fits the text. ✓
Worked example 10.5.3
Why might a writer use a passive sentence such as "The letter was opened"? Give one reason.
Method. Think about what the passive puts first.
- Find the focus. The passive places the letter first.The letter was opened
- Think about the doer. The doer is not named, so the focus stays on the action.not named
- Give the reason. The writer focuses on the letter rather than the person.focus on the letter
- Write the answer. to focus on the letter rather than the person who opened it
Check. The passive shifts the focus. ✓
Exercise 10E Practice: effects of grammar choices
1
FWhich effect does a short sentence create? Write one word: pause, confusion or humour alone.
pause
Method. Think about pace.
- Think about pace. A short sentence slows the reader.slows
- Name the effect. It creates a pause.pause
- Write the answer. pause
Check. A short sentence creates a pause. ✓
2
FWhich tense creates immediacy: present or past? Write one word.
present
Method. Think about when the action feels.
- Think about the feel. The present feels as if it is happening now.now
- Name the tense. Present creates immediacy.present
- Write the answer. present
Check. Present is immediate. ✓
3
RWhich voice can hide the doer of an action? Write one word: active or passive.
passive
Method. Think about the doer.
- Think about the doer. The passive can leave out the person who did it.leave out
- Name the voice. Passive hides the doer.passive
- Write the answer. passive
Check. The passive hides the doer. ✓
4
RWhat effect does the sentence "Nobody answered." create after a question? Write one word: tension, joy or speed.
tension
Method. Think about the pause.
- Think about the moment. The silence after a question is tense.silence
- Name the effect. It creates tension.tension
- Write the answer. tension
Check. Silence creates tension. ✓
5
RExplain the effect of the simile in "as if the house itself had heard". Use one sentence.
Accept any answer that explains that the subordinate clause gives the house human awareness and mystery. For example: It makes the house seem alive and aware, which adds a sense of mystery.
Method. Think about what the clause says about the house.
- The clause. As if the house itself had heard gives human awareness.human awareness
- The effect. It adds mystery.mystery
- Write the answer. It makes the house seem alive and aware, which adds a sense of mystery.
Check. The effect is explained. ✓
6
RWhich sentence type builds a sense of pace? Write one word: short, complex or passive.
short
Method. Think about rhythm.
- Think about rhythm. Short sentences quicken the reading.quicken
- Name the type. Short sentences build pace.short
- Write the answer. short
Check. Short sentences build pace. ✓
7
RExplain why a writer might choose a past tense for a memory. One sentence.
Accept any answer that explains that the past tense creates distance or reflection for a memory. For example: The past tense creates distance, so the reader sees the memory as something that happened before the present.
Method. Think about time.
- Distance. The past tense places the memory before now.before now
- Reflection. It creates a reflective tone.reflective
- Write the answer. The past tense creates distance, so the reader sees the memory as something that happened before the present.
Check. The past tense creates distance. ✓
8
RWhich effect does a complex sentence with a subordinate clause often create? Write one word: detail, speed or silence.
detail
Method. Think about what subordinate clauses add.
- Think about what they add. Subordinate clauses add information and reasons.information
- Name the effect. They give detail.detail
- Write the answer. detail
Check. Subordinate clauses add detail. ✓
9
RExplain the effect of a mix of short and long sentences in one paragraph. One sentence.
Accept any answer that explains that the mix of lengths varies the rhythm and keeps the reader interested. For example: The mix keeps the reader interested, because the rhythm changes between quick points and fuller description.
Method. Think about rhythm.
- Rhythm. Short and long sentences change the rhythm.rhythm
- Reader. The changing rhythm keeps the reader interested.interested
- Write the answer. The mix keeps the reader interested, because the rhythm changes between quick points and fuller description.
Check. The mix varies rhythm. ✓
10
PSWhich tense would you choose for an event that is happening now in a report? Write one word: past or present.
present
Method. Think about the event.
- Think about the event. A current event is happening now.now
- Choose. Present tense suits an event now.present
- Write the answer. present
Check. Present for now. ✓
Chapter summary
| Skill | Method |
|---|---|
| Word classes | Decide each word by its job: noun, verb, adjective, adverb, pronoun, preposition, conjunction, determiner |
| Sentence types and clauses | Count the main clauses: one is simple, two joined are compound; a subordinate clause makes it complex |
| Tense, aspect and agreement | Match the tense to the time; match the verb to a singular or plural subject |
| Mood and voice | Indicative states, imperative orders, subjunctive in simple forms; passive moves the object to the front |
| Effects | Short sentences pause, present tense is immediate, passive hides the doer; explain the effect on the reader |
Can you…?
- I can name the word class of a word from its job in the sentence
- I can identify simple, compound, complex and minor sentences
- I can find a main clause and a subordinate or relative clause
- I can make a verb agree with its subject and keep the tense consistent
- I can name the mood and voice, and change a sentence to the passive
- I can explain the effect of sentence type, tense and voice
Key terms
- clause
- a group of words with a subject and a verb
- main clause
- a clause that can stand alone
- subordinate clause
- a clause that depends on a main clause
- relative clause
- a subordinate clause that begins with who, which, that or whose
- aspect
- how an action happens: simple, progressive or perfect
- mood
- the attitude of a verb: indicative, imperative or subjunctive
- passive voice
- the subject receives the action, as in was opened by Lena
Exercise 10Z Check-up
1
What word class is "carefully" in "She opened it carefully"? Write one word.
adverb
Method. Ask what it describes.
- Find what it describes. It describes the verb opened.opened
- Name the class. A word describing a verb is an adverb.adverb
- Write the answer. adverb
Check. Carefully is an adverb. ✓
2
What word class is "the" in "the kitchen table"? Write one word.
determiner
Method. Look at its position.
- Look at the position. The comes before the noun kitchen table.before a noun
- Name the class. A word before a noun is a determiner.determiner
- Write the answer. determiner
Check. The is a determiner. ✓
3
Is "The letter arrived on a Tuesday" simple or compound? Write one word.
simple
Method. Count the main clauses.
- Count. There is one main clause.one main clause
- Name the type. One main clause is simple.simple
- Write the answer. simple
Check. One main clause. ✓
4
Is "Lena had been waiting, and she had almost stopped hoping" compound or complex? Write one word.
compound
Method. Find the joining word.
- Find the joining word. And joins two main clauses.and
- Name the type. Two main clauses make a compound sentence.compound
- Write the answer. compound
Check. Two main clauses joined by and. ✓
5
Which tense is "Her hands were shaking"? Write the tense name.
past progressive
Method. Look at the auxiliary and the -ing form.
- Find the auxiliary. Were is the past form of be.were
- Name the tense. Past of be with -ing is the past progressive.past progressive
- Write the answer. past progressive
Check. Were shaking is past progressive. ✓
6
Complete the sentence: "Neither the pupils nor the teacher ___ ready." Write was or were.
was
Method. Use the nearer subject.
- Find the nearer subject. The teacher is the nearer subject.the teacher
- Choose. A singular nearer subject takes was.was
- Write the answer. was
Check. The nearer subject is singular. ✓
7
What is the mood of "Tell me it is true"? Write one word.
imperative
Method. Look for an order.
- Look for the order. Tell is a command.Tell me
- Name the mood. A command is imperative.imperative
- Write the answer. imperative
Check. Tell is an order. ✓
8
Change "The company offered her a place" into the passive. Write the sentence.
A place was offered to her by the company.
Method. Move the object to the front.
- Move the object. A place becomes the subject.A place
- Form the passive. Was offered is the passive form.was offered
- Write the answer. A place was offered to her by the company.
Check. The passive is correct. ✓
9
Is "The letter was opened by Lena" active or passive? Write one word.
passive
Method. Find the doer and the receiver.
- Find the doer. Lena is the doer after by.by Lena
- Name the voice. The subject receives the action, so it is passive.passive
- Write the answer. passive
Check. The subject receives the action. ✓
10
Explain the effect of the short sentence "For a moment she did not move at all." Write one sentence.
Accept any sentence that says the short sentence creates a pause and tension, slowing the pace. For example: the short sentence creates a pause and builds tension.
Method. Explain the effect of the short sentence.
- Find the length. The sentence is short after longer ones.short
- Explain the effect. It creates a pause and tension.a pause and tension
- Write the answer. the short sentence creates a pause and builds tension.
Check. The effect is explained. ✓
Total 24 marks. Allow about 24 minutes.
Exercise 10X Exam-style questions
1
FText: "Lena opened the letter." What is the mood of this sentence? Write one word.[1 mark]
indicative
Method. Decide what the sentence does.
- Decide. It states what happened.states
- Name the mood. A statement is indicative.indicative
- Write the answer. indicative
Check. A statement is indicative. ✓
2
FText: "The letter was opened by Lena." Change this sentence into the active voice. Write the sentence.[2 marks]
Lena opened the letter.
Method. Move the doer to the subject.
- Find the doer. Lena is the doer.Lena
- Write the active. Lena opened the letter.opened
- Write the answer. Lena opened the letter.
Check. The active is correct. ✓
3
FText: "She read the letter twice, then a third time." Name the word class of "twice". Write one word.[1 mark]
adverb
Method. Ask what it describes.
- Find what it describes. Twice describes how many times she read.read the letter twice
- Name the class. It describes a verb, so it is an adverb.adverb
- Write the answer. adverb
Check. Twice is an adverb. ✓
4
FText: "The training would last two years, and she would be paid while she learned." Name the two main clauses joined by and. Write the first clause only.[2 marks]
The training would last two years
Method. Find the clause before and.
- Find the joining word. And joins two main clauses.and
- Give the first clause. The first main clause is before and.The training would last two years
- Write the answer. The training would last two years
Check. The first clause is before and. ✓
5
RText: "as if the house itself had heard." Explain the effect of this subordinate clause. Use your own words.[3 marks]
Accept any answer that says the clause gives the house awareness or human feeling, which suggests mystery or atmosphere. For example: it makes the house seem aware, adding mystery.
Method. Explain the clause and its effect.
- The clause. As if the house had heard gives awareness.awareness
- The effect. It adds mystery or atmosphere.mystery
- Write the answer. it makes the house seem aware, adding mystery.
Check. The effect is explained. ✓
6
RText: "Her hands were shaking." Name the tense and explain what it shows about Lena. Use your own words.[3 marks]
Accept any answer that names the past progressive and says it shows an action in progress, which suggests Lena is nervous or overwhelmed. For example: the past progressive shows her hands were still shaking, so she is overwhelmed.
Method. Name the tense, then explain.
- Name the tense. Were shaking is past progressive.past progressive
- Explain the effect. The ongoing action shows she is overwhelmed.overwhelmed
- Write the answer. the past progressive shows her hands were still shaking, so she is overwhelmed.
Check. The tense and effect are explained. ✓
7
RText: "Tell me it is true," she whispered. Name the mood of "Tell me it is true" and explain its effect. Use your own words.[3 marks]
Accept any answer that names the imperative and says it shows Lena's urgent need for reassurance. For example: the imperative shows she urgently needs to be reassured.
Method. Name the mood and its effect.
- Name the mood. Tell is an order, so it is imperative.imperative
- Explain. The order shows urgent need for reassurance.urgent need
- Write the answer. the imperative shows she urgently needs to be reassured.
Check. The mood and effect are explained. ✓
8
RText: "Neither the pupils nor the teacher was ready." Explain why was is correct here. Write one sentence.[2 marks]
Accept any sentence that says was agrees with the nearer subject, the teacher, which is singular. For example: was agrees with the teacher, the nearer subject.
Method. Find the nearer subject and the verb.
- Find the nearer subject. The teacher is nearer to the verb.the teacher
- Explain. A singular nearer subject takes was.singular
- Write the answer. was agrees with the teacher, the nearer subject.
Check. Agreement is explained. ✓
9
PSRewrite this sentence in the present tense: "Yesterday, she walked to the station." Write the sentence.[2 marks]
Accept any present-tense rewrite with the time word changed to suit, for example: Today, she walks to the station.
Method. Change the verb and the time word.
- Change the verb. Walked becomes walks.walks
- Change the time word. Yesterday becomes today.Today
- Write the answer. Today, she walks to the station.
Check. The tense and time are consistent. ✓
10
RExplain the effect of the passive sentence "The letter was opened" on the reader. Write one sentence.[3 marks]
Accept any sentence that says the passive keeps the focus on the letter and hides the doer, which can suggest the action matters more than who did it. For example: the focus stays on the letter, not on who opened it.
Method. Explain the focus and what is hidden.
- Focus. The letter is the subject.The letter
- Effect. The doer is hidden, so the action matters more.hidden
- Write the answer. the focus stays on the letter, not on who opened it.
Check. The effect is explained. ✓
11
RWrite one sentence in the subjunctive, in simple use, expressing a wish. Give the sentence.[2 marks]
Accept any sentence in simple subjunctive use, such as If I were you, I would wait, or I wish I were there.
Method. Use were after if or I wish.
- Choose the form. Were is the subjunctive form.were
- Write the sentence. I wish I were there is a simple subjunctive.I wish I were there
- Write the answer. I wish I were there.
Check. The subjunctive is used. ✓