Chapter XVIII: Clauses. Simple Sentences

=60.= We have learned that a sentence must contain a subject and a predicate. We have another name for a combination of subject and predicate. We call it a =clause=.

=61.= When a sentence consists of but one clause, we call it a =simple sentence=; and we say that this clause is =independent=, because it can stand alone and make sense.

=62.= A simple sentence may have a compound subject or a compound predicate, or both, and yet so long as these subjects and predicates go together, we say that there is only one clause; as in the sentence, “The lion and the mouse helped each other and became friends.”

=Summary.=—A =clause= is any combination of subject and predicate.

An =independent clause= is one that can stand alone and make sense.

A =simple sentence= contains but one independent clause.

A simple sentence may have a compound subject or a compound predicate, or both.

=Exercise.=—Analyze the following simple sentences:—

MODEL.—_Then a piece of mica, or a little pool, or even a highly polished leaf will flash like a heliograph._

This is a simple, declarative sentence.

The subject is _a piece of mica, or a little pool, or even a highly polished leaf_. The predicate is _will flash like a heliograph then_.

The subject is compound. The simple subjects are the nouns _piece_, _pool_, and _leaf_, which are joined by the conjunction _or_. _Piece_ is modified by the prepositional phrase _of mica_ and the adjective _a_. _Pool_, is modified by the adjectives _little_ and _a_. _Leaf_ is modified by the adjective element _highly polished_, and the adjectives _a_ and _even_. The base word of the adjective element is the adjective _polished_, which is modified by the adverb _highly_.

The simple predicate is _will flash_. It is modified by the prepositional phrase _like a heliograph_, and the adverb _then_.

1. Through three good months the valley was wrapped in cloud
and soaking mist.

2. In the very heart of London stands the great Bank of England.

3. Would not any boy respond to the sweet invitation of those
ripe berries?

4. A fool and his money are soon parted.

5. A large, warm tear splashed down on the program.

6. In the sunny days the sucker lies in the deep pools, by some
big stone or near the bank.

7. The feeling of a boy towards pumpkin pie has never been
properly considered.

8. Shall the adventures of the Peterkin family be published?

9. No healthy boy could long exist without numerous friends in
the animal kingdom.

10. No sound of joy or sorrow was heard from either bank.

11. At length has come the bridal day of beauty and of strength.

12. On one hot summer morning a little cloud rose from the sea
and floated lightly and happily across the blue sky.

13. Donkeys, horses, negroes of every age, size, and shade,
carts, crates, sacks, barrels, and boxes are mingled in
seemingly inextricable confusion.

14. In the midst of the wild confusion the voice of the Boots
was heard.

15. Then he strolled across the pasture, between the black
stumps, the blueberry patches, the tangles of wild raspberry;
pushed softly through the fringe of wild cherry and young
birch saplings, and crept silently under the branches of a low
hemlock.

16. The moss was supported by solid earth or a framework of
ancient tree roots.

17. Alas! with every blow of the chisel the brick crumbled at
my feet.

18. A dish of apples and a pitcher of chilly cider were always
served during the evening.

19. I sat down in the middle of the path and never stirred for
a long time.

20. The mayor and other civic authorities in London came down
to Greenwich in barges.