Lesson 39. The Base Clause│The Mechanics of Fiction Writing
Understanding Base Clauses in Sentence Construction
The Foundation of Sentences
- The base clause is identified as the nucleus of every sentence, consisting of a subject and a predicate.
- Example sentence: "After many days, The Pequod approached the equator where the weather was perpetually warm and perfect for sleeping." This illustrates a simple sentence structure.
- Modifications in sentences provide additional context; introductory phrases and subordinate clauses enhance understanding by adding detail.
Expanding Base Clauses
- Writers can expand base clauses using manageable constructions, focusing on how to grow sentences beyond their basic form.
- Basic sentence kernels are introduced: "Bobby ran," "The candy fell," and "Celia likes hamburgers."
- Modifiers can be added to either or both elements of the base clause for specificity (e.g., “Bobby the bobsledder ran across the field”).
Utilizing Subordinate Phrases
- Subordinate phrases or clauses specify elements within a sentence, enhancing clarity about which specific item is being discussed.
- Example: "The kids climbed the tree that Jack’s grandfather planted" shows how subordinate clauses clarify details about nouns.
- Commas may set off subordinate clauses, providing additional information without losing focus on the main proposition.
Complexity Through Interruptions
- Adding interrupting phrases or clauses can introduce complexity but should be done carefully to maintain clarity (e.g., “Tim’s behavior—utterly terrible—was a disgrace”).
- Examples illustrate effective use of interruptions while ensuring smooth transitions between ideas (e.g., “Ted Williams—best known as ‘Teddy Ballgame’ back in his day—was both…”).
Key Takeaways on Sentence Structure
- Clarity is paramount; interruptions must flow logically with surrounding text to avoid confusion for readers.
Understanding Interrupters in Sentence Structure
The Role of Interrupters
- Interrupters do not disrupt the main sentence flow; they provide additional context or information that relates to the predicate.
- Reader sensitivity is crucial; interrupters should connect smoothly with preceding and following information to avoid confusion.
Examples of Effective and Ineffective Interrupters
- An example of a poor interrupter: "Greg Maddux of the Atlanta Braves—the subject of an excellent Punch Brothers song about the art of pitching titled 'Movement and Location'—won the Cy Young award several times." This creates confusion regarding who won the award.
- The issue arises when unrelated information misleads readers, making them think that a song could win an award, which is impossible.
Improving Sentence Clarity
- To enhance clarity, either omit tangential information or restructure sentences. For instance: "Greg Maddux...was a pitcher who won the Cy Young award several times."
- While still not perfect, this revision aids reader comprehension by clearly linking ideas.
Utilizing Introductory Phrases
- Introductory phrases can effectively set up base clauses in sentences, enhancing imagery and context for readers. Example: "Above the stony arch at the mouth of the pyramid’s tunnel..."
Expanding Base Clauses with Contextual Information
- Introductory phrases help orient actions within a timeline. Example: "A few hours after Keith came over..." provides temporal context.
- Conditional phrases also clarify relationships between actions. Example: "Unless the caterer arrives within the hour..."
Enhancing Sentence Flow
- Moving phrases to the beginning often improves clarity. For example, restructuring from "Callie always oversleeps on November 5th" to "Because her birthday is the day before..." enhances understanding.