Abstract:

We have explored 162 English proverbs regarding sentence structure in this article. The proverbs which were studied have been classified according to their sentence structure as :1. simple, 2. complex: a. coordinated, b. conditional, c. proverbs presenting complex sentence structures with a direct quote, d. sentences built by ki and, e. proverbs presenting a subordinated sentence structure having infinitive verb forms such as infinitives, participials or gerundial forms, and 3. proverbs having a mixed sentence structure. Simple sentences (1-25) have been classified according to their predicate as verbal sentences and nominal sentences etc. Compound sentences (26-50) have been divided into 1: compound sentences introduced by coordinating conjunktions, 2. compound sentences without any conjunktions. Conditional clauses (5180) have been examined according to their functions as adverbials, subject clauses, concessive clauses etc. Direct quotes (59-62) embedded in main sentences have been studied regarding their functions. Sentences built by which have been classified according to their function in the main clause. We have studied the subordinated clauses constructed by infinitive verb forms such as infinitives, participials or gerundials (95144) and tried to determine their functions in the main clauses they take part in. Sentences comprising two or more independent clauses, at least one of which has one conditional clause, a clause formed by infinitive verb forms mentioned above or direct quotes have been defined as mixed sentences (145-162).

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