Simple Compound and Complex Introduction Dependent Independent Clauses

Simple, Compound, and Complex

Introduction: Dependent & Independent Clauses • To distinguish between simple, complex, or compound sentences, it is important to know what dependent and independent clauses are. • dependent clause - cannot stand on its own as a sentence • THINIK: If a person is “dependent, ” he or she needs help from someone. • Example: Whether or not I decide to go. This is a dependent clause. • independent clause - can stand on its own as a sentence • THINK: If a person is “independent, ” he or she doesn’t need help from anyone. • Example: Whether or not I decide to go depends on if I have enough money. This is an independent clause.

The Three Kinds of Complete Sentences • Sentences can be simple, compound, or complex. • A simple sentence has one independent clause. • A complex sentence has one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. • A compound sentence joins two independent clauses.

Simple Sentence • The simple sentence tells who or what the sentence is about (subject). • A simple sentence also dells what the subject does. • A simple sentence has one independent clause with one or more subjects (nouns), and one or more predicates (verbs), and expresses a complete thought. “The dog sat. ” or “The dog and cat ate and sat. ”

Compound Sentence • A compound sentence is made of two simple sentences that are joined by a coordinating conjunction such as and, but, or. The girl pulled the cat’s tail, and the cat ran away. She tried to pull the cat’s tail, but the cat ran away. Would she like a cat, or would she rather have a dog? complete sentence

Complex Sentence A complex sentence consists of • a subordinate clause (also referred to as a dependent clause or a fragment) and • a main clause (also referred to as an independent clause, or as a complete sentence). • In other words, a complex sentence is made up of an incomplete thought and a complete thought joined together. Examples: If I plan ahead, I can achieve all my goals. fragment complete sentence When you leave the room, please close the door quietly.

Practice Decide if the sentence is simple, compound, or complex. • • After finding an error, the teacher returned the homework. Complex Brianda studies every night. Simple Steven likes to talk and drink coffee at break. Simple John Henry forgot to put his name at the top of his paper when he handed in his homework. Simple • I tried speaking English, but my friend tried to speak Spanish. Compound • James and John play ball at night. Simple • Jim’s favorite flavor is chocolate, yet he had strawberry ice cream at the party. Complex

Practice Decide if the sentence is simple, compound, or complex. • • • The dog likes to bark. Simple The keys belong to your father. Simple Sean returned Maria’s homework after finding the error. Simple When Janet handed in her homework, she forgot to put her name on it. Complex You can have recess, or you can watch a movie. Complex Brahndo played football, so his mom went shopping. Complex

Let’s try some! Simple, Compound, Complex Sentences