Simple Compound Complex and Compound Complex Sentences The

Simple, Compound, Complex, and Compound. Complex Sentences

The most effective writer… • …uses a variety of sentence types. The three types are Simple Sentences, Compound Sentences, and Complex Sentences.

1. Simple Sentences • Simple Sentences have the most basic elements of a sentence…a subject, a verb and a complete thought.

Examples • Joe waited for the train. • Joe = Subject Waited = Verb • Mary and Sam took the bus. • Mary and Sam = (compound) Subject Took = Verb • I ran to my house. • I = Subject Ran = Verb

Simple Sentences • Simple sentences are often, but not always, short and get right to the point. • Simple sentences, when used too often, make writing pieces choppy. • Simple sentences are also known as Independent Clauses because if removed from a compound or complex sentence, they can stand alone.

2. Compound Sentences • Compound Sentences are made up of two Independent Clauses that are connected by a coordinating conjunction. • Independent Clause o has a subject and a verb and express a complete thought o Is considered a simple sentences • Conjunctions: FAN BOYS = For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet and So

Conjunctions • Conjunctions help the reader see a possible relationship between two simple sentences • and is commonly used to connect two independent clauses. • The use of too many ands can weaken a writing piece.

Coordinating Conjunctions F A N B O Y S • • For And Nor But Or Yet So

Examples • Joe waited for the train, but the train was late. • Mary and Sam took the bus, and they arrived before the train. • I ran to my house, so I missed the bus and train.

3. Complex Sentences • Complex Sentences are made up of an Independent Clause and one or more Dependent Clauses. • Dependent Clause o has a subject and a verb o does not express a complete thought o cannot stand alone

Examples of Dependent Clauses • Examples of Dependent Clauses: cannot stand alone, but can be added to an independent clause to make a complex sentence • Because Joe waited too long = no complete thought • Since the bus left = no complete thought • After he ate dinner = no complete thought

Subordinating Conjunctions • A dependent / subordinate clause can not stand alone as a sentence. • A subordinating conjunction introduces a subordinate clause and joins it to a main clause.

Subordinating Conjunctions After Although As Because Before Even though If Since Though Unless Until Whenever Whereas Wherever While

Examples • Examples: • Because Joe waited too long, he missed the bus and he was late to work. • Since the bus was late, Sam had to wait in bus line for over an hour. • After he ate dinner, Joe fell asleep in on the couch.

Complex Sentences • Complex sentences are often more effective than compound sentences and show an even clearer relationship.

4. Compound-Complex Sentences • Compound-Complex Sentences consist of a compound sentence and a complex sentence. • They consist of two independent clauses and one or more dependent clause.

• Examples: Examples • As the bus rolled by, Mary yelled out and Joe chased it down the street. • The bus, even though it was late, still stopped at every stop yet never picked up Mary and Sam.

Compound-Complex Sentences • Compound-Complex sentences are very effective and great at showing a relationship among subjects, but should be used sparingly.