Writing Simple Complex and Compound Sentences How do

Writing Simple, Complex and Compound Sentences

How do you vary sentence structure? You will want to use a variety of sentence structures in your writing. There are three types of sentences we will study in this lesson: - Simple Sentence - Compound Sentence - Complex Sentence

#1: Simple Sentence n A simple sentence has one subject and one verb n n n I like to study grammar. A simple sentence is also called an independent clause. An independent clause ends with a period or semicolon.

One subject I love you. One verb Independent clause: only one subject and one verb

Sample Simple Sentences n n The cat crept through the dark house. The wary mouse watched from underneath the cereal box. The predatory cat stopped and surveyed his surroundings. The mouse darted for the safety of the nearly invisible hole under the cabinet.

#2: Compound Sentence n A compound sentence is made up of two or more simple sentences joined by one of the following: n A comma and one of the FANBOYS comma n n A semicolon n n I like to study grammar, and I love this class. I like to study grammar; I love this class. A semicolon and a transitional n I like to study grammar; therefore, I love this class.

FANBOYS Another way to remember these is… n n n n For And Nor But Or Yet So F A N B O Y S

Independent clause I love you, and you love me. Independent clause Two independent clauses joined together

Sample Compound Sentences n n The cat was unsuccessful in his attempt to catch the mouse, and the mouse was equally as unlucky in his attempt to get the cheese. The dog had watched all of this, but he had refused to become involved. The mouse could wait until dark, or he could risk a daylight raid on the pantry. The cat usually slept during the day, yet curiosity held him at the corner of the kitchen.

#3: Complex Sentence n A complex sentence is a simple sentence (independent clause) to which a part of a sentence (dependent clause) has been added. n n Because I like to study grammar, I love this class because I like to study grammar.

Dependent clause Because you love me, I love you. Independent clause A dependent clause joined to an independent clause. (The dependent clause needs the rest of the sentence for support. )

Sample Complex Sentences After he gave it some thought, the mouse decided to wait until later for his trek. The cat fell asleep on the warm kitchen because he was deprived of sleep the night before. When the mouse heard the soft snoring of his sleeping cat, he scurried to the pantry and grabbed enough food for a week. The dedicated, cat keeps her nightly vigil even though the foresighted mouse will not be venturing out this week.

Fragment! Because you love me. A dependent clause contains a subject and verb. It begins with a subordinating conjunction, and thus it does not express a completed thought. A dependent clause is also called a subordinate clause. Dependent clauses, like babies, cannot stand alone.

A Tip on Punctuation n Since dependent clauses are only part of a sentence, you can never connect them to another sentence with a semicolon. Semicolons are only used between two independent clauses. n n I have loved you for years ; although I never admitted it. No! I have loved you for years, although I never admitted it. OK

Subordinating Conjunctions After Although As in order that At least now that wherever While Before even though how if in as much Whenever whereas as though because even if though Until Unless as if as long as as much as soon Since so that That

#4: Compound/Complex Sentence n n A compound/complex sentence is the last and most complicated type of sentence. It contains at least one dependent clause and at least two independent clauses.

Dependent clause Because we are a family, I love you, and you love me. 2 independent clauses A dependent clause added to two or more independent clauses

Compound Sentence A compound sentence contains two independent clauses that are joined together. She works in the city , but she lives in the suburbs. Independent Clause

Compound Sentence You can make a compound sentence by joining two logically related independent clauses by using… - a semicolon - a coordinating conjunction - a transition

Using a Semicolon Independent Clause ; Independent Clause I love living in the city Independent Clause ; there are so many things to do. Independent Clause

Using a Coordinating Conjunction Independent Clause , coordinating conjunction Independent Clause He couldn’t watch the show , so he decided to tape it. Independent Clause

Coordinating Conjunctions Logical Relationship Coordinating Conjunction Addition And Contrast But, yet Choice Or, nor Cause For Result So

Using a Transition Independent Clause ; transition , Independent Clause I love San Francisco ; however, I hate the traffic. Independent Clause

Relationship Transition Addition Moreover Furthermore In addition Besides Contrast However In contrast Result or Effect Consequently Thus Therefore Reinforcement/Emphasis Indeed In fact On the contrary On the other hand Accordingly Hence As a result

Relationship Transition Exemplification For example For instance In particular Time Meanwhile (at the same time) Subsequently (after) Thereafter (after) Reinforcement/Emphasis Exemplification Indeed In fact For example For instance In particular

Since every sentence in English fits into one of these four categories, Simple Compound Complex Compound/ complex

Practice Exercises Now you are ready to practice what you’ve learned. I love living in the city of San Francisco. I have a wonderful view of the entire city from my apartment window. In addition, I can see the Golden Gate Bridge under which many cargo ships pass each day. I also like San Francisco because I can find wonderful restaurants with food from just about every country; however, I don’t like the traffic in the city.

YOU NOW KNOW EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW • To write anything you want to write • Any way you want to write it • And still get the punctuation right each time! CONGRATULATIONS!