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• To identify and distinguish between simple and compound sentences

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• To recognize main clauses • To punctuate simple and compound

sentences correctly • To use main clauses appropriately in

simple and compound sentences

Objectives

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• A sentence is a group of words that has a subject and predicate and expresses a complete thought.

• A simple sentence has one complete subject and one complete predicate.

• The complete subject names whom or what the sentence is about.

• The complete predicate tells what the subject does or has. Sometimes it tells what the subject is or is like.

Sentences and Clauses

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Sentences and Clauses (cont.)

• Study the examples in the chart below.

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• A compound sentence is a sentence that contains two or more connected simple sentences.

Sentences and Clauses (cont.)

• Each simple sentence in a compound sentence is called a main clause.

• A main clause has a subject and a predicate and can stand alone as a sentence.

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Sentences and Clauses (cont.)

• In the compound sentences below, each main clause is in yellow. The connecting elements are highlighted in blue. – Millions of people live in cities, but many others

reside in the suburbs. – Most people travel to work, and many of them

use public transportation. – Commuters take trains, buses, and cars; some

even fly. – Helicopters are often used to monitor traffic

conditions, but computers can more accurately predict traveling time.

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Sentences and Clauses (cont.)

• If the main clauses are connected by and, but, or or, a comma precedes the conjunction.

• If the main clauses are not joined by a conjunction, a semicolon can be used as the connector.

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Identify each sentence as simple or compound.

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1. Long-distance travel was difficult for early Americans.

2. In those days, people traveled in stagecoaches and covered wagons.

3. Long-distance travel was possible, but it was not very fast or comfortable.

4. Eventually railroads were built; tracks were laid across the country.

5. Distant cities were connected, and people could travel between them.

simple

simple

compound

compound

compound

Exercise 1 Identifying Simple and Compound Sentences

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Exercise 2 Punctuating Simple and Compound Sentences

Underline each main clause. Add a comma or a semicolon if needed.1. Four million miles of roadways exist in the United

States and problems with them do arise.

2. Accidents cause delays poor road conditions often result in traffic jams.

3. Traffic can be annoying for drivers but it can often be bypassed.

4. Radio listeners hear traffic reports and can avoid trouble spots.

5. Drivers could allow more driving time but many decide to take alternative routes.

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;

,

,

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Review: Exercise 1 Identifying Simple and Compound Sentences

Write simple or compound to identify each sentence.

1. The state of Nayarit lies on the western coast of Mexico.

2. The Santiago River flows through Nayarit; it empties into the Pacific Ocean.

3. Kino's grandfather moved north from Nayarit to a village near La Paz.

4. La Paz is in Baja, or Lower California, but this peninsula is part of Mexico.

5. Baja is divided into two states, and La Paz is the capital of the southern state.

simple

compound

simple

compound

compound

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Review: Exercise 2 Punctuating Simple and Compound Sentences

Underline each main clause. Add a comma or a semicolon as needed.

1. Pearl fisheries are on the gulf’s western shore the beds are on the eastern shore.

2. The formation of a pearl inside an oyster is actually an act of self-protection.

3. Oysters are a type of mollusk and they have a shell like that of other mollusks.

4. A foreign substance may enter the oyster’s shell and irritate the oyster.

5. The foreign substance can be a grain of sand or it can be a harmful parasite.

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,

,

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Write a letter to a partner about a trip you would like to take. Use both simple and compound sentences. Trade papers with another student and write a return letter, using simple and compound sentences.

Close

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