Simple Compound

Complex Compound/complex

Since every sentence in English fits into one of these four categories, we are going to learn about them today.

Fold a sheet of paper into four squares and write the words in each one. You can even draw the picture to help you remember!

How are these different?

Some students like to study in the mornings.

John and Alan play football every afternoon.

Alicia goes to the library and studies every day.

A. When he handed in his homework, he forgot to give the teacher the last page.  B. The teacher returned the homework after she noticed the error. C. The students are studying because they have a test tomorrow.D. After they finished studying, Juan and Maria went to the movies. E. Juan and Maria went to the movies after they finished studying.

Experienced writers use a variety of sentences to make their writing interesting and lively. Too many simple sentences, for example, will sound choppy and immature while too many long sentences will be difficult to read and hard to understand. 

Writing Complex Sentences

#1: Simple Sentence A simple sentence has one

subject and one verb I like to study grammar.

A simple sentence is also called an independent clause.

An independent clause ends with a period or semicolon.

Independent clause: only one subject and one verb

I love you. One

verb

One subject

1. The bus arrived on time.

2. Jason and Mary walked along the beach.

3. Pizza is my favorite weekend treat.

4. Walking to school is an option for some.

Example Simple Sentences

#2: Compound Sentence

A compound sentence is made up of two or more simple sentences joined by one of the following:

A comma and one of the FANBOYS I like to study grammar, and I love this class.

A semicolon I like to study grammar; I love this class.

A semicolon and a transitional I like to study grammar; therefore, I love this

class.

Two independent clauses joined together

I love you, and you love me.

Independent clause

Independent clause

Example Compound Sentences I want to go to town, and I want to

buy some ice cream. He had homework to do, but he

left it at school. I forgot my watch, so I got into

trouble for being late.

#3: Complex Sentence A complex sentence is a simple

sentence (independent clause) to which a part of a sentence (dependent clause) has been added. Because I like to study grammar, I

love this class. I love this class because I like to

study grammar.

A dependent clause joined to an independent clause. (The dependent clause needs the

rest of the sentence for support.)

Because you love me, I love you.

Dependent clause

Independent clause

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.

Because you love me.

Fragment!

Common Subordinating (Dependent) Conjunctions

after even if now that that where

although

even though

once though

whereas

as if rather than

unless wherever

as if whenever

since until whether

because

in orderthat

so that when which

before than in case

while

A Tip on Punctuation 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. I have loved you for years ; although I

never admitted it. I have loved you for years although I never

admitted it. Although I never admitted it, I have loved

you for years.OK

No!

Create Your Own!! Take out a piece of paper Fold it in half HOTDOG style Write the dependent clauses on

either half mixing it up so they are NOT all on the same side

Unfold your paper and complete the sentences

because the dog was viciousif you want a prizesince it is dark outsidewhile we took a family portraitalthough he ran as fast as he couldbefore it got windyunless it rainsso that we all smilewhen you buy nachosafter the coach gave us the signal

Common Subordinating (Dependent) Conjunctions

after even if now that that where

although

even though

once though

whereas

as if rather than

unless wherever

as if whenever

since until whether

because

in orderthat

so that when which

before than in case

while

Simple Compound

Complex Compound/complex

Since every sentence in English fits into one of these four categories,

A dependent clause added to two or more independent clauses

Because we are a family, I love you, and you love me.

2 independent clauses

Dependent clause

CONGRATULATIONS!

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!