Simple, Compound, Complex and Compound-Complex Sentences

Transcription

1 Simple, Compound, Complex and Compound-Complex Sentences

2 Simple Sentences Simple sentences contain a subject and a verb, AND they are one complete thought. You may notice that this is the EXACT definition of an independent clause! An independent clause by itself IS a simple sentence!

3 Examples of simple sentences: I went to the store. Dogs are wonderful pets. Everyone went to Fred s birthday party.

4 BEWARE! Simple sentences can have a LOT of words, making them seem like they re compound or complex look at this sentence: Over the next five years, the office of admissions at the University of Georgia will be absorbed by the office of the Registrar.

5 Over the next five years, the office of admissions at the University of Georgia will be absorbed by the office of the Registrar. This is a SIMPLE sentence. It has only ONE verb phrase: will be absorbed, and it has only ONE simple subject: office. EVERYTHING else is part of a prepositional phrase Notice also that the sentence has NO subordinating conjunctions, NO relative pronouns or adverbs, and NO coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS) these all signal a compound or complex sentence without them, we have only a simple sentence.

6 Compound Sentences A compound sentence is created by joining together two or more independent clauses. The independent clauses can be joined with a comma and a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS)

7 FANBOYS, for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so

8 I like cake FANBOYS, for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so cake is wonderful.

9 FANBOYS I like cake, for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so Bill likes it too.

10 FANBOYS I don t like cake, for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so do I like cookies.

11 FANBOYS I like cake, for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so it makes me fat.

12 FANBOYS I can buy a cake, for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so I can bake one.

13 FANBOYS I like cake, for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so It makes me fat.

14 FANBOYS, for, and, nor, but, or, yet I like cake, so I will eat a piece.

15 BE CAREFUL! Not every FANBOY means you have a compound sentence!

16 BE CAREFUL! I bought eggs, milk, and chicken. NOT a compound sentence! We bought more streamers for the party. NOT a compound sentence! I feel so tired today. NOT a compound sentence!

17 Complex Sentences A complex sentence is formed when we combine an independent clause with a dependent clause. The dependent clause usually begins with a subordinating conjunction. Remember your subordinating conjunctions: Before After Since While Because Unless Although Even though If When

18 Complex Sentences The dependent clause can also begin with a relative pronoun or a relative adverb Relative pronouns: that, which, who Relative adverbs: When, where, why

19 Complex sentences with relative pronouns and adverbs: To calm his angry girlfriend, Joey offered an apology which Francine did not accept. We tried our luck at the same flea market where George found Amazing Spider-Man #96 in fair condition. Michelle screamed when she saw the spider that dangled from the one clean bathroom towel. Brian said goodnight to his roommate Justin, who continued to play video games until his eyes were blurry with fatigue. Examples taken from

20 Examples of complex sentences: When I go to the gym, I run on the treadmill. Fernando studies every night because he wants good grades. If the Braves win the game tonight, they will play in the playoffs. I will buy milk and eggs while I am at the store.

21 Compound-complex A compound-complex sentence is just a combination of: A compound sentence (two independent clauses) A complex sentence (+one dependent clause)

22 Example I go to the gym. (independent clause) I go to the gym, but I m still weak and puny. (compound sentence) When I go to the gym, I use all the machines. (complex sentence) When I go to the gym, I use all the machines, but I m still weak and puny.