Simple Compound Complex Compound-complex



Phrase =

lacks either a subject or a verb or both Ex: prepositional phrase, adjective phrase, verbal phrase, etc.

Clause

  = contains both a subject and a verb Main/indep clause= can stand alone as a sentence Subordinate/dependent clause=begins with a subordinating word; clause cannot stand alone

 Each sentence gives different emphasis to the main idea(s) and to supporting information in a sentence.

    Simple Compound Complex Compound-complex

    Simple: Compound: 2+ Independent clauses

Complex:

1 Independent clause 1 Indep. + 1+ Dependent Compound-complex: 2+ Indep + 1+ Dep.

1 Independent clause Ex: Last summer was unusually hot.

Even if the sentence contains a compound subject or a compound verb, it is still a simple sentence.

Ex: Mr. Bartos and I cannot settle our dispute.

The artist lives and works in the same town.

2+ Independent clauses Ex: Last July was hot, but August was even hotter.

How can I create a compound sentence?

1.

Link main clauses with a comma and coordinating conjunction [FANBOYS] 2.

3.

Link main clauses with a semi-colon = ; Relate main clauses with a semicolon and a conjunctive adverb (followed by a comma)

Coordinating Conjunctions=FANBOYS For And Nor But Or Yet So Don’t forget: a comma precedes the coordinating conjunction

 Semi-colon Ex: The side effects are not minor; some leave the patient quite ill.



Conjunctive adverbs

(p. 252) Ex:

main clause ; conj adv, main clause

Commonly used conjunctive adverbs: however, nevertheless, consequently, moreover, The increased time devoted to watching television is not the only cause of lower literacy rates; however, it is one of the important causes.

1 Independent + 1+ Dependent clauses

In a complex sentence, one idea is subordinated or less important than the other.

Ex: Rain finally came, although many had left the area by then.

1 Independent + 1+ Dependent clauses How can I create a complex sentence?

  Subordinate conjunction Relative pronoun (used as an adjective or noun clause) , acts like the subject in the clause Common subordinate conjunctions: because, although, when, while, as, if,

see list in grammar book

2+ Independent + 1+ Dependent clauses Ex: Even though government aid finally

came, many people had already been reduced to poverty, and others had been forced to move.

Simple:

Use a simple sentence to focus on a single idea, describe a series of actions, or create a quick, even choppy rhythm.

Compound:

Use a compound sentence to connect similar or contrasting ideas of equal importance or to create a more fluid rhythm.

Complex:

between ideas.

Add subordinate clauses when you want to add details, build momentum, or show relationships