A simple sentence contains one subject
and one predicate. It expresses one main idea. Parts of the sentence, however,
may be compound.
The line
is busy now.
A compound sentence is made up of two simple sentences that express
related ideas. These sentences are connected by a semicolon or by a comma and a
coordinating conjunction. A semicolon that connects two simple sentences may be
followed by a conjunctive adverb.
The line is
busy now, but I will try again later.
A complex sentence contains one main clause and one or more
subordinate clauses. The subordinate clauses may be used as adverbs,
adjectives, or nouns. A complex sentence expresses one main idea and one or
more dependent ideas.
Although the line is busy now, I will
try again later.
A compound-complex sentence contains two
main clauses and one or more subordinate clauses. The subordinate clauses may
be adverb, adjective, or noun clauses. A compound-complex sentence expresses
two main ideas, as well as one dependent idea.
The line is
busy, but I will try again when I finish
this.
A compound-complex sentence consists of two or more main clauses and
one or more subordinate clauses. It may help you to think of a
compound-complex sentence as a compound sentence plus a subordinate clause.
Actually, the compound-complex sentences join two sentences, at least one of
which has a subordinate clause. The main clauses are joined by either a
coordinating conjunction or a semicolon.
Main Clause Subordinate Clause Main Clause
Gina Knew that she would have to wait, but
she didn’t mind
Main Clause Subordinate Clause Main Clause
Carl was surprised when he was chosen; he
had never expected to win
Basic Sentence
Patterns for Simple sentences:
N-V
N-V-DO
N-V-IO-DO
N-LV-N
N-LV-Adj
A Compound Sentence
can combine any of the basic sentence patterns listed above.
Exercises
Exercise #1
Write a sentences for
the following patterns:
1.
N-V, (fanboys)
N-V-DO
2.
N-LV-Adj, (fanboys) N-LV-Adj
3.
N-V (sub conj)
N-V
4.
(Subord conj),
N-V-DO
Exercise #2
Identifying the Kinds
of Sentences. For each sentence, underline the subject once and the verb
twice; circle and coordinating and subordinating conjunctions. Write S
(Simple), Com (Compound), Cx (Complex) or C-C to show what kind of sentence it is.
1.
These jogging shoes are canvas and suede. __________
2.
You can fix the bell, or I can call the electrician.
__________
3.
We picked the apples ourselves and baked a pie.
__________
4.
The reporter asked if she could arrange an interview.
__________
5.
People spend one third of their lives asleep.
__________
6.
Before lunch, we will pick fresh vegetables from the
garden. __________
7.
The mysterious burglary has finally been solved, and
justice will now be served. __________
8.
Because the union met with its members, they accepted
the contract. __________
9.
The rescue worker explained what the situation
was. __________
10. As
she presented the awards, the principal congratulated us. __________
11. My
cat sleeps on the sofa if the sun is shining.
__________
12. Even
though the car is low on gas, and my bike tire is flat, I can still get to my
meeting. ______
13. You
will get ahead if you say the right things.
__________
14. The
boss called everyone into his office, but two people couldn’t make it. __________
Exercise #3
Analyzing Compound-Complex Sentences.
Underline each main clause once and each subordinate clause
twice. Circle the subordinating
conjunctions.
1.
Pam knew where the park was, and she gave us
directions.
2.
After our team won, we decided to celebrate, so we led
a parade through town.
3.
When the committee met, witnesses testified about poor
living conditions, and experts suggested improvements.
4.
Sharon has been studying piano since she was six years
old, and she enjoys it.
5.
Greg said that we should start without him, but we
waited anyway.
6.
The bookstore ordered the items that Tim requested, and
he is waiting for them.
7.
The sale items were so popular that they were gone in
an hour, and the manager agreed to
order more.
8.
Scientists have identified the agents that cause the
disease, but they haven’t found a cure
for it.
9.
The actor was nervous before he auditioned; he felt
that he did well, though.
10. Since
the rain stopped, the game can be resumed; our team is ahead.
