Compound & Complex Sentences

Important Definitions Independent Clause: A group of words that makes a complete statement. It can stand alone as a sentence Coordinating Conjunction: A word that is used with a comma to join two independent clauses. FANBOYS For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So Semicolons ( ; ) can also be used to join the two independent clauses of a compound sentence. Semicolons indicate a close relationships between the two clauses.

Compound Sentences A compound sentence is a sentence with two or more independent clauses. Examples: I;I I,cI

Using Semicolons I;I Susan loves to swim; her brother likes to dive. Jason was highly respected; he was always such a responsible person. The meeting was over; it was already midnight.

Using commas and coordinating conjunctions I,cI Baseball is my favorite sport to watch, but football is my favorite sport to play. The children ran all the way to school, yet they were late anyway. You will have to finish the project, or your group will have a failing grade. I hate to waste a single drop of tortilla soup, for it is time-consuming to make. We did not se mike at the movie, nor did we see him at the restaurant.

Complex Sentences Remember: An independent clause (“I”) is a group of words that contains a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought. An independent clause is a sentence. Example: Jim studied in the library for his English quiz.

Complex Sentences Complex sentences are sentences which contain at least one independent clause and one dependent clause (also called subordinate clause). A dependent clause (“D”) is a group of words that contains a subject and verb but does not express a complete thought. A dependent clause cannot be a sentence. Example: When Jim studied in the library for his English quiz…. What happened when Jim studied? The thought is incomplete.

Complex Sentences Often a dependent clause is marked by a dependent marker word. A dependent marker word is a word added to the beginning of an independent clause that makes it into a dependent clause. Some common dependent markers are: after, although, as, as if, because, before, even if, even though, if, in order to, since, though, unless, until, whatever, when, whenever, whether, and while. Try one of these words at the beginning of our example sentence: ___________ Jim studied in the library for his English quiz.

Complex Sentences Pick one of the dependent clauses below, and finish the thought. After Jim studied in the library for his English quiz… Although Jim studied in the library for his English quiz… As Jim studied in the library for his English quiz… Because Jim studied in the library for his English quiz... Before Jim studied in the library for his English quiz… Even if Jim studied in the library for his English quiz… Even though Jim studied in the library for his English quiz... If Jim studied in the library for his English quiz… Since Jim studied in the library for his English quiz... When Jim studied in the library for his English quiz… Whenever Jim studied in the library for his English quiz... While Jim studied in the library for his English quiz…

Complex Sentences Remember: Complex sentences are sentences which contain at least one independent clause and one dependent clause (also called subordinate clause). There are two formulas for complex sentences: D, I I D

Complex Sentences - D, I D, I When Odysseus fought in Troy, he tricked the Trojans using the Trojan Horse. Check it: Dependent clauses have a subject and a verb. What’s the subject? What’s the verb? Double-check: Remove the “dependent marker word.” Do you have an independent clause? Check it: Independent clauses can act as complete sentences.

Complex Sentences - D, I One more example: Before Athena talked with Telemachus, he was thinking about what Odysseus would do to the suitors who had invaded the palace. Now add some of your own examples to your notes: A “D, I” about yourself. A “D, I” about The Odyssey.

Complex Sentences - I D I D. (No commas) Odysseus stayed with Calypso for seven years even though his wife was waiting for him. Odysseus stayed with Calypso for seven years (I) even though his wife was waiting for him. (D) + the dependent marker is in bold. Check it: Independent clauses can act as complete sentences. Check it: Dependent clauses have a subject and a verb. What’s the subject? What’s the verb? Double-check: Remove the “dependent marker word.” Do you have an independent clause?

Complex Sentences - I D One more example: The suitors would probably leave Odysseus’ palace if Odysseus came home. Now add some of your own examples to your notes: An “I D” about yourself. An “I D” about The Odyssey.

Complex Sentences Let’s take one last look: Cx = D,I Cx = I D Because I was late, I have a detention. Cx = I D I have a detention because I was late. The decisions you make on how to phrase your thoughts give variety and depth to your writing. We’ll continue to practice these in your writing.

More Practice Write a paragraph summarizing what you’ve read in the graphic novel thus far. In your summary: Use both types of compound sentences you’ve learned (I;I & I,cI), and Use both types of complex sentences you’ve learned (D,I & I D). (That means you’ll need at least four sentences.)