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! Simple Compound Complex Compound/ complex

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.

I love you. Simple sentence One subject I love you. One verb Independent clause: only one subject and one verb

Example Simple Sentences 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.

#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.

I love you, and you love me. Compound sentence Independent clause I love you, and you love me. Independent clause Two independent clauses joined together

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.

Because you love me, I love you. Complex sentence Dependent clause Because you love me, I love you. Independent clause A dependent clause joined to an independent clause. (The dependent clause needs the rest of the sentence for support.)

Fragment! Because you love me. Dependent 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.

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 order 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. No! OK

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 vicious if you want a prize since it is dark outside while we took a family portrait although he ran as fast as he could before it got windy unless it rains so that we all smile when you buy nachos after 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 order so that when which before than in case while

Since every sentence in English fits into one of these four categories, Simple Compound Complex Compound/ complex

Compound complex sentence Dependent clause Because we are a family, I love you, and you love me. 2 independent clauses A dependent clause added to two or more independent clauses

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! CONGRATULATIONS!