Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentence

1. Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentence

2. A simple sentence has only one independent clause that states only one complete thought. However, it may have a compound subject or compound predicate, and still be a simple sentence.

3. Examples of simple sentences: My knees ache. (simple subject, simple predicate) Cory and I skated for two hours. (compound subject, simple predicate) My face and neck look red and feel hot. (compound subject, compound predicate)

4. A compound sentence is made up of two or more simple sentences, joined by a comma, and a coordinating conjunction, or by a semicolon. Coordinating conjunctions: FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)

5. Examples of compound sentences: I’ve skated in Los Angeles, but I have only seen a picture of New York. Los Angles is 30 miles from my home; New York is 3,000 miles away.

6. A complex sentence contains one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. An independent clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. Dependent clauses begin with a subordinating conjunction like because and when or a relative pronoun like who or that.

7. Examples of complex sentences: Because it was raining, the game was called off. The students, who were wet and cold, got back on the bus.

8. Let’s Practice

9. I was a bridesmaid in my cousin’s wedding. • simple • compound • complex

10. I was a bridesmaid in my cousin’s wedding. • simple • compound • complex

11. After they learned to grow plants from seeds, they depended on farming. • simple • compound • complex

12. After they learned to grow plants from seeds, they depended on farming. • simple • compound • complex

13. Bagels and pasta are served almost everywhere. • simple • compound • complex

14. Bagels and pasta are served almost everywhere. • simple • compound • complex

15. Some people live outside the city, and they commute to work. • simple • compound • complex

16. Some people live outside the city, and they commute to work. • simple • compound • complex

17. If plants don’t get water, they won’t grow well. • simple • compound • complex

18. If plants don’t get water, they won’t grow well. • simple • compound • complex

19. Many Americans eat carrots and potatoes. • simple • compound • complex

20. Many Americans eat carrots and potatoes. • simple • compound • complex

21. Birthday candles are a popular custom, and they are used almost everywhere. • simple • compound • complex

22. Birthday candles are a popular custom, and they are used almost everywhere. • simple • compound • complex

23. Because it is bordered by Lake Michigan, Chicago has become an important city. • simple • compound • complex

24. Because it is bordered by Lake Michigan, Chicago has become an important city. • simple • compound • complex

25. You might spot a coyote late at night, but you probably would not see bears. • simple • compound • complex

26. You might spot a coyote late at night, but you probably would not see bears. • simple • compound • complex

27. After the ground froze this winter, not much fruit grew in the spring. • simple • compound • complex

28. After the ground froze this winter, not much fruit grew in the spring. • simple • compound • complex

29. My family ate turkey on Thanksgiving Day. • simple • compound • complex

30. My family ate turkey on Thanksgiving Day. • simple • compound • complex