Post on 10-Jun-2015
Three Sentence Types
Level 1 CompositionFall 2013
Jessica Montgomerie
1. Simple SentenceA simple sentence – or independent clause— contains at least one subject and one verb.
Copy these examples: She is a teacher. After lunch, she plans her lessons for the next day.
Find the subject and the verb.
1. Simple Sentence
A simple sentence – or independent clause— contains at least one subject and one verb. • She is a teacher.
• After lunch, she plans her lessons for the next day.
Compound subjects, verbs, or objects:
Copy these examples:
• My husband and I drink coffee in the afternoon.
• My husband and I drink coffee and eat dates in the afternoon.
• Do you prefer coffee or tea?
Compound subjects, verbs, or objects:
• My husband and I drink coffee in the afternoon.
• My husband and I drink coffee and eat dates in the afternoon.
• Do you prefer coffee or tea?
2. Compound Sentence
A compound sentence is two simple sentences (independent clauses) combined with a conjunction.
Which words are conjunctions?
3. Complex Sentence
A complex sentence contains two clauses: the main, independent clause and a weaker, dependent clause.
Independent Clause
• This is the main part of the sentence.• It can stand by itself– it is a complete idea.
Dependent Clause
• Begins with a subordinator (because, when, before, after)
• Gives me more information about the main clause
• Tells me the time or reason
Complex Sentences
Copy these examples: When I wake up, I eat breakfast first.
Then I like to sit and drink coffee while I check Facebook.
Underline the dependent clause.
Complex Sentences
Underline the dependent clause.
• When I wake up, I eat breakfast first.
• Then I like to sit and drink coffee while I check Facebook.
Complex Sentences
Copy these examples:
After I finish my coffee, I take a shower and get dressed.
I usually hurry to get ready because I waste too much time on the internet.
Underline the dependent clause.
Complex Sentences
Underline the dependent clause.
• After I finish my coffee, I take a shower and get dressed.
• I usually hurry to get ready because I waste too much time on the internet.
Practice
1. Complete the sentences with because:
– You need to buy a warm coat…– She can’t buy a car…– I came to the U.S. to study…
2. Write your own sentences using because.