Four Sentence Types!

Types of Sentences1. Simple2. Compound3. Complex4. Compound-complex

#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.

Simple Sentences

• Examples:

–Carol’s sweater is red.–You and Alex need to be quiet.–Ms. Bennett did a cartwheel

and a backflip.

#2: Compound Sentence

• A compound sentence is made up of two or more simple sentences joined by one of the following:

• A comma and a coordinating conjunction– I like to study grammar, and I love this class.

• A semicolon– I like to study grammar; I love this class.

• A semicolon and an adverbial conjunction– I like to study grammar; therefore, I love this class.

Coordinating Conjunctions• Coordinating Conjunctions are used to join together two

independent clauses.

• Examples:• For• And• Nor• But• Or• Yet• So

Two independent clauses joined together

I love you, and you love me.

Independent clause

Independent clause

Semicolons

• “If the relation between the ideas expressed in the main clauses is very close and obvious without a conjunction, you can separate the clauses with a semicolon” (Little, Brown Handbook, 9th Edition, p. 361).

COMPOUND SENTENCE:SEMICOLON

Kelsey has benefited from her writing exercises; she has good grammar and

punctuation.Tiffany works in San Francisco; she

runs The Duck.Elaine pays attention in class; she

takes copious notes

COMPOUND SENTENCE:adverbial conjunctions

MOREOVERHOWEVERNEVERTHELESSOTHERWISETHEREFORE

COMPOUND SENTENCE:CONJUNCTIVE ADVERBS

Thomas is cool; moreover, he is fashionable

.

Luke’s grandmother buys him sweaters; however, he does not wear them.

Clause 1 Clause 2

Independent Independent

#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.

A dependent clause joined to an independent clause. (The dependent clause needs the rest of the sentence for

support.)

Because you love me, I love you.

Dependent clause

Independent 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.

Because you love me.

Fragment!

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.OK

No!

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 orderthat

so that when which

before than in case

while

Complex Sentences• Examples:

–When Trey was little, he played with blocks.

–After class, good students study.–If I pass 1A, I will take 1B.–Use the stairs in case of fire. –Ava stands at the bottom of the cliff while

the climber moves up the rock.

#4: Compound/Complex Sentence

• A compound/complex sentence is the last and most complicated type of sentence.

• It contains at least one dependent clause and at least two independent clauses.

A dependent clause added to two or more independent clauses

Because we are a family, I love you, and you love me.

2 independent clauses

Dependent clause

Compound Complex Sentences

Example:– Laura forgot her friend’s birthday, so she

sent her a card when she finally remembered.

Simple Compound

Complex Compound/complex

Every sentence in English fits into one of these four categories,

Think You’ve Got It?

• 1 independent clause = simple sentence– Don’t’ forget: These can have compound subjects and predicates!

• 2 independent clauses = compound sentence

• 1 or more dependent clause + 1 independent clause = complex sentence

• 2 or more independent clauses + 1 or more dep. clause = compound complex sentence

Let’s Review…

Simple, Compound, or Complex?

• The teacher walked into the classroom, greeted the students, and took attendance.

Simple, Compound, or Complex?

• The teacher walked into the classroom, greeted the students, and took attendance.

• SIMPLE: – Subject: “the teacher”– Compound Predicate “walked into the classroom,

greeted the students, and took attendance.”

Simple, Compound, or Complex?

• Juan played football while Juanita went shopping.

Simple, Compound, or Complex?

• Juan played football while Juanita went shopping.

• COMPLEX– Independent Clause: Juan played football– Subordinate Clause: while (subordinating

conjunction) Juanita went shopping.

Simple, Compound, or Complex?

• Juan played football, yet Juanita went shopping.

Simple, Compound, or Complex?

• Juan played football, yet Juanita went shopping.

• COMPOUND– Juan played football, yet (coordinating

conjunction)– Juanita went shopping.

Simple, Compound, or Complex?

• After Reggie passed the test, he went to the bar to celebrate!

Simple, Compound, or Complex?

• After Reggie passed the test, he went to the bar to celebrate!

• COMPLEX– After (subordinating conjunction) Reggie passed

the test, – he went to the bar to celebrate!

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!

Writing Sentences

Write two of each kind of sentence and post them for homework. Make the sentences relevant to your essay #1 outline.1. Simple2. Compound3. Complex4. Compound-complex