SentencesWriting sentences that make sense!

A sentence is also known as an “independent clause” and consists of two separate parts:the SUBJECT the PREDICATE

Subjects & Predicates

• The complete subject of a sentence includes all the words that tell who or what the subject is.

• The complete predicate includes all the words that state the action or condition of the subject.

EXAMPLE:

The dusty old car / won’t start anymore

subject predicate

Simple SentencesCompound Subject

Compound Predicate

Compound Subject and Predicate

Elizabeth and Anthony got As on the vocabulary test

Sabrina took skiing lessons and went snorkeling last vacation

Gus and Chris studied for the test and wrote their essays

S V

S

S

V V

V V

Practice: Simple Sentences

With a partner, create one of each type of these simple sentences:

As a result, you will each have three original sentences total in your notes

• 1 SS with Compound Subject (1 minute)

• 1 SS with Compound Predicate (1 minute)

• 1SS with Compound Subject AND Compound Predicate (2 minutes)

Sentence Review

This is an independent clause, which can stand alone as a simple sentence:

The boy threw the ballSubject

verb

Predicate

The Problem with Simple Sentences

• Example:

• They’re too simple. They can make a writer sound unsophisticated.

becomes

• They’re too simple, and they can make a writer seem unsophisticated.

…with the addition of proper punctuation and a coordinating conjunction.

Independent Clauses

• A simple sentence is also known as an independent clause– that means it can stand on its own because it has a clear subject and predicate.

Example:

The chef created a sumptuous meal Subject Predicate (includes the main VERB and any additional words relating to the subject’s action)

for his diners.Prepositional phrase adds additional details

Compound Sentences

• Two Independent Clauses (clauses that can stand alone as a sentence) combined into one sentence using proper punctuation and/or a conjunction.

When should I use a compound sentence?

• Compound sentences are used when a writer wants to share two or more ideas of equal importance.

Consider this Example:

Von Steuben has set high standards for academic achievement.

Teachers are willing to help students meet these expectations.

How can you join them to show the equal weight of each independent clause?

Viola!

Von Steuben has set high standards for academic achievement, and teachers are willing to help students meet these expectations.

The Diagram:Von Steuben has set high standardsSubject Predicate (relates to subject) Direct Object

for academic achievement, and prepositional phrase comma + coordinating conjunction

teachers are willing to help students Subject complete predicate object

meet these expectations.

verb phrase relative pronoun (renames the direct object)

Are there any other ways to create compound

sentences?There are actually THREE ways to make a compound sentence!

They’re all based on the rule of combining two independent clauses

The way you join them can change!

Compound Sentences: Method

1Join two independent clauses using a comma and a coordinating conjunction

Ex: Emma is talented at drawing, so she illustrates all of her notes.

Coordinating Conjunctions

F

A

N

B

O

Y

S

or

nd

or

ut

r

et

o

Coordinating Conjunctions and means in

addition

but, yet means in contrast

for means because

nor means not either

or means either, a choice

so means as a result

Using any of these conjunctions in a compound sentence has a very specific meaning:

A Word of Caution!

• BE CAREFUL: Then, also, and plus are not coordinating conjunctions. By themselves, they cannot join two ideas.

Some Examples

Result:Josh doesn’t like mushrooms or peas,

so he refused to eat his dinner.

Because:Jane was stranded in the street, for

her car broke down.Result: 

We failed to complete the task, so we now have to do it for homework.

Practice:• With a neighbor, create a

compound sentence using Method 1. Remember, you need to use a coordinating conjunction (or “FANBOYS” word) to join your two independent clauses (2 mins)

• Challenge: Try to avoid using “and”

Practice

•Pick one of these conjunctions to create compound sentences using Method 1 (2 mins)

(try to avoid using “and”)

Method 2

Two independent clauses joined by a semicolon

Ex. It’s too hot inside my apartment; let’s go to the lake.

Ex. This was a beautiful autumn; the colors of the leaves were stunning.

What’s a Semi-Colon?

• A semi-colon joins two independent clauses to create a compound sentence

• A semi-colon is used in place where a conjunction has been left out.

Example: I used to think semi-colons could only be used to send winks via text messages; I now see their relevance in creating compound sentences. ;)

Your Turn

With a neighbor, create an original compound sentence using METHOD 2 (2 mins)

Independent clause + ; + Independent clause = Method 2

Creating Compound Sentences:Method 3

Two independent clauses joined by a semicolon and a conjunctive adverb

A conjunctive adverb can join two main clauses. In this situation, the conjunctive adverb behaves like a coordinating conjunction, connecting two complete ideas.

Notice, however, that you need a semicolon, not a comma, to connect the two clauses

Recognize a Conjunctive Adverb When You See

One• Conjunctions have one job: to connect. They join words, phrases, or clauses together to clarify what the writer is saying. Their presence provides smooth transitions from one idea to another.

• An adverb modifies the action or condition by providing additional information about when, where, how, amount, or frequency in an idea.

• Then when the job of an adverb is to connect ideas we call it a conjunctive adverb.

(some) Conjunctive

Adverbsaccordingly still furthermore

moreover similarly however

nevertheless besides incidentally

indeed nonetheless therefore

consequently instead thus

finally likewise otherwise

undoubtedly further meanwhile

SOME EXAMPLES OF COMPOUND SENTENCES USING METHOD 3

MAIN CLAUSE + ; + conjunctive adverb + , + MAIN CLAUSE.

Ex. It rained heavily in the afternoon; however, Sarah managed to have the picnic anyway.

Ex. Liam couldn't make it to the summit and back before dark; therefore, he decided to camp for the night

Compound Sentence Practice!

With a neighbor, write your own sentence describing events from your weekend using Method 3 (3 mins)

METHOD 3:

MAIN CLAUSE + ; + conjunctive adverb + , + MAIN CLAUSE.

When do you use them?

Each method has a different application.

Methods 1 and 3 emphasize relationship and cause-effect

Method 2 is for two related ideas that do not need an explicit link