CLAUSES REVIEW CLAUSE: a group of words with its own subject and verb. Two basic types of clauses: Independent Clause has a subject and a verb and can stand by itself as a complete sentence Subordinate/Dependent Clause Has a subject and verb but cannot stand by itself as a complete sentence.

After Tyler called his friend Label each group of words as an independent clause or a subordinate/dependent clause. After Tyler called his friend Subordinate/dependent

He met him at the park INDEPENDENT

The dog barked INDEPENDENT

When the mailman arrived SUBORDINATE/DEPENDENT

WHY DO I CARE? A common weakness in writing is the lack of varied sentences. Becoming aware of three general types of sentences--simple, compound, and complex--can help you vary the sentences in your writing.

SIMPLE SENTENCE A simple sentence has the most basic elements that make it a sentence - complete subject and predicate Is also be referred to as an independent clause.

SIMPLE SENTENCE Joe waited for the train. Examples of simple sentences include the following: Joe waited for the train.  The train was late. Mary and Samantha took the bus.

SIMPLE SENTENCE NOTE: Simple sentences often are short and the use of too many simple sentences can make writing "choppy" and can prevent the writing from flowing smoothly.  

COMPOUND SENTENCE A compound sentence refers to a sentence made up of two independent clauses (or complete sentences) connected to one another with a coordinating conjunction.

COMPOUND SENTENCE Coordinating conjunctions are easy to remember if you think of the words "FAN BOYS": For And Nor But Or Yet So

COMPOUND SENTENCE Examples of compound sentences include: Joe waited for the train, but the train was late. Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus station before noon, and they left on the bus before I arrived. Mary and Samantha left on the bus before I arrived, so I did not see them at the bus station.  

COMPOUND SENTENCE NOTE: Coordinating conjunctions are useful for connecting sentences, but compound sentences often are overused. Too many compound sentences that use "and" can weaken writing.

COMPLEX SENTENCE A complex sentence is made up of an independent clause and one or more dependent/subordinate clauses connected to it.

COMPLEX SENTENCE Dependent clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions. Some of the most common subordinating conjunctions: After Unless because Before Where as since Though As when whenever If while although Until Even though wherever

COMPLEX SENTENCE A complex sentence joins an independent clause with one or more dependent clauses. The dependent clauses can go first in the sentence, followed by the independent clause, as in the following: Because Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus station before noon, I did not see them at the station. While he waited at the train station, Joe realized that the train was late. After they left on the bus, Mary and Samantha realized that Joe was waiting at the train station.

COMPLEX SENTENCE Conversely, the independent clauses can go first in the sentence, followed by the dependent clause, as in the following: I did not see them at the station because Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus station before noon. Joe realized that the train was late while he waited at the train station. Mary and Samantha realized that Joe was waiting at the train station after they left on the bus.

I’m going to bed, because I’m tired. PRACTICE Read the following sentences and indicate whether each is simple, compound or complex. Example – I’m going to bed, because I’m tired. complex

We rang the doorbell, but no one answered it. compound

I wrote a letter to Jane while she was away at camp. complex

Have you seen Mr. Nelson’s garden at the back of his house? simple

When Miss Jones entered the room, we all became quiet. complex

Susan likes chemistry, but she likes physics better. compound

Since we’ve lost every game but one, no one is excited about football this year. complex

When I’m tired, I’m not good company for anyone. complex

Wandering aimlessly up the path, Mr. Cutter approached the house. simple

Susan sang a solo and accompanied herself on the boat. simple

When the rain began, we were playing tennis. complex

When Uncle Jack comes to town, we have a good time. complex

I worked all morning, and then I relaxed in the afternoon. compound

Beth likes all the seasons of the year, but she likes fall best. compound

On our trip we drove every afternoon until 5 o’clock. simple

Dave began to feel better before the doctor arrived. complex

Whistling loudly, Ken walked past the cemetery. simple

If you want your really clean, let George wash it. complex

I must stay home until the man comes to repair the washing machine. complex

Our neighbors are going to Canada on their vacation, but we will take our vacation at home. compound

After Tyler called his friend Label each group of words as an independent clause or a subordinate/dependent clause. After Tyler called his friend Subordinate/dependent

He met him at the park independent

The dog barked independent

When the mailman arrived Subordinate/dependent