Complex and Compound-Complex Sentence Types Cont’d. Complex and Compound-Complex

Complex Sentences Complex Sentences have one independent clause and one subordinate clause An independent clause has a subject and a predicate, and can stand alone as a complete sentence A subordinate clause (dependent) contains a subject and predicate, but starts with a subordinating conjunction; it cannot stand alone as a sentence

Example: While the boy lived on the lifeboat, he learned to eat turtles and other sea animals. while = subordinating conjunction While the boy lived on the lifeboat = subordinate clause He learned to eat turtles and other sea animals = independent clause

Another example The boy was concerned about the sharks because they circled the lifeboat regularly. The boy was concerned about the sharks = independent clause because = subordinating conjunction Because they circled the lifeboat regularly = subordinate clause

One more… Mary went to the store because she needed to buy milk. Because: subordinating conjunction Mary went to the store: independent clause Because she needed to buy milk: subordinate(dependent) clause

Now, you write another complex sentence on your page. Kate dropped the pizza on the floor when the barking dog burst into the room. Whenever the teacher assigns homework, the students burst into tears.

Compound-Complex Sentences Compound-complex sentences have two or more independent clauses and one subordinate clause. An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence; they are joined by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) or a semi-colon A subordinate clause begins with a subordinating conjunction and is followed by a subject and predicate.

Example The hyena ate the zebra and he also ate the orangutan named Orange Juice because he is a ruthless predator. Independent clause: The hyena ate the zebra Independent clause: he also ate the orangutan named Orange Juice Subordinate clause: because he is a ruthless predator

Another example The sharks swam and the boy ate while the tiger slept Independent clause: The sharks swam Independent clause: the boy ate Subordinate clause: while the tiger slept

One more example… Jonathan lost his cellphone and then he called his parents from a payphone since he needed a ride home from work. Independent clause: Jonathan lost his cellphone Independent clause: then he called his parents from a payphone Subordinate clause: since he needed a ride home from work

Now, you write an example of a compound-complex sentence. Whenever the teacher assigns homework, the students burst into tears and they complain bitterly Subordinate clause: Whenever the teacher assigns homework Independent clause: the students burst into tears Independent clause: they complain bitterly