Conjunctions and Complex sentences

Conjunctions Conjunctions are words that connect sentences and words. The most common conjunctions are “and”, “or”, and “but”.

Conjunctions You can use these conjunctions to make two sentences into one. For example: Sean went to sleep, but Samson stayed awake. You can have pizza for dinner, or you can have beef noodles for dinner.

Conjunctions You must always use a comma before a conjunction when you are combining two sentences into one.

Clauses A clause is a group of words that have both a subject and a verb. Sometimes they make a sentence, but sometimes they do not.

Clauses An independent clause is a group of words that make a sentence by themselves. They form a complete thought. For example: He slept for twelve hours each day.

Clauses A dependent clause is a group of words that do not make a sentence by themselves. They do not form a complete thought. For example: When he was younger

Complex Sentences A complex sentence has an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses in it. For example: He slept for twelve hours each day when he was younger.

Using Commas in a List When you write down three or more things in a sentence, you must place commas between them. For example: I went to the store to buy apples, bananas, and strawberries.

Using Commas in a List You must put a comma between every item on the list. Then, you need to write “and” before the last thing on the list. Another example: My favorite activities are hiking, biking, swimming, and playing basketball.

Using Commas in a List Now it’s your turn! Make a sentence using the following items: 2 1 Horses Ice cream Cows Cake Chickens Pie

Complex VS. Compound A compound sentence is two sentences put together with a conjunction. The conjunctions used in compound sentences are usually “and”, “but”, or “or”. For example: Leon and Jerry waited for the train, but the train was late.

Complex VS. Compound A complex sentence is an independent clause and a dependent clause put together with a conjunction. The conjunctions used in a complex sentence are different. Examples include “where”, “when”, “while”, “before”, “after”, “since”, and many more. Example: Chengbai rode the bus while Leon and Jerry waited.

Know the Difference How can you know the difference between a compound and a complex sentence? Look at the conjunction!!! If the sentence uses “and”, “but”, or “or” in the middle to put sentences together, it’s a compound sentence. If it uses any of the conjunctions listed in your book in this unit, it is a complex sentence.

Which Type of Sentence? Raise your hand to tell if the sentence is compound or complex. 1. She cooks dinner, and he washes the dishes. Compound 2. She cooks dinner before he washes the dishes. Complex

When Do I Use a Comma? A compound sentence always has a comma before the conjunction. She cooks, and he cleans. Chengbai took the bus, but Leon and Jerry took the train.

When Do I Use a Comma? A complex sentence does not always use a comma. You should use a comma if the sentence begins with the dependent clause. Example: After she cooks, he washes the dishes.

When Do I Use a Comma? You should not use a comma if the sentence begins with the independent clause. Example: She cooks before he washes the dishes.

When Do I Use a Comma? How do I know which clause comes first? The dependent clause begins with a conjunction. If you see a conjunction at the beginning of a sentence, that sentence begins with a dependent clause and it needs a comma.

Where Does the Comma Go? Put the comma before subject of the independent clause. You can think of this as the second subject in the sentence. Examples: After I got to school, I realized I forgot my books at home. Before she goes to bed, she always brushes her teeth. Although he loves ice cream, it is too unhealthy to eat often.