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; two or more independent clauses can be 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