Compound and Complex Sentences
Complex Sentences They are made up of an independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Dependent clauses can appear in different places in a complex sentence. Dependent clauses that begin sentences must be followed by a comma.
Let’s practice with some information from our new planner this week!
Examples: After the French and Indian War, many people moved west. Many people moved west after the French and Indian War. You may think of cowhands when you think of frontier life.
Compound Sentences Compound sentences are made up of two or more simple sentences and are joined by a comma and a conjunction.
Example: The wagon trains leave in the spring, and they would arrive before winter.
Let’s Practice!
Complex or Compound? People walked great distances, and animals carried their belongings.
Answer: People walked great distances, and animals carried their belongings.
2. Whenever they could, people made the long journey with friends and neighbors.
Answer: Whenever they could, people made the long journey with friends and neighbors. Dependent clause: complex sentence
3. Life on the frontier was difficult, but the pioneers were hopeful.
Answer: Life on the frontier was difficult, but the pioneers were hopeful. compound sentence
4. After the Homestead Act was passed, many pioneers settled on public land.
Answer: After the Homestead Act was passed, many pioneers settled on public land. dependent clause: complex sentence
5. If people farmed the land, it became theirs.
Answer: If people farmed the land, it became theirs. dependent clause: complex sentence
6. After the field was cleared, the settlers planted crops.
Answer: After the field was cleared, the settlers planted crops. dependent clause: complex sentence
7. Pioneers changed the land as they cleared it for farms.
Answer: Pioneers changed the land as they cleared it for farms. dependent clause: complex sentence
8. Traveling teachers stayed for a few months, but then they moved to the next settlement.
Answer: Traveling teachers stayed for a few months, but then they moved to the next settlement. comma and conjunction, 2 simple sentences: compound sentence
9. The roads were terrible, and a stagecoach could take weeks to reach a small town.
Answer: The roads were terrible, and a stagecoach could take weeks to reach a small town. Comma and conjunction, 2 simple sentences: compound sentence
10. As soon as tracks were laid, railroads could deliver mail to settlements.
Answer: As soon as tracks were laid, railroads could deliver mail to settlements. dependent clause: complex sentence