TYPES OF SENTENCES SIMPLE COMPOUND COMPLEX COMPOUND-COMPLEX Notes taken from class text - Elements of Writing

A simple sentence has one independent clause and no subordinate clauses. Ex. The hairstylist gave Lucy a new look. Ernie has volunteered to organize the campaign

A simple sentence may have a compound subject, a compound verb, or both. Ex.Beth Heiden and Sheila Young won Olympic medals. (compound subject) Lawrence caught the ball but then dropped it. (compound verb) The astronomer and her assistant studied the meteor and wrote reports on their findings. (compound subject and verb)

A compound sentence has two or more independent clauses but no subordinate clauses. The independent clauses are usually joined by a coordinating conjunction: and, but, for, nor, or, so, or yet. Do not confuse a compound sentence with a simple sentence that contains a compound subject, a compound verb, or both.

Ex. (simple) Alberto and Jared increased their speed and passed the other runners. (compound subject and compound verb) Ex. (compound) Alberto led half the way, and then Jared took the lead. (two independent clauses)

The independent clauses in a compound sentence may also be joined by a semicolon. Ex. Many mathematical concepts originated in North Africa; the ancient Egyptians used these concepts in building the pyramids.

A complex sentence has one independent clause and at least one subordinate clause. Ex. When I watch Martha Graham’s performances, I feel like studying dance. Independent clause: I fell like studying dance Subordinate clause: When I watch Martha Graham’s performances

Ex. Some of the sailors who took part in the mutiny on the British ship Bounty settled Pitcairn Island. Independent clause: Some of the sailors settled Pitcairn Island Subordinate clause: who took part in the mutiny on the British ship Bounty

Ex. In Gone with the Wind, when Scarlett is faced with near-starvation, she makes a promise that she never will be hungry again. Independent clause: In Gone with the Wind, she makes a promise Subordinate clause: when Scarlett is faced with near-starvation Subordinate clause: that she never will be hungry again

A compound-complex sentence has two or more independent clauses and at least one subordinate clause. Ex. Yolanda began painting only two years ago, but already she has been asked to hang one of her paintings at the art exhibit that is scheduled for next month. Independent clause: Yolanda began painting only two years ago Independent clause: already she has been asked to hang one of her paintings at the art exhibit Subordinate clause: that is scheduled for next month

Ex. I have read several novels in which the main characters are animals, but the novel that I like best is Animal Farm. Independent clause: I have read several novels Independent clause: the novel is Animal Farm Subordinate clause: in which the main characters are animals Subordinate clause: that I like best

Ex. When Bill left, he locked the door, but he forgot to turn off the lights. Independent clause: he locked the door Independent clause: he forgot to turn off the lights Subordinate clause: When Bill left