1. Sentence Variety!! Combining sentences Simple, Compound, complex and compound/complex sentences

2. A Simple Sentence A simple sentence has one independent clause and no subordinate clauses. It may have a compound subject, a compound verb and any number of phrases. Example: After eating dinner and washing the dishes, Rita and Carlos decided to see a movie.

3. Compound Sentence A compound sentence has two or more independent clauses but no subordinate clause. The independent clauses/sentences are joined by a comma (FANBOYS) and a coordinating conjunction, by a semi colon, or by a semicolon and an adverbial conjunctions.

4. Adverbial conjunctions However, therefore, infact, on the other hand, nonetheless, besides, instead, then, instead, moreover, similarly, nevertheless, still, etc. Example of a Compound sentence: Rita wanted to see an adventure comedy, but Carlos preferred a romantic comedy.

5. Compound Sentence examples On the way to the theatre, they decided to toss a coin; Rita won the toss. Carlos tried to persuade Rita to see the romantic comedy; however, he was unsuccessful.

6. Complex Sentences A complex sentence is made up of one main clause and at least one subordinate clause, a clause which has a subject and a verb but will not make sense if it stands alone. The complex sentence subordinates, puts everything else somewhere below its one main self- sufficient idea. Order your lesser thoughts “sub” or below the main idea.

7. Subordinating conjunctions: You can make complex sentences by adding lesser sentences onto the main sentence by using a subordinating conjunction: after, although, as, as if, as long as, as soon as, because, before, even though, if, in order that,once, since, so that, than, though, unless, until, when, whenever, where, wherever, whether, while, unless, until.

8. Relative pronouns You can also make a complex sentence by working lesser sentences onto the main sentence with one of the following relative pronouns: that, what, whatever, which, who, whoever, whom whose.

9. Dependent clauses The dependent clause of a complex sentence may be added at any point within the sentence: the beginning, the end, or anywhere between. It should occur at the point where it sounds best and clarifies or modifies the meaning of the sentence best. When a dependent clause comes at the beginning of the sentence it is followed by a comma.

10. Dependent clauses cont. When a dependent clause comes at the end of a sentence, there is usually a comma used in front of the subordinating conjunction except for the following: although, even, though, no matter how, and whether.

11. Sample Complex sentences Although he loved her, she did not love him. Carlos argued that the coin toss was unfair. When they got to the theatre where the movie was playing, Carlos apologized to Rita.

12. Compound-complex sentences A compound-complex sentence contains two of more independent clauses and at least one subordinate clause. Example: Rita knew that being stubborn wouldn’t solve anything, and she accepted Carlo’s apology. Before the feature started, Carlos offered to buy popcorn; Rita said that she would save his seat.

13. Review! Simple sentence: one main clause Compound sentence: two or more main clauses. Between the clauses use: a semi-colon, a comma and coordinating conjunction, or a adverbial conjunctions with a semi colon before and after.

14. Review continued Complex sentences: one main clause and at least one subordinate clause. Use subordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns. Compound-complex sentences: two or more main clauses and at least one subordinate clause.

15. How can you combine the following sentences to form a more sophisticated sentence? She can be found playing music and making money. She had to overcome many obstacles. Her husbands always left her. Helen King is an enthusiastic, active woman.

16. Try another: Edit! Marietta is persistent to defy the usual teen-pregnant high school dropout that over half the teenage girls become in her high school. Young adults are dropping out like flies and teen pregnancies become normal. Marietta makes a pact with herself to graduate from high school without becoming a mom, like the majority of her high school.

17. And…another? Note the use of the same word over and over again. Society tends to set specific expectations for the behavior of women. Regardless of a woman’s situation, there are certain expectations she must fulfill. Along with the expectations come a set of obstacles women are supposed to overcome. Although these expectations are set, many women choose to defy society resulting in a positive or negative outcome.

18. And another- note the subject/verb start to these sentences. How can you combine or rewrite the sentences to add more variety? He created an intimacy with the reader never seen before. He confides in his reader and invites them to ponder identity. He uses the theme of unity, describing many everyday situations. Whitman remains consistent in his clarity of imagery.

19. So… Please use sophisticated sentences – compound, complex and compound/complex sentences. Remember to edit your work! Don’t use the same words over and over again. Make sure you use sentence variety. Proof read your work!