1. Writing Complex Sentences

2. Independent and Dependent Clauses
An independent clause contains a subject, verb, and makes sense when it stands by itself.
The child’s endless crying is very disturbing to her parents.
Colds, flu, and other respiratory infections happen frequently in the winter and cause absences from work.
James got a cup of coffee and turned on his computer.

3. Independent and Dependent Clauses
A dependent clause contains a subject(s) and
verb(s), but it does not make sense when it
stands by itself because it begins with a subordinating conjunction that is supposed to join
it to an independent clause.
Because she has had a terrible cold all week
When I got to the office and checked my this morning
After Maria and Hector waited for an hour in the doctor’s office

4. The Simple Sentence A simple sentence is one independent clause.
An independent clause ends with a period or semicolon.

5. The Compound Sentence A compound sentence is made up of two or
more simple sentences joined by one of the
following:
A comma and a coordinating conjunction
A semicolon
A semicolon and a conjunctive adverb or transitional expression

6. Coordinating Conjunctions
Remember the coordinating conjunctions by the
acronym:
FANBOYS
F for
A and
N nor
B but
O or
Y yet
S so

7. Conjunctive Adverbs and Transitional Expressions
A conjunctive adverb is a word that connects two independent clauses and shows the relationship between the ideas.
I wanted to cash my check; unfortunately, the bank was closed.
A transitional expression is a phrase that shows that relationship.
I could use a job; on the other hand, I like having free time.

8. Examples of Compound Sentences
A comma and a coordinating conjunction:
I like to study grammar, and I love this class.
A semicolon:
I like to study grammar; I love this class.
A semicolon and a conjunctive adverb or transitional expression:
I like to study grammar; therefore, I love this class.

9. The Complex Sentence
A complex sentence is a complete thought (independent clause) to which an incomplete thought (dependent clause) has been added.
A coordinating conjunction joins the dependent clause to the independent clause.
Because I like to study grammar, I love this class.
I love this class because I like to study grammar.

10. Complex Sentence Because you love me, I love you. Dependent clause
Independent clause
The dependent clause needs the rest of the sentence for support.

11. Dependent Clause Fragment! Because you love me.
A dependent clause contains a subject and verb.
It does not express a complete thought because it begins with a subordinating conjunction.
A dependent clause is also called a subordinate clause.
Dependent clauses, like babies, cannot stand alone.

12. Punctuation for Complex Sentences
Commas are used to join a dependent clause to
an independent clause if the dependent clause
comes first in the sentence. The comma must
follow the dependent clause.
As I walked down the hallway , I could hear the echo of my footsteps.

13. Punctuation for Complex Sentences
No comma is used when the dependent clause
comes after the independent clause. Then, the
clauses are joined without any punctuation.
I could hear the echo of my footsteps as I walked down the hallway.

14. Punctuation for Complex Sentences
Since dependent clauses are only part of a sentence, you can never use a semicolon to connect them to another sentence. Semicolons are only used between complete sentences.
I have loved you for years ; although I never admitted it.
I have loved you for years although I never admitted it.
No! OK

15. Common Subordinating (Dependent) Conjunctions See Foundations First, p
after
even if
now that
that
where
although
even though
once
though
whereas as if
rather than
unless
wherever
as if
whenever
since
until
whether
because
in order
so that
when
which
before
than
in case
while

16. The Compound-Complex Sentence
A compound-complex sentence is the last and most complicated type of sentence.
It contains at least one dependent clause and at least two independent clauses.

17. Compound-Complex Sentence
Dependent clause
Because we are a family,
I love you, and you love me.
Independent clauses
A dependent clause added to two or more independent clauses.

18. Simple Compound Complex
Since every sentence in English fits into one of these four categories,
Simple
Compound
Complex
Compound-complex

19. You now know everything you need to know
to write anything you want to write,
any way you want to write it,
and still get the punctuation right each time!