1. Simple, Compound, Complex, and Compound-Complex Sentences

2. The most effective writer…
…uses a variety of sentence types. The three types are Simple Sentences, Compound Sentences, and Complex Sentences.

3. 1. Simple Sentences
Simple Sentences have the most basic elements of a sentence…a subject, a verb and a complete thought.

4. Examples Joe waited for the train. Joe = Subject Waited = Verb
Mary and Sam took the bus.
Mary and Sam = (compound) Subject Took = Verb
I ran to my house.
I = Subject Ran = Verb

5. Simple Sentences
Simple sentences are often, but not always, short and get right to the point.
Simple sentences, when used too often, make writing pieces choppy.
Simple sentences are also known as Independent Clauses because if removed from a compound or complex sentence, they can stand alone.

6. 2. Compound Sentences
Compound Sentences are made up of two Independent Clauses that are connected by a coordinating conjunction.
Independent Clause
has a subject and a verb and express a complete thought
Is considered a simple sentences
Conjunctions: FAN BOYS = For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet and So

7. Conjunctions
Conjunctions help the reader see a possible relationship between two simple sentences
and is commonly used to connect two independent clauses.
The use of too many ands can weaken a writing piece.

8. Coordinating Conjunctions
FANBOYS
For
And
Nor
But Or
Yet So

9. Examples Joe waited for the train, but the train was late.
Mary and Sam took the bus, and they arrived before the train.
I ran to my house, so I missed the bus and train.

10. 3. Complex Sentences
Complex Sentences are made up of an Independent Clause and one or more Dependent Clauses.
Dependent Clause
has a subject and a verb
does not express a complete thought
cannot stand alone

11. Examples of Dependent Clauses
Examples of Dependent Clauses: cannot stand alone, but can be added to an independent clause to make a complex sentence
Because Joe waited too long = no complete thought
Since the bus left = no complete thought
After he ate dinner = no complete thought

12. Subordinating Conjunctions
A dependent / subordinate clause can not stand alone as a sentence.
A subordinating conjunction introduces a subordinate clause and joins it to a main clause.

13. Subordinating Conjunctions
After
Although As
Because
Before
Even though If
Since
Though
Unless
Until
When
Whenever
Whereas
Wherever
While

14. Examples
Examples:
Because Joe waited too long, he missed the bus and he was late to work.
Since the bus was late, Sam had to wait in bus line for over an hour.
After he ate dinner, Joe fell asleep in on the couch.

15. Complex Sentences
Complex sentences are often more effective than compound sentences and show an even clearer relationship.

16. 4. Compound-Complex Sentences
Compound-Complex Sentences consist of a compound sentence and a complex sentence.
They consist of two independent clauses and one or more dependent clause.

17. Examples
Examples:
As the bus rolled by, Mary yelled out and Joe chased it down the street.
The bus, even though it was late, still stopped at every stop yet never picked up Mary and Sam.

18. Compound-Complex Sentences
Compound-Complex sentences are very effective and great at showing a relationship among subjects, but should be used sparingly.