Transcript Writing Complex Sentences

Punctuating Compound and
Complex Sentences
by Mrs. Bennett
#1: Simple Sentence

A simple sentence has one complete
thought.



I like to study grammar.
A simple sentence is also called an
independent clause.
An independent clause may end with
a period or semicolon.
subject
I love you.
verb
Independent clause= one thought
#2: Compound Sentence

A compound sentence is made up of
two or more simple sentences joined by
one of the following:

A comma and one of the FANBOYS 
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A semicolon
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
I like to study grammar, and I love this class.
I like to study grammar; I love this class.
A semicolon and a transitional

I like to study grammar; therefore, I love this class.
Independent
clause
I love you, and you love me.
Independent
clause
Two independent clauses join together to
make a COMPOUND SENTENCE. They are
joined by a coordinate conjunction.
#3: Complex Sentence

A complex sentence is a simple
sentence (independent clause) to which
a part of a sentence (dependent clause
that cannot stand alone) has been
added.


Because I like to study grammar, I
love this class.
I love this class because I like to study
grammar.
Dependent clause
When I was younger and helpless,
I was taken care of by my parents.
Independent clause
A dependent clause joins an independent clause to
create a COMPLEX SENTENCE. (The dependent clause
needs the rest of the sentence for support; it begins
with a subordinating conjunction.)
Fragment!
Because I was younger
and helpless.
A dependent clause may contain a subject and verb. But
don’t be fooled! It begins with a subordinating conjunction,
and thus it does not express a completed thought.
A dependent clause is also called a subordinate clause.
Dependent clauses, like babies, cannot stand alone.
A Tip on Punctuation

Since dependent clauses are only part
of a sentence, you can never connect
them to another sentence with a
semicolon. Semicolons are only used
between two independent clauses.


Although I have loved you for years; I
never admitted it.
No!
Although I have loved you for years, I have
never admitted it.
OK
Common Subordinating (Dependent)
Conjunctions
after
even if
although even
though
as
if
as if
now that
that
once
though whereas
rather than unless
whenever since
because in order
that
before
where
wherever
until
whether
so that
when
which
than
in case while
Now let’s get some
more practice!