COMPOUND AND COMPLEX SENTENCES What is a Compound Sentence? Two or more sentences joined together are known as a compound sentence. The simple sentences in a compound sentence can be joined together with a comma and a conjunction, or with a semicolon. The simple sentences in a compound sentence are usually joined by a comma and a conjunction such as: and, but, or, for, so, yet, nor Example: Carrie and Evan joined the group, and they all went to the soccer game together. Note: everything before the comma is a complete, simple sentence, and everything after ‘and’ is a complete, simple sentence. Together, they form a compound sentence. What is a Complex Sentence? A complex sentence has one independent clause and one or more subordinate clauses. A subordinate clause does not express a complete thought. Subordinate clauses are either adjective clauses or adverb clauses. Subordinate clauses in complex sentences may start with: who, whose, which, that ,after, as, because, if, since, when Example: I saw Jovan, who is Allie’s cousin, at the baseball game. Note: the underlined words are a subordinate adjective clause describing Jovan. © Copyright NewPath Learning. All Rights Reserved. Permission is granted for the purchaser to print copies for non-commercial educational purposes only. Visit us at www.NewPathLearning.com.
Try This! 1] Choose the appropriate coordinating conjunction to join these simple sentences into a compound sentence. I might read a book this afternoon, _______ I might go to the water park. a] really b] swam c] write d] or 2] Is the following sentence a compound or complex sentence? Nathan ordered a hamburger, but Matthew chose a cheeseburger. a] Compound b] Complex 3] Choose the subordinate clause in this complex sentence. My English teacher, whose name is Mr. Frank, has a wonderful sense of humor. a] My English teacher b] whose name is Mr. Frank c] Mr. Frank, has d] has a wonderful sense of humor © Copyright NewPath Learning. All Rights Reserved. Permission is granted for the purchaser to print copies for non-commercial educational purposes only. Visit us at www.NewPathLearning.com.