Simple and compound sentences

Simple and compound sentences

by Lousiana Vernon

The simple sentence​

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​Simple sentences

​A simple sentence has a subject, a predicate, and expresses a complete thought.

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• ​The subject may be compound.

• ​The predicate may be compound.

• ​The subject and the predicate may both be compound.

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​Important: The simple sentence does not contain a dependent clause.

​Simple sentence

• ​Kevin left early.

• ​Kevin and Sharon attended the concert.

• ​Kevin and Sharon sang and danced all night.

​Expanding the simple sentence

​The simple sentence can be made more interesting by using phrases.

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​Marcus could see a panoramic view.

• ​Standing on the cliff, Marcus could see a panoramic view of the city.

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​The baby disturbed the passengers.

• ​The baby disturbed the passengers on the bus with its incessant screams.

The compound sentence​

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​The compound sentence

​The compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses. These clauses must be closely related.

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The clauses are joined in one of three ways:

1. ​a comma and a coordinating conjunction

2. ​a semi-colon

3. ​a semi-colon and a conjunctive adverb

​Examples

• ​We knew the old desk had a secret drawer, but no one could find it.

• ​My new car is a pleasure to drive; there isn't the slightest squeak or rattle.

• ​It rained a lot this summer; therefore, we have not had to water our lawn.

Multiple Choice

She cooked grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch.

• simple sentence

• compound sentence

Multiple Choice

I opened the window, yet I couldn't feel the slightest breeze.

• simple sentence

• compound sentence

Multiple Choice

She jogged and sprinted for an hour every afternoon.

• simple sentence

• compound sentence

Multiple Choice

The weary travellers returned home.

• simple sentence

• compound sentence

Multiple Choice

Missy washed dishes, Max dried them, and I supervised

• simple sentence

• compound sentence

FANBOYS​

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​Coordinating conjunctions

• ​for - because, the reason why, the cause for something

• ​and - in addition, along with

• ​nor - there is no alternative

• ​but - however, except, on the other hand, just the opposite

• ​or - there is an option, choice

• ​yet - just the opposite (surprisingly, unexpected)

• ​so - as a result, therefore

Multiple Choice

Choose the conjunction that can join these two sentences.

I had to retype my term paper.  My little brother had scrawled on it with a purple crayon.

• and

• nor

• for

• so

Multiple Choice

Last year my nephew needed physical therapy. The whole family pitched in to work with him.

• but

• and

• or

• for

Multiple Choice

I heard the grinding of the garbage truck.  I ran downstairs and grabbed the trash bags.

• but

• or

• for

• so

Open Ended

Write a compound sentence on the line provided.

Poll

Is this topic any clearer?

• Yes, it is clearer.

• No, I am still confused.

• I need more practice.

• I am not sure