Simple, compound and complex sentences

Simple Sentences

• All sentences have a SUBJECT and a PREDICATE.

• Simple sentences are also INDEPENDENT clauses.

• They can stand on their own.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is a SIMPLE sentence?

• Because it was raining, I got wet.

• It was raining yesterday.

• It was raining yesterday, SO I got wet.

Compound Sentences

• Compound sentences have TWO independent clauses joined by a comma and FANBOYS (Coordinating Conjunction)

• You cannot just SLAP two sentences together, or else it's a run-on

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is a COMPOUND sentence?

• Unless you do your homework, you can not play outside.

• Go play outside.

• I want to play outside, BUT I have not done my homework yet.

Open Ended

Combine these sentences with a comma and a FANBOYS to create a compound sentence:

I was hungry. I was thirsty.

Complex Sentences

AAAWWUBBIS

COMPLEX Sentences

• A complex sentence has a dependent clause and an independent clause

• It uses SUBORDINATING conjunctions

• We call SUBORDINATING conjunctions AAAWWUBBIS

• If the AAAWWUBBIS comes first, it causes a comma

COMPLEX SENTENCES

• Let's look at some examples:

• AFTER we ate dinner, we had some dessert.

• Although he was fast, he did not win the race.

• While Ms. Owens was walking her dog, it started to rain.

• Until you are taller, you cannot ride the rollercoaster.

​What are dependent clauses?

• ​Dependent clauses are sentence fragments.

• ​They do not make sense on their own.

• ​They cannot stand alone.

• ​They start with a subordinating conjunction.

  Example: After the game.

​Rules to follow with complex sentences:

​Rule #1: If a sentence begins with a subordinating conjunction, you will need a comma after the dependent clause.

​

​Example: If you do well on your test, you will have free time.

​Rules to follow with complex sentences:

• ​Rule #2: If the subordinating conjunction is in the middle of the sentence, you do not need a comma.

​

• ​Example: You will have free time if you do well on your test

Multiple Choice

Before the queen rode in the parade, she gave a speech.

• compound
• complex
• simple

Multiple Choice

The teacher and the principal met in the hall near the library.

• compound
• complex
• simple

Multiple Choice

Many brave soldiers fought in the war, and they received medals.

• compound
• complex
• simple

Multiple Choice

James and Eve rode their bicycles after they ate lunch.

• compound
• complex
• simple

Multiple Choice

The big brown dog ran after the blue and red ball.

• compound
• complex
• simple

Multiple Choice

Which word is not a subordinating conjunctions?

• If
• When
• While
• Summer

Multiple Choice

When a subordinating conjunction starts a sentence, a comma is required.

• True
• False

Multiple Choice

Which is the correct complex sentence structure?

• One independent clause
• One dependent clause
• An independent clause and a dependent clause
• A simple sentence with a subject and verb

Open Ended

Write one COMPLEX sentence using an AAAWWUBBIIS:

Multiple Choice

Which compound sentence is correctly punctuated?

• My computer died I didn't have a back up battery.

• I had a blast this weekend; but my sister got dumped.

• My Spanish teacher gave us a quiz; we were not ready for it.

Multiple Choice

Which clause is the dependent clause?

• My mother cooked pozole.

• My father ate it all.

• When my sister and I got hungry.

Multiple Choice

When a subordinating conjunction starts a sentence, a comma is required.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Identify the independent clause in the following complex sentence:

When I went to the public library, I checked out a wonderful book.

• When I went to the public library.

• I checked out a wonderful book.

Multiple Choice

Identify the independent clause in the following complex sentence:

Since I finished reading my book, I returned it to the library.

• Since I finished reading my book.

• I returned it to the library.

Multiple Choice

Identify the dependent clause in the following complex sentence:

When I went to the public library, I checked out a wonderful book.

• I checked out a wonderful book.

• When I went to the public library.

Multiple Choice

Identify the dependent clause in the following complex sentence:

Since I finished reading my book, I returned it to the library.

• Since I finished reading my book.

• I returned it to the library.

Multiple Choice

Which complex sentence is written correctly?

• While I was doing my homework, my mom was making dinner.

• While I was doing my homework my mom was making dinner.

Multiple Choice

Which complex sentence is written correctly?

• My mom allows me to play video games, after I finish my homework.

• My mom allows me to play video games after I finish my homework.

Multiple Choice

18.

Which complex sentence is written correctly?

• She does not let me play, if I do not finish my homework on time.

• She does not let me play if I do not finish my homework on time.