Simple, Compound, and Complex

Presentation

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English

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University

•

Hard

Joseph Anderson

FREE Resource

12 Slides • 24 Questions

Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences

By Lorene Vilela

Simple Sentences

A simple sentence has one subject-verb group, and it expresses one complete idea.

Martin answered a text message.

Compound Sentences

A compound sentence has at least two subject-verb groups. It expresses at least two complete ideas.

Martin sent a text message, and Ronaldo read it.

Compound Sentences

In a compound sentence, the two complete ideas are joined by a conjunction. Some conjunctions are and, but, and so. When you write, put a comma before these conjunctions.

Alex gave them his credit card number, and they used it.

She wanted my credit card number, but I said no.

My mother and father thought they were being cheated, so they said no.

Multiple Choice

Decide if this is a simple sentence or a compound sentence.

Maria got a text message from Amy.

Simple Sentence

Compound Sentence

Multiple Choice

Decide if this is a simple sentence or a compound sentence.

A stranger called Amelia, and she hung up.

Simple Sentence

Compound Sentence

Multiple Choice

Decide if this is a simple sentence or a compound sentence.

Pablo sent an email yesterday.

Simple Sentence

Compound Sentence

Multiple Choice

Decide if this is a simple sentence or a compound sentence.

Amanda prefers checks, but Ricardo uses cash.

Simple Sentence

Compound Sentence

Multiple Choice

Decide if this is a simple sentence or a compound sentence.

Don received a phone call from a stranger, so he hung up.

Simple Sentence

Compound Sentence

Multiple Choice

Decide if this is a simple sentence or a compound sentence.

Amelia hung up the phone.

Simple Sentence

Compound Sentence

**Compound Sentences with And, But, and So**

A compound sentence expresses at least two complete ideas. The ideas must be related to each other. The two ideas in a compound sentence are joined by a word called a conjunction. The conjunction explains the connection between the two ideas. Some conjunctions for compound sentences are and, but, and so.

**And connects two similar ideas.**

Ex.: People speak differently, and they use different words.

The idea of speaking differently and the idea of using different words are similar.

**But connects two contrasting, or different, ideas.**

Ex.: In Detroit they say pop, but in San Francisco they say soda.

Saying pop and saying soda are contrasting ideas.

So connects a cause and a result.

Ex.: Hugo grew up in the Northeast, so he says soda.

Growing up in the Northeast is the cause, and saying soda is the result. The reason that Hugo says soda is because he grew up in the Northeast.

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct conjunction.

Americans use different words, ____ they speak differently, too.

and

but

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct conjunction.

Some people speak fast, ____ they speak clearly.

and

but

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct conjunction.

Most people use abbreviations when they text, ____ they also use special words.

and

but

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct conjunction.

Many French words are now international, ____ they are used all over the world.

and

but

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct conjunction.

We wanted to see more of the city, ____ we didn't have time.

and

but

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct conjunction.

He is from the South, ____ he says y'all.

and

but

Complex Sentences

A complex sentence has two parts. An independent clause is one part of a complex sentence. It has a subject and a verb, and it expresses one complete idea. A dependent clause is the other part of a complex sentence. It has a subject and a verb, but it does not express a complete idea. A dependent clause needs an independent clause to make a complete idea. When you join a dependent clause and an independent clause, you make a complex sentence.

Abdul travels quite a lot because he is a businessman.

INDEPENDENT CLAUSE DEPENDENT CLAUSE

In this sentence, the first part is the independent clause. Abdul is the subject, travels is the verb, and there is one complete idea. The second part is the dependent clause. There is information missing -- we do not know what happens because he is a businessman.

A dependent clause clause always begins with a conjunction. You can use the conjunctions because, if, and when with dependent clauses.

Ex.: Greg learned Turkish customs because he works in Turkey.

Jim will spend more time in Istanbul if he travels to Turkey again.

Rima follows Turkish customs when she visits Turkey.

Multiple Choice